Chelsea FC: Ramires And World Cup Expectations
Nov 19, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brazil midfielder Ramires (16) plays a ball up field during the second half in a friendly soccer match against Chile at Rogers Centre. Brazil won 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
One the eve of his second World Cup… Ramires can’t help but look back with mixed emotions. It was the 2010 World Cup where Ramires introduced himself to the world stage, solidifying himself as one to watch in Europe. His dribble and pass to set up Brazil’s third goal against Chile was seen as a launch point to his stardom.
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The look back will include both some highs and lows for him and the Seleção. Of the lows, Ramires said to
, “We made mistakes and conceded some goals to get knocked out, and we have to improve this time.” One might recall that it was mistakes (accumulation of Yellow Cards) that kept Ramires out of Brazil’s 2-1 loss to the eventual runner-up the Netherlands.
But, the look back is not all bad memories. The manager, Brazilian legend Dunga, has been quoted as saying, “had it not been for his suspension (accumulated yellow cards), we would’ve advanced.” The praise of a World Cup winner like Dunga can only give him confidence.
In many ways, this World Cup will be a referendum on Ramires. No longer the 22 year old getting spot starts for Benfica, Ramires must use this opportunity to show the world the box to box skill that he’s shown at Stamford Bridge. Can he show the brilliance he displayed against Chile (or Manchester City in 2011) or will his penchant for the silly booking derail his dreams?
Now, under the tutelage of former Blues manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, he’s even more confident. He said, “It’s a very proud team. You can see that from the coach down. He passes this on to us and when he tells us we can do it, we can achieve it, we believe it.”