Brazil warms up with a win

Ok...maybe is was against Zimbabwe (who?).

But a seleção easily won a friendly in Harare 3-0 with goals from Michel Bastos, Robinho and Elano. To expect anything less would have been foolish, same goes for the teams next and last warm up before the main event, on Monday against Tanzania.

Comparing Brazil's pre World Cup preparation schedule, with other national sides and it is obvious that Brazil is not looking into facing a quality opponent but basically a practice squad so they can iron out what Dunga has had them working on in practice in a real match situation..if you can call these real matches. It is interesting to see what sort of build up strategies work the best. On this side of the spectrum you have Dunga's approach and on the other side you have Javier Aguirre's approach with El Tri and its expansive friendly schedule which included games against Chile, England, the Netherlands and an upcoming game against Italy among others.

Brazil is the best team in the world and the favorite to win it all again in South Africa, so there can be no disputing the five time world champions. Except I feel that this is a different Brazil. With (commander) Dunga at the helm, there is no more jogo bonito, there is no more samba, there is no more Ronaldinho and his flair. Therefore it might've been wise to iron out any possible difficulties against stronger sides.

Then again, Brazil has nothing to prove. Dunga has been in charge since after the debacle (for Brazil's standards) in Germany 2006, and lead its continent in World Cup Qualifying and won last year's Confederations Cup using the same tactics it will use heading into South Africa, so they've had plenty of practice with this no nonsense style of play.

Brazil needs to win, because it wont pretty when they lose, This year's squad is changing the culture of previous Brazilian winning sides. It wont look pretty when the win, like has been the norm for decades. By eliminating this culture so popular not only among Brazilians but among fans all over the world, Dunga has to win to prove that his way is better. I would not like to be him if they don't at least make it to the semi-final or even the final.