2008 Brazil Training – XL

The year 2008 was a transitional phase for the Brazilian national team, led by head coach Dunga, as they prepared for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. While they didn’t participate in a major tournament that year, Brazil played World Cup qualifiers, several international friendlies, and participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (with a U23 squad). It was a year marked by tactical conservatism, new leadership, and the rise of a new generation of stars.

🏆 2008 Highlights

1. 2010 World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)

• Brazil played several key qualifiers, finishing the year with mixed results.

• Notable matches:

  • ⚖️ 0–0 vs Argentina (home)

  • ✅ 3–0 vs Chile (away)

  • ⚖️ 0–0 vs Bolivia (home — heavily criticized performance)

• The team was defensively solid but attacking output was questioned under Dunga’s pragmatic style.

2. 2008 Olympics (U23 Squad)

• 🥉 Bronze Medal (defeated Belgium 3–0 in 3rd place match)

• ❌ Lost 3–0 to Argentina in the semifinals

• Key players: Ronaldinho (overage), Alexandre Pato, Thiago Neves, Diego, Lucas, Rafinha

• Managed by Dunga’s assistant, Rogério Lourenço

🇧🇷 Brazil 2008 Key Squad Members

Coach: Dunga

• Júlio César (GK)

• Maicon

• Lúcio

• Juan

• Gilberto Silva

• Kaká

• Ronaldinho (in and out of the squad)

• Robinho

• Elano

• Luís Fabiano

• Diego

• Dani Alves

• Josué

• Alexandre Pato

• Adriano (brief return)

• Thiago Silva (emerging)

• Marcelo (rotating with Gilberto at LB)

• Anderson (Man United midfielder)