Before it even arrived on German soil Brazilian team of 2006 is touted as one of the best ever. It has the world best player in it, world cup most prolific scorer, two of the most promising and improved midfield players in Kaka and Robinho. Someone like Juninuo sitting out on bench and couldnt make a place for himself in starting 11 though he is the most prolific dead ball player in the game now.

Three matches into the tournament the shine is going off. Ronaldinho has huffed and puffed in most of the games so far without any real intent or threat to opposition goal. His only major contribution is the pass to Gilberto to score the third goal against Japan.

Ronaldo is the shadow of the man he once was, though he has scored two goals against Japan I dont think in the coming matches he will be allowed such luxurious time and space to find the back of the net.

Kaka started brilliantly against Croatia with that peach of strike from outside the 18 yard box but the in the next two matches against Australia and Japan he has to satisfy with half chances strike from outside the box rather than being on the end of a flowing move.

Adriano has scored one but Im not sure he fits well into this Brazilian system of play, he is more of a European striker than a Brazilian.

Midfield

In the 4-2-2-2 system the two defensive midfielders are stars of the show for Brazil so far in this world cup. Emerson and ZeRoberto has played magnificently breaking down opponents attack, doing the donkey work, winning tackles and allowing the star forward line to operate.

Defense line

The defense line is old with Cafu and Roberto Carlos well into their 30s and far beyond their glory days. The center back partnership also seems fragile as we have seen over years that Lucio is susceptible of making mistakes.

What is in store for Brazilian team for future?

As we have already seen that Australia and Croatia created a lot of clear cut chances and Japan time and time again able to slip behind the Center backs and Full backs to create opening. The future of Brazilian team seems bleak in this world cup.

If we have a look at the draw, Brazil will face Ghana in the round of 16 and most probably Spain in Quarter finals. Beyond Quarterfinal for this team on present form seem improbable even though Im not a great fan of Spanish team.

Round of 16 encounter against Ghana

I believe Ghana will be a stern test for the Brazilian team as the Ghanaian team plays at some real tempo and very hard in their tackles. The only thing which counts against them is their experience at the biggest stage and absence of Essien, who is suspended for the match. According to me it will be nail bitter but I guess in the end Brazil will reach into the Quarter finals due to their technical supremacy over the African team.

Quarter Final

This is the year I believe Spain will reach in last four since Brazil 1950. This Spanish team seems a good unit, a mix of youth and experience. Spain will provide massive test to Brazil and to my mind it will mighty hard for Brazil to go beyond Quarter finals.

First and foremost Spain has the players to counter Brazilian treats. Defense lineup headed by Pujol from Barcelona plays day in day out with Ronaldinho and company. Secondly as Brazil till now has only scored goals through some exclusive shots from distance this window will be shutdown by the Spanish as they have the best shot stopper goal keeper in Cassillas. Plus he knows Ronaldo inside out with his time in Real Madrid.

Lack of aerial threat also solves the problem Spanish defense as they themselves are not the greatest in that area.

Spain is a good passing side and possession of the ball with Brazilian players will be less compared to what they had against lesser opponents like Croatia, Australia and Japan. So the opportunities created will be far lesser and greater the pressure on strikers to score goals. Trust you me Ronaldo is not scoring against this Spanish defense and Carlos Perreira is not keeping him on bench either so it will be hard a grind in the park for the Brazilians.

In Torres and David Villa Spain has two hitman who can exploit the space behind aging Cafu and Roberto Carlos. With Febregac and Alonso in the middle ZeRoberto and Emerson will have their handful as we already saw in Arsenals match against Juventus in the Champions League earlier this year.

Last but not the least, I dont discount these things as we saw in Euro 2004, it was a Greeces year with Athens Olympics. So far it seems like a Spanish year, we have Montoya dominating Formula One, Nadal dominating the tennis circuit and above all Barcelona and Seville are the current holders of Champions League and UEFA Cup.