Brady - Brilliant Brazil will put on a show

By Chris Harris

Liam Brady believes the Emirates Stadium crowd will be in for a treat when Brazil come to town on Tuesday March 2.

Arsenal's Head of Youth Development is poised to step down as the Republic of Ireland's assistant manager but not before he pits his wits against the South American giants in an international friendly next Tuesday.

Brady was a special player in his time and is one of the few men to score a winner against Brazil, netting the only goal when the teams met in Dublin in May 1987. But like the rest of us, Brady has spent much of his life marvelling at the mystique and magic of the five-times world champions.

The 54-year-old is expecting more of the same at the Emirates next week and believes the world owes the brilliant Brazilians a footballing debt.

"Without doubt," said Brady. "I think they have given world football, the World Cup - particularly in 1970 and 1982 - some marvellous occasions. I thought they were a super team as well in Japan and South Korea [in 2002].

"They always play the game with style, they always play the game in an attacking fashion. They always have great individual players but they are beatable. They can show lack of concentration themselves; it has been costly for them in some of the World Cups which they haven't won.

"It's a nice game for me to finish up on! They are the most famous international team in the world, without any doubt, and they have a great team again. They're short favourites again I think along with Spain to win the World Cup in South Africa and every time they have come to the Emirates before they have really put on a show."

Watch part one of our FREE video interview with Liam by clicking on the PLAY button above. The Arsenal legend discusses:

• why he expects a great occasion on March 2
• taking his country to his club
• his memories of beating Brazil in 1987
• the current Brazil squad
• the revered 1970 World Cup-winning side
• playing against Zico, Socrates et al in 1982
• the mystique of Brazilian football

[Tuesday, February 23, 2010]

Print this page Email to a friend