Before the start of the World Cup, Elano was quoted as saying he didn´t mind having a secondary role on this year´s team. But during Brazil's debut match last Tuesday against North Korea, Elano proved he has what it takes to be a star. He not only sent Maicon an incisive pass that led to Brazil's first goal, but also scored the teams´s second goal, after a beautiful pass by Robinho.
It´s not a coincidence that Brazil's #7 shows up at the top of Fifa's statistics at the conclusion of the first round. Among the 24 players who scored goals so far (not counting the one who scored against his own team), Elano was the most active in the match. This is why he sits at the top of Fifa's list with five effective completions and 49 passes during the 73 minutes he spent on the field.
“I am definitely a fighter and I work hard, but I keep my feet on the ground”, said the midfielder after Brazil´s win against North Korea. “I never intended to be a star. I'm part of an amazing group and that's what makes me happy”.
Elano celebrates his goal against North Korea. (Foto: Reuters)
According to Fifa, Elano is trailed by four German players who scored during the Group D match against Australia. They are Mueller, Polish-born Germans Klose and Podolski as well as Brazilian-born Cacau.
“The goal I scored was a result of training. Dunga worked hard until I was able to run past the defensive line. I tried to do my best and scored after a great pass from Robinho”, added Elano.
After his goal, Elano was substituted for Daniel Alves, his primary alternate on the team. Coach Dunga guaranteed , however, that there is no chance the midfielder will lose his place in Brazil´s starting line. Daniel Alves is only one of many options available for Dunga to alter the way in which the team plays in second halves.