Armour: Brazil relies on veterans vs. South Korea, hopes to develop new ones
MONTREAL - Belief is a powerful thing.
While the U.S. women are celebrated by both their country and their federation, Brazil's players have only had each other in the past. Virtually ignored by their federation, they would come to tournaments long on talent but short on support or preparation.
No real surprise then that they've failed to win any of soccer's big prizes, finishing second to Germany at the 2007 World Cup and leaving the 2004 and 2008 Olympics as silver medalists.
This, however, is a different Brazil team, a team that sees itself differently -- and hopes eventually its country will, too.
"We have some younger players that are not very experienced, but they have a great will," said the ageless Formiga, whose goal in Brazil's 2-0 victory over South Korea on Tuesday night made her, at 37, the oldest player to score at a World Cup.
"This is their first World Cup and they want to make a difference," Formiga said. "Not that the older ones do not, but I think (the younger players) believe just as much as the experienced players that we will be able to reach the final and win the World Cup.
"The other teams, we did not have such an opportunity to work in preparation so long as now," she added. "They understand the way (coach) Vadao trained us to make us believe it is possible to reach the ultimate goal."
Soccer has a rich tradition in Brazil, where the men's team has won five World Cup titles and given the game some of its biggest stars. Kids rich and poor begin playing as soon as they can walk, and the entire country comes to a halt when the Selecao plays.
But the attitude toward the women's team is altogether different. Women were barred from playing soccer from 1941 until 1979, and chauvinistic attitudes continue to spoil the beautiful game in Brazil.
There are limited opportunities for girls and women; even Marta, the five-time FIFA player of the year, has had to travel the world in search of a club, and she doesn't earn anywhere close to the millions European clubs happily shelled out for Neymar, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho.
Female players often have to overcome the disapproval of both their families and society, which still view athletes as somehow less feminine.
But the game is growing across the globe -- eight teams are making their World Cup debut at this tournament – and Brazil is determined not to be left behind. Having the Olympics, the second-biggest event for women's soccer, in Rio de Janeiro next summer has provided added incentive.
After Brazil left last summer's Under-20 World Cup with a measly point, federation officials decided they needed to try something different. Since February, the domestic-based players have lived and trained together outside Sao Paulo in a first-ever residency program.
"That's unprecedented," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said.
But Brazil didn't have much of a choice. Much of the team that reached the quarterfinals at the 2011 World Cup have retired, and there were no new stars to take their places.
"See the rise of women's volleyball and the fall of the basketball afterPaulaandHortenciastopped playing," Vadao told Diario de Regiao earlier this year. "We cannot wait for Marta, CristianeandFormigato retire. We have to create new idols, like the men. Boys loveNeymar."
The effect can already be seen. At practices this week, Brazil actually, well, practiced. Years past, the team would have kicked the ball around a bit, did a few drills and called it a day. Instead Vadao had Brazil playing simulated games as it prepared for the opener against South Korea.
"They have very excellent techniques, each one of them," South Korea coach Yoon Dukyeo said. "We could see they could handle any kind of situation."
But it's the attitude that is most notable. Vadao has infused his players with confidence, telling them there is no reason they can't have the same success as the men's team.
That self-assuredness can be seen on the field. One of the youngsters, Andressa Alves, was one of the most active players on the field, playing with an abandon and swagger that Neymar would appreciate.
"To improve with each game is important, and with every game they'll gain more experience and become more confident," Marta said.
Confidence, after all, breeds success. And there's no better way to win over a country, especially a country like Brazil, than with a World Cup title.