Ryan outshines Ronaldinho
Ryan Giggs produced a brilliant 45-minute display for Wales in their friendly against Brazil as he outshone the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka with a display of experience and guile.
So good was his performance that it prompted new Brazil coach Dunga to declare the 32-year-old would have no problem commanding a place in the Brazil team. He said: "Any manager in the world would like a player like Giggs in their side, and I am no different.”
Giggs has never played in a major international tournament but, for the first half, he proved – if proof was needed – that he can mix it with the best.
The United star played as part of a midfield three, and was the teamÂ’s clear creative influence. He orchestrated numerous clear-cut chances, once in particular when he won possession and then played in Welsh striker Robert Earnshaw with a perfectly weighted and brilliantly disguised backheel.
Unfortunately, EarnshawÂ’s shot was saved, and when Welsh boss John Toshack decided to take the national skipper off at the break, Brazil turned on the style to eventually run out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Marcelo and Vagner Love.
Toshack defended his decision to only give Giggs 45 minutes saying he did not want to overexert the national skipper, mindful of his importance to United at a busy time of the season when the Reds face Tottenham, Celtic and Arsenal inside eight days.
"Ryan did very well in that company,” said Toshack. “We decided to give him just 45 minutes, because he had a hard game against the Czechs and he will be involved in the Champions League next week.”
However, Toshack says it was his decision alone, not one enforced by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. He said: "I have not chatted to Sir Alex about him, I know what to do. Ryan only had a short time against Bulgaria recently as well, it is to our advantage just as much as Manchester United's not to overuse him. We have some big games coming up next month we will want him for.”
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