FRANCE 98 – Match preview n°58

It’s all been so easy for Brazil as they close in on a record fifth World Cup title — but that could change when they face feisty Denmark in the quarter-finals. The brilliant Brazilians have cruised past Scotland and Morocco, lost to Norway when it didn’t matter and then trounced Chile 4-1 to seal their place in the last eight.

Not once have the Brazilians had to produce for a full 90 minutes. They are aware, though, that anything less than total effort could be fatal against the tough, determined former European champions from Denmark. The Danes seem unperturbed by the size of the task that will confront them in the La Beajoire Stadium and have vowed to attack in the same way that they did in their memorable 4-1 second-round destruction of Nigeria.

“For us this is just a wonderful bonus and we have nothing to lose,” said veteran midfielder Michael Laudrup. “Even if we lose, playing against Brazil in a World Cup quarter-final would be a wonderful way to end,” added the 34-year-old, whose glittering international career will end when Denmark exit the tournament.

Laudrup’s brother, forward Brian, said the Danes prefer to be playing Brazil and their superstar striker Ronaldo than any other team.

“It may sound strange, but of all the quarter-finalists we would have wanted Brazil,” he said. “Firstly, there will be no shame if we lose because Brazil are the best in the world and everyone expects them to win. They are the favourites and the defending champions which means that all the pressure will on them — not us. We like being in the position of underdogs. Secondly, Brazil will come out and attack which suits us fine because our great strength is hitting teams on the counter-attack. It should be a really open game — they will attack and we will attack. Every football fan loves Brazil. They have so many attacking players and you only have to look at their bench to realise their strength in depth. Even their reserve team would figure strongly at the World Cup. But if we play anything like we did against Nigeria then I think we are in with a chance.”

The Danes boasted that they played like Brazilians against Nigeria. Now they find themselves confronted by the real thing. They will be hoping for repeat performances of the attacking pyrotechnics that first Peter Moller and then substitute Ebbe Sand — who are vying for the same striking spot on Friday night — were able to produce against the Olympic champions.

The key to the 1992 European champions’ game, though, is that they close teams down effectively and do not allow them the time and space to be creative. They then counter swiftly. The Danes also have the bonus of the world’s best goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, if the defence to get things wrong.

Remembering that the Danes lost 3-0 to Bosnia in a qualifying match last year, they have made huge strides over the past 12 months under Swedish coach Bo Johansson. Ominously for Denmark, though, the Brazilians may be peaking at the right time. Coach Mario Zagallo believes their second-half performance against Chile was their best of the tournament.

“My players were able to develop the style of play that I like,” Zagallo said. “Now I’d like to see us play a whole game like that.” Zagallo has said he believes the way to beat the Danes is to attack them down the flanks. “From what I know of the Danes, we are going to hit a traffic jam if we try to play the game through the middle, down the central corridor,” he said. “We will be trying to outflank them.”

Zagallo is an unabashed admirer of the Danes’ efficiency. “Their win against Nigeria was proof of their fine quality,” Zagallo said. The Brazilian coach may give wing backs Roberto Carlos and Cafu more freedom to join the attack on the overlap, while Ronaldo’s central striking partner Bebeto may play in a wider role in a bid to pull apart the tight Danish defence.

“We will need to use the whole field and move well,” Zagallo said. The Brazilian team looks to have two weaknesses the Danes could exploit. Centrebacks Junior Baiano and Aldair may be fragile against fleet-footed attackers who run at them at angles — presenting players like Brian Laudrup with an enticing invitation — while veteran goalkeeper Claudio can be suspect when put under pressure.

Taffarel is, ironically, set to beat the World Cup appearances record for goalkeepers in Friday’s match. The 32-year-old, who has won 108 caps, will be playing in his 16th World Cup game, one more than compatriots Gilmar and Emerson Leao.