Brazil full-back Maicon says his countrymen are more focused on winning a sixth World Cup in South Africa than maintaining the stylish legacy of their predecessors.
Brazilian fans have always demanded ‘o jogo bonito’ (the beautiful game) and in the past have gorged themselves on the skills of supremely gifted individuals such as Pele, Gerson, Zico and Ronaldo.
But Maicon, a European champion with Inter Milan last season, says these days everything has to be subordinated in accordance with the team ethic.
“I want to be a champion —whether or not Brazil turn on the jogo bonito,” he told journalists at Randpark Golf Club, Brazil’s base near Johannesburg.
“Whether you turn on the style or play ugly, the important thing is that come July 11, Brazil are in the final,” said Maicon, whose Inter teammates Julio Cesar and Lucio will be by his side at the finals.
With players of their ilk in the side, coach Dunga’s Brazil have acquired a reputation for being stronger at the back than several previous incarnations but Maicon said that “while it’s nice to be considered as the best defence, the guys in there have to go out and do the work”.
— AFP