Local experts pick Brazil

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Refusing to break with tradition, many local experts and coaches seem to believe South America's samba kings, Brazil, will add a sixth star to their banner by winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

It seems the allure and passion with which the five-time world champions have played the game have never failed to excite Jamaican football fans and, in return, they have pledged their undying loyalty to the yellow, blue and green-clad South Americans. However, the Dunga-led unit that will take the field in a few days' time may be branded a different beast, trading in a bit of the traditional style and flair for a bit of defensive robustness in both the middle of the park and backline.

While making no bones about his unfailing support for the team, Waterhouse coach and analyst Geoffrey Maxwell believes a few of these changes, which have included the non-inclusion of AC Milan star and Nike poster boy Ronaldinho, could be problematic.

"I've always supported Brazil but I'm a bit concerned about the make-up of the team this time around, but you can't question the coach and he has done well with the system that he plays," Maxwell said.

"The problem is if Kaka gets injured, I don't see another player to come in and provide that creative spark. Ronaldinho would have been a good option when you need that player that can come on and change the game in the last 20 minutes or so. But their preparation has been good and they