Sumner picks Brazil to win World Cup

Press, 16 June 1982, Page 48

Sumner picks Brazil to win World Cup

From

DAVID LEGGAT.

in Marbella Having watched Brazil beat Russia. 2-1. in an outstanding footballing exhibition the New Zealand captain. Steve Sumner, was in no doubt as to which nation will win world soccer’s premier championship on July 11. “Brazil is the best international side I have ever seen." he said. “Sheer class, brilliant." New Zealand will meet Russia on Sunday morning (New Zealand time) and Brazil four days later. What Sumner, and the rest of the New Zealand squad saw yesterday. will have given them plenty to digest in the next few days. Sumner was particularly impressed with the way the Brazilian players were quick to put pressure on Russia, rarely allowing players any freedom. “They shut teams down as early as they can, they push players forward from the back, and are prepared to get men running ahead in advance of the ball which gives them more men to work with up front, and they are very mobile," he said. Both Brazilian goals were superb efforts from outside the Russian penalty area. The goals from the captain, Socrates, and Eder came in the final 15min and one will only rarely see better exam-

pies of precision shooting from that range, especially the stunning effort from Socrates. Russia had taken a surprise lead through a dreadful error by the unimpressive Brazilian goalkeeper, Waldir Peres, who allowed Andrei Bal’s ordinary goal to bounce out of his hands and over the line. New Zealand can be expected to adopt a "shoot on sight” policy against Brazil, provided it can get within reasonable range. The shaky nature of the Brazilian defence when put under pressure also heartened Sumner, who was very impressed with the Russians. In fact, Russia would have reason to feel they should have been awarded two penalties, one in each half for a foul and a handled ball. But for a large chunk of the second half it was on the ropes as Brazil turned on the heat. The strikers, Oleg Biochin and Ramaz Shengelia. and the athletic, but very sound goal-keeper, Rinat Desaev. especially stood out, in Sumner's opinion. “The Russians really are a top side, the only thing is the Brazilians were brilliant. I think they will do very well and will give Scotland one hell of a tussle." More World Cup news, pages 14, 15