Defensive mistakes worry Brazil ahead of World Cup

JOHANNESBURG — Defensive mistakes in Brazil's final World Cup warm ups are making some players worried. Brazil beat Zimbabwe 3-0 and thrashed Tanzania 5-1 in its last matches before the opener against North Korea next Tuesday, but the lowly nations exposed some defensive problems that have put some players on alert. "We made too many mistakes that are not normal for us," Brazilian veteran midfielder Gilberto Silva said. "We need to start being more careful." The mistakes gained increased significance given the quality of the opponents Brazil picked for the warm ups in Africa — Zimbabwe is ranked 110th by FIFA, while Tanzania is 108th. Players acknowledge none can pose challenges similar to what Brazil will face at the World Cup. "We faltered in a few plays and that can't happen," goalkeeper Gomes said. "But we still have a week to go before the first match and Dunga can make the necessary adjustments." In the match against Zimbabwe on June 2, Brazil had a slow start and was threatened by the African nation in several occasions in Harare. Brazil could've been trailing by two goals in the first half, but it eventually picked up the pace and imposed its game for a comfortable victory. Against Tanzania on Monday in Dar es Salaam, Brazil played better but still wasn't 100 percent at defense against the lowly African team. With many passing mistakes at the back, Brazil struggled to move the ball forward. Tanzania's goal came with a header from a late corner kick, marking the first time Brazil allowed a goal in five matches, since a 2-1 loss to Bolivia last October in a World Cup qualifier in the high altitude of La Paz. "We can't make so many mistakes as we did in this match," Gilberto Silva said. "At times we lacked focus and relaxed a bit. From now on, we can't make these same mistakes." One of the players who had an off day against Tanzania was midfielder Felipe Melo, who plays alongside Gilberto Silva in front of Brazil's defense. "He didn't play as well as he is used to," Gilberto Silva said. "But he has a strong personality and will be able to overcome this and play as well as he can in the World Cup." Brazil began both matches with most of the regular starters, but Dunga made several changes to rest some players and try some alternatives in the lineup. At one point he tried reserve right back Daniel Alves in the midfield alongside Kaka in a more offensive scheme. Brazil had the day off after the Tanzania match and players only underwent a light training session at the team's hotel on Wednesday. The squad was expected to return to a normal practice schedule on Thursday. Starting goalkeeper Julio Cesar sustained a back injury in the first half of the Zimbabwe match, forcing him to miss the Tanzania warmup as well. He was expected to be fit for the opener. "Julio Cesar should be ready to play against North Korea," said Gomes, who was in goal against the Tanzanians. Gomes and Julio Cesar were two of the eight Brazilian players who were required to undergo doping exams carried out by FIFA on Wednesday, along with Maicon, Gilberto, Kleberson, Elano, Juan and Luis Fabiano. After facing North Korea, the Brazilians will play against the Ivory Coast and then Portugal in Group G. Brazil is seeking its sixth world title. It lost to France in the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. – AP