Yellow cards could force changes for Brazil's next match
ULSAN, South Korea, June 10 (AFP)
Brazil are considering a number of changes to their side for the showdown with Costa Rica on Thursday in a bid to protect key players who have picked up yellow cards.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said that with his team already through to the last 16, he had to think about the consequences of the players being booked again which would force them out of the opening game of the knockout stage.
Paris Saint Germain midfielder Ronaldinho, AC Milan defender Roque Junior and Real Betis striker-cum-winger Denilson are all on one yellow card.
Ronaldinho and Roque Junior have been regular first team choices while Denilson has twice come on as a substitute.
At a training session Monday Edmilson played in Roque Junior's position and Ricardinho in place of Ronaldinho.
"We still have one more match ahead of us and we can still finish either first or second in the group," said Scolari.
"But we must remember that a player can be out for a game if they have two yellow cards. We have three players with two yellow cards."
Ronaldinho was booked for diving against China but Scolari said replays showed he had been fouled and called on FIFA to reverse the decision.
"I think having had Rivaldo punished after so much insistence, then Ronaldinho should not be punished," he said, referring to a 7,350 US dollar fine dished out to Rivaldo for faking an injury that resulted in a Turkish player being sent off.
"If you can punish by television then you can use television to take away a yellow card -- although at the same time I don't think this is good for referees."
If Brazil top Group C they will play the runner up of Group H in Kobe. Finishing second would land them a showdown with the winner of Group H in Miyagi.
Japan currently top Group H with four points from two games. Russia are second with three points from two games.
Scolari said Brazil already had scouts in Japan to report on their possible next round opponents.
"We are analysing the possible match-ups," he said. "We have people in Japan watching the games, but first I need to analyse what to do against Costa Rica."
Barca star Rivaldo said there would be no change in tactics against Costa Rica.
"We are going to play in the same way no matter that we are qualified," he said. "We want to be first in the group because that is going to give the team confidence for the round of 16. We, the players, are very conscious of this."
Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos trained separately from the rest of the Brazilian squad Monday morning as the South Americans were drilled on their passing skills.
A team spokesman said the experienced quartet prefered to spend time in the gym at the team hotel in this eastern industrial city rather than join the rest of the players at the Mipo Field.
"They have no problems, it's just that the team doctor decided they would benefit more from a physical workout," a team spokesman said.
Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Cafu appeared for an afternoon workout in light drizzle at Mipo but Roberto Carlos was again absent.
Team doctor Jose Luis Runco said Roberto Carlos felt a twinge in his lower left leg after Brazil's 4-0 drubbing of China on Saturday.
"He's played a lot of matches this season and it's a bit sore but it's nothing to worry about," said Runco. Junior played in his position during training Monday.
The only other injury worry is Kleberson who turned his right ankle Monday, although Runco again said it was not a concern.
Yellow Cards ARE a Valid deterrent for saving those players !!! 