If Brazil are to conquer the world again, it will be as the dancing kings. If, over the decades, the Selecao became a byword for flair and exuberance with the ball at their feet, their willingness to express themselves when the ball is in the net has drawn criticism so far this World Cup. If Richarlison's overhead kick against Serbia may be the goal of the tournament, Brazil's quartet of strikes against South Korea became more notable for the rehearsed routines that followed, certainly amid one of the more needless controversies involving events in Qatar.
World Cups can be a place where footballing cultures collide. Brazil's has tended to earn acclaim, for its aesthetic appeal and entertainment factor, though not from a particularly irascible Irishman whose comments went global. Roy Keane's predictable reaction and unsurprisingly scathing verdict were designed for an audience of television viewers in the United Kingdom but it made headlines in Brazil. The message from manager Tite was that his side - and even he will carry on dancing. Keane and other such killjoys may be misunderstanding the Brazilian psyche. Certainly, the favourites to lift the World Cup do not believe their capacity to enjoy goals deflects from their attempts to win it or shows any disrespect to opponents.
This story is from the December 09, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 09, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Frank and the PM he called 'the mad woman in the attic'
Frank Field was a mass of contradictions. A Labour politician who preferred Margaret Thatcher to any Labour prime minister.
BOYS KEEP SWINGING
The Pet Shop Boys spin tales of dancefloor liberation on 'Nonetheless', while St Vincent's 'All Born Screaming' delivers pop that thrills in lush bursts
Ghost show that doesn't deserve life after death
There's a sense of deja vu with 'Dead Boy Detectives' and its all-too-predictable, plodding plot
Brundle condemns 'lucky dip' points revamp proposal
Martin Brundle has criticised a proposal to change the F1 points-scoring system next year, insisting it should not come down to “some kind of lucky dip where everyone wins a prize”.
Genius behind Red Bull's success 'to leave F1 team'
Adrian Newey, the design genius who has masterminded Red Bull’s current domination in Formula 1, is set to leave the world champions in a shocking turn of events.
Klopp's quadruple dreams faded in heat of title race
So Jurgen Klopp will leave the Premier League with a place alongside Manuel Pellegrini, Claudio Ranieri, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Carlo Ancelotti and Kenny Dalglish, too, and they are company he will probably deem a compliment.
City dismantle Seagulls to close the gap on Arsenal
Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to a single point after Phil Foden’s first-half double helped inspire a resounding 4-0 victory over Brighton.
Sainsbury's set for 'strong' profit growth despite glitch
Sainsbury’s has said it expects to deliver “strong” profit growth over the year ahead after cheering surging food sales by reining in prices to help win customers from rivals.
Macron: Rwanda policy is a betrayal of European values.
French leader savages plan just days after it clears parliament
Holocaust post MP to have whip restored by Labour
Suspended MP Kate Osamor will be given the Labour whip back within days, The Independent has been told.