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Journalism of Courage
The Brazilian women’s soccer team has long complained of a lack of interest in their side. Now, they seem to have got more than they bargained for. During a two-week training camp for the women’s World Cup, the Brazil camp has been swarming with photographers, TV cameramen and reporters after it was decided to call up the previously uncapped Milene Domingues, best known as the wife of Ronaldo, Brazil’s famed World Cup striker in the men’s game.
Milene has now won her place in the 20-strong squad for the women’s tournament, which starts on Saturday in the United States.
There is only one snag.
Critics say she is not good enough to make the team and is taking the place of better players. Before she met Ronaldo, Milene had become known as the ‘‘Queen of the Keep-ups’’, displaying her talents for keeping a ball in the air on numerous TV shows. But her inclusion in the World Cup squad has sparked the similar sort of controversy which often affects Brazil’s male team, with critics accusing the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) of putting commercial interests above the team.
‘‘Nothing justifies the CBF’s manoeuvre in giving priority to Madame Nazario (Ronaldo’s surname) in the naming the Brazil squad,’’ wrote veteran commentator Armando Nogueira. ‘‘Milene has alredy played for teams in Italy, now she’s playing in Spain and, by the look of things, is not drumming up much enthusiasm. It’s not the same as playing keep-up.’’
Curiously, Milene was named in the squad shortly after coach Paulo Goncalves said she was not good enough to make the cut. During a week-long training camp for 26 players, Goncalves said: ‘‘Today, she would not be among the 20 because she needs more time to adapt.’’
But he admitted: ‘‘The marketing is very important to lift the women’s game in Brazil, which has no support whatsoever, but the tactical side of things also had an influence. I was asked about the possibility of calling on Milene and I accepted because she has potential.’’ (Reuters)
