Dutch legend Johan Cruyff remains unimpressed by the current Brazilian generation, compared to the one he went up against three decades ago.
“I would never pay for a ticket to watch the matches of this Brazilian team. Where has the Brazil team we all know disappeared to in this World Cup? Where is the Brazilian magic?” he asked Britain’s Daily Mirror earlier this week.
To date, Cruyff has not been impressed by a “very defensive” Brazil.
Cruyff has long lamented the modern game’s fascination with defensive tactics and the fear of losing and said: “In terms of football, I am not enjoying the tournament.”
Brazil coach Dunga took up the issue with Cruyff. “Without doubt I would pay. I like to see these games, as the players are very technically gifted,” he said.
Dunga then said that as an analyst, Cruyff would not have to fork out anyway. “He must get free tickets from Fifa, so he doesn't pay. He can see the matches he likes,” he said.
Cruyff also indicated that he believes Spain have what it takes to win the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Speaking in his adopted home of Barcelona, who he coached to the Catalan club’s first European Cup win in 1992, Cruyff said he thinks the Spanish are ready to claim the prize two years on from winning the European Championship.
“They have every chance (of winning),” said Cruyff, two days ahead of the ‘Furia Roja’s quarterfinal with Paraguay.
In particular, Cruyff, a losing finalist with the Dutch in 1974, was impressed with David Villa — who has just signed for Barcelona from Valencia. “He is doing very well. He works really hard in attack and links up very well with his colleagues,” Cruyff told Barca TV.
— AFP