The Hindu : Sport / Football : Bhutia feels Brazil was not imposing

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Tuesday, Jul 04, 2006

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Sport - Football

Bhutia feels Brazil was not imposing

Mumbai : The focus was on Ronaldo's World Cup record for goals and hence Brazil was not imposing and ultimately suffered a defeat at the hands of France, said Indian striker Baichung Bhutia on Monday.

"I was not impressed with Brazil at all right through its World Cup campaign. It's different playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Ronaldo's off-the-ball positioning was not good. It's difficult to come off a two-month injury, but Carlos Parreira gave him opportunities from the start. I am a striker and I can say that it's difficult to play under pressure, especially if one has not played competitive football for two months. I am not surprised that Brazil is out of the semifinals,'' said Bhutia.

Bhutia said the semifinalists had played good football in the run up to the last four. "It's difficult and I don't want to pick a team that would win the final. Portugal is a deserving team in the semifinals. England played with a negative and defensive approach.''

The East Bengal star said the AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and Alberto Colaco have requested him to play till the Doha Asian Games. "It's a big decision and I have to consult my family and others. I have not spoken to the new India coach Dave Houghton," said Bhutia. — Special Correspondent

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