2010 Brazil Home – Robinho #11 Youth XL

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, held in South Africa, was a bittersweet campaign for Brazil, a tournament where flair met discipline under the stewardship of manager Dunga. Entering the competition ranked among the favorites, Brazil’s squad blended experience and athleticism with flashes of creativity — a pragmatic evolution from the samba football of past generations.

Placed in Group G, nicknamed the “Group of Death”, alongside Portugal, Ivory Coast, and North Korea, Brazil finished top of the group with two wins and one draw. They opened with a 2–1 victory over North Korea, followed by a 3–1 triumph against Ivory Coast — a match remembered for the artistry of Robinho’s through ball to Luís Fabiano — and ended the group stage with a 0–0 draw against Portugal.

In the Round of 16, Brazil dispatched Chile 3–0, playing some of their most fluid football of the tournament. However, their World Cup run ended in the quarter-finals, losing 2–1 to the Netherlands, despite leading early through a goal orchestrated by Robinho. Defensive lapses and an own goal turned the tide, and Brazil’s disciplined approach came under criticism for lacking the attacking freedom synonymous with its heritage.

The 2010 Brazil home kit, designed by Nike, was a clean, vibrant expression of the nation’s identity — featuring the classic canary yellow body, green crew-neck collar, and subtle tonal striping. Minimalist yet elegant, the shirt represented the unity and modern professionalism of Dunga’s Brazil. The design was completed with blue shorts and white socks — a timeless look that paid homage to the Seleção’s legendary aesthetic while embracing a new era of structure and balance.

2. Player’s Impact – Robinho

For Robinho, the 2010 World Cup marked his resurgence as Brazil’s creative heartbeat — a player reborn under Dunga’s tactical system. After a frustrating period at Manchester City, Robinho rediscovered his rhythm while on loan at Santos, arriving in South Africa as one of Brazil’s most inspired and confident players.

Operating primarily as a left-sided forward in a 4-2-3-1, Robinho blended flair with discipline, tracking back when needed but also serving as the link between midfield control and attacking incision. He made 5 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing multiple key passes that underscored his vision and technical artistry.

His standout moment came in the Round of 16 against Chile, where he scored Brazil’s third goal in a 3–0 victory — a composed finish that capped off one of the Seleção’s best collective performances. In the quarter-final against the Netherlands, Robinho gave Brazil an early lead with a clinical strike from Felipe Melo’s pass, a goal that showcased his precision and composure under pressure.

Throughout the tournament, Robinho’s performances reflected his evolution from a flashy dribbler to a mature, intelligent playmaker, capable of dictating tempo and combining effectively with Kaká and Luís Fabiano. His creativity, close control, and movement between the lines embodied the attacking identity of modern Brazilian football. For many, 2010 represented Robinho at his peak in a Brazil shirt — confident, joyful, and influential.

3. Full Squad List (Brazil – 2010 World Cup, South Africa)

Manager: Dunga

Goalkeepers:
Júlio César, Gomes, Doni

Defenders:
Maicon, Dani Alves, Lúcio (captain), Juan, Thiago Silva, Gilberto, Michel Bastos, Luisão

Midfielders:
Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano, Ramires, Josué, Kléberson, Kaká, Júlio Baptista

Forwards:
Robinho, Luís Fabiano, Nilmar, Grafite