Brazil try to keep Robinho’s feet on the ground

The match is regarded as a formality by the local media — so much so that one of the main talking points has been how Ronaldo and Robinho will celebrate their goals.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, however, has other ideas and is trying desperately to keep his team’s feet, and especially Robinho’s, on the ground. “This is all over the top,” said Parreira. “There is a lot of marketing in favour of Robinho but, in life, you are remembered for what you win and Robinho is only starting out. I’m worried about the exaggeration of everything to do with him.”

Parreira’s first move when his players assembled on Tuesday was to name the team, thereby avoiding the unhealthy speculation over whether or not Robinho would play. Amid all the excitement, it is easily forgotten that Robinho was only presented by Real Madrid just over a week ago. On Sunday he came off the bench to inspire his team to a 2-1 win.

He played his last game for Santos away to Paysandu on August 24, helping them back from two goals behind to win 3-2, before being whisked away in a private jet laid on by the Spanish club. Such are the demands on modern-day footballers that he spent only four days in Spain before travelling straight back to Brazil to report for training with the national team.

Robinho said he is ready for the responsibility and has learned his lesson from the infamous short-dropping incident with Brazil’s under-23 team in Chile last year.

On that occasion, Robinho was photographed having his shorts pulled down by teammate Diego on the eve of the South American Olympic qualifying tournament.

Brazil ultimately failed to qualify, losing out to Paraguay, and their elimination was blamed on over-confidence, symbolised by their fooling around before the game.

“Parreira has told me to be the same as always and to stay focused,” he said.