Zico worried about lack of World Cup experience in the Brazil squad, but likes their playing style

Former Seleção international Zico has reservations about Brazil’s chances of winning next month’s World Cup, but is impressed with their playing style. The 61 year-old, who was capped 71 times at international level, is concerned at a lack of World Cup experience in head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad, though believes their bold approach will […]
by
sambafoot_admin
2014-05-20 01:43:00

Former Seleção international Zico has reservations about Brazil’s chances of winning next month’s World Cup, but is impressed with their playing style.

The 61 year-old, who was capped 71 times at international level, is concerned at a lack of World Cup experience in head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad, though believes their bold approach will please the fans.

“Scolari’s Brazil is a team that is very strong collectively; they put opponents under pressure,” they told The Guardian. “They go for the jugular from the start and try to get an early goal instead of waiting to counterattack. That helps with the supporters, who appreciate the boldness. 

“My biggest worry is that this is a group where 17 out of 23 players have never played in a World Cup and two-thirds of our likely starting XI haven’t even taken part in a qualifying campaign. That cannot be replaced by Champions League games, I’m afraid. But these are good players who as a group have become very tough to beat.”