When Australia was unfortunately placed in the 2014 World Cup’s ‘Group of Death’ after the recent draw in Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, a collective groan was audible across the vast wasteland of the Nullarbor.
There goes any semblance of hope, bellowed a nation.
It was folly to believe Australia was going to be able to replicate the deeds of the beloved 2006 Socceroos and advance beyond the group stage. Pitted against colossus Spain, perennial powerhouse the Netherlands and the dangerous Chile ensured Australia was consigned to misery in Brazil.
Contrary to the scepticism, Sidnei Sciola Moraes believes Australia shouldn’t be disenchanted with their difficult mission. The Perth Glory midfielder is enjoying a consistent inaugural season in the A-League after stints in Portugal and Cyprus.
Sidnei (27) has been plying his trade abroad since leaving his native Brazil five years ago and his Australian sojourn has brought newfound perspective and appreciation of soccer’s standing Down Under.
In July, he journeyed to Perth for a trial after consulting Western Sydney Wanderers import Youssouf Hersi.
“I didn’t know much about the A-League but Youssouf told me good things about the standard in Australia,” he says.
“I have been very surprised. The level is good, better than I was expecting. Teams have good structure on the pitch, and there is also good organisation off-field.”
Despite the gloom over Australia’s World Cup fate, which follows a period of turbulence culminating in the firing of former coach Holger Osieck, Sidnei believes Australia’s innate physical style of play could challenge opponents more comfortable with finesse.
“Australian players are generally strong and big, and they play differently to South Americans and even to Europeans,” he says.
“To challenge their opponents in the World Cup, Australia will need to be extremely disciplined and try to stop their opponents from dribbling and penetrating. Chile, and Spain, in particular will be reliant on the counter attack, which Australia needs to be wary of.”
The excitement of the looming event has been tarnished and shrouded in uncertainty due to the unstable political landscape in Brazil. At the Confederations Cup in Brazil last June, more than one million people protested in the streets to voice concerns over government spending and corruption.
The public upheaval was centred on the massive spending for the World Cup, despite crumbling infrastructure and public services dotting the country.
While acknowledging the turmoil, Sidnei does not believe the tournament will be in jeopardy and is adamant it will be a boon for Brazil.
“The situation is unstable and there is a lot of corruption in Brazilian politics, which upsets many people,” he says.
“People are protesting because too much money has been spent on stadiums, and yet infrastructure is still not good in Brazil.
“There are problems with the political situation but I think the World Cup would be good for the country because tourism will bring in lots of money and the event will showcase Brazil to the world.
“I can’t imagine the event not happening because the fans are so crazy about the game. It is like a religion in Brazil.”
Sidnei, who has demonstrated his flair during scything runs for Glory, has been impressed with the game’s foothold in a country where the term football generally evokes an oval shape connotation.
“In Australia the stadiums are really good, especially compared to Brazil where the infrastructure of the sport is crumbling,” he says.
“It is interesting to compare the difference in style on the pitch. In Brazil, the game is more skilful and tactical, which actually creates a more defensive-oriented game.
“Lots of dribbling, keeping possession and counter-attacking are the emphasis in Brazil. In Australia, the game is generally more free-flowing and in a way, is actually played more pure.”
Sidnei, who hails from the megacity of Sao Paulo, hopes to carve a distinguished A-League career after being besotted with his new hometown. He recently inked a two-year contract extension beyond this season.
“I wanted a new experience and Perth has been a good fit, especially because I have a newborn baby, so it is good place for a family,” he says.
“The weather is fairly similar to Brazil and there is much less traffic than in Sao Paulo, which is always very busy.
“I hope to keep playing here for many more years.”
Naturally, Sidnei bullishly predicts his countrymen will be covered in World Cup glory next year, celebrating on home terrain amid their rabid fans.
Of course, that’s assuming Brazil ’14 kicks-off.
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