Joga Bonito has arrived
By: Robert | September 11th, 2007The beautiful game has landed in Dallas, but Denilson seems to be the only one playing it. Three games into FC Dallas’ Brazilian era (I know there’s also Ricardihno and it’s really only been two and less than a half games but stay with me) its obvious Denilson is a different breed of player than what we’re used to in MLS. I know on the surface its blasphemy to compare Denilson to hockey great Wayne Gretzky, but players used to say when you’re on the ice with number 99 you had to keep your stick down because you may get the puck. And while Denilson cannot compare to Canada’s greatest import, the idea remains the same, Hoops player’s needs to keep their heads up while they’re on the pitch because the ball could be on its way.
A few days ago ESPN anchor (read: blowhard) Tony Kornheiser went on a fact-light soccer rant in which he claimed that David Beckham, talent-wise, was 20 miles ahead of anyone else in MLS; and while I have no desire to get into a geographical debate of soccer ability, Denilson is playing a game 20 miles away from anything else seen in the states. Beckham maybe the best at what he does, but Denilson is doing something entirely different. The Hoops are being played balls in which they are seemingly not ready to receive; this isn’t to say they aren’t prepared when they step on the pitch but it is going to take time to for the team to understand how Denilson plays.
In the past two games, Seattle Sounders (US Open semi-final) and Toronto FC, the Hoops have struggled to create the consistent offense that characterized them during strongest parts of this season. Part of this has been due the still-weak ankle of Juan Toja and the injured knee of an increasingly in-form Carlos Ruiz, but this has mostly been the sports equivalent of a language barrier. FC Dallas has spent the better part of this year playing soccer (football) and have begun to learn Joga Bonito.
So get your translators out in Dallas because its time to learn a new language, one where FC stands for “frequent creativity.”
HOOPS PRIDE!
Category: Game Analysis
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Comments
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. . . and When FCD starts to gel with Denilson and play HIS game, watch the F out . . . . cuz he is going to commandeer that field like a general
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Yes, Denilson brings a level of maturity that will only enhance the creativity of the Hoops as time goes on. In my opinion… though sincerely competitive, FCD has been plagued by “flat” playing across most of the field with a few cameo’s of brilliance. It will be fun to watch them progress through the next season, and Denilson’s dexterous handling and delivery will bring much of the fanfare.
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