Soccer in Brazil 

In 2002, Brazilian soccer again captured the interest of players and coaches worldwide with their victory at the World Cup in Korea/Japan. The Brazilian style of play was so unique that traditional soccer fans everywhere took notice. Rather than the long, predictable passes and running, the Brazilians virtually danced down the field, moving the ball quickly with short passes and constant movement. Their game had a rhythm and grace that seemed natural.

 

In 2004, Brazil finished in First Place in the World FIFA Rankings with 843 points, beating out powerhouses France, Argentina, Spain, Holland, England, Italy, Portugal and Germany. In addition, Brazil won the prolific COPA AMERICA against rival Argentina in the last 4 minutes of the game with a roster that included many of their second-tier players. To complete a great year, Brazilian star Ronaldinho (Barcelona) was elected the 2004 FIFA Player of the Year.

  

In 2005, Brazil won the Confederation Cup defeating Germany, the host nation, in the semi-final and Argentina in the final with a score of 4 x 1. In addition, Adriano, the leading scorer, received the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball Awards. He was also nominated the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. To continue on the legacy, the 2005 Libertadores Cup Champion, Sao Paulo F. C., won for the third time in its history the FIFA World Club Championship, defeating Liverpool from England with a score of 1 x 0. To summarize the successful year, Ronaldinho Gaucho was elected again to be the 2005 FIFA number one Player Of The World. 

 

Brazilian soccer can be described as a combination of unmatched technical skill with the ball, highly agile and coordinated athletic movement, and a goal scoring philosophy utilizing short passes and a patient yet creative and unpredictable attack. In Pele’s words, “the beautiful game”.

 

At the youth level, Brazil was recently crowned their third FIFA U-17 World Championship Title in the last 4 editions of the tournament, with a mixture of the same ingredients that have seen them re-emerge as the dominant soccer nation at the professional level: strong defense, physical endurance, technical proficiency, excellent goalkeeping, and extraordinary skill.  In fact, in the history of the U-17 tournament, only 2 teams from Europe have ever won the Title (Russia in 1987 and France in 2001).  The rest of the Championships have been won by either BRAZIL, Argentina or teams from Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Nigeria.  In addition, the U-20 Brazilian National Team has been World Champions four times, proving that Brazil dominates at the youth level as well.

 

American players who train in Brazil will witness and experience the passion and love of the game which is so prevalent in the Brazilian culture and its players.  It is this passion that helps develop great players.  When players are enjoying themselves, they come to practice early, leave late, and look forward to their next opportunity to train or compete.

 

It is our sincere wish that a trip to Brazil will give you, either as a player or a coach, an understanding and appreciation of this unique and thrilling style of soccer. We want to see young American players with the same passion and skill as the rest of the world. We want to help create a new exciting generation of U.S. players and coaches. We invite you to join us in achieving this goal while experiencing the gracious sportsmanship and hospitality of the Brazilian people.