Win with a strong defense or lose with ‘Jogo Bonito’?

Since my childhood, this has been the eternal debate about football. My answer remains unchanged: win with the ‘Jogo Bonito!’

When thinking about Jogo Bonito, one cannot forget the Brazilian teams of 1958, 1970, 1982, and Tite’s 2018 squad—who could have imagined Belgium’s comeback? Pelé’s Santos (though I didn’t see them play, my father, who watched them closely, always spoke of them), Renato Gaúcho’s Grêmio, who almost beat Real Madrid in the 2017 Club World Cup, Rivellino’s Fluminense, Telê Santana’s São Paulo, Zico’s Flamengo, Tostão’s Cruzeiro, Divino’s Palmeiras, my Corinthians with Sócrates, Falcão’s Internacional, Cerezo’s Atlético Mineiro, Careca’s Guarani, Bobô’s Bahia, and Dinamite’s Vasco. Even Pep Guardiola emphatically asks, did the 1982 team really lose?

Defending is an underrated strategy in football, often overshadowed by the emphasis on ‘Jogo Bonito.’ Personally, I’m a staunch admirer of Diego Simeone; his defensive work with Atletico Madrid is truly impressive. Ultimately, achieving results is the primary objective in football. However, those solely fixated on outcomes risk becoming prisoners of them, whereas teams striving to play attractive football can forge deeper connections with fans. As a football enthusiast, I appreciate the beauty of the game, or at least the pursuit of it. Yet, what holds greater value? For both professionals and fans, the answer is clear: winning takes precedence!

‘Jogo Bonito’ can be also known as the beautiful game by some admirers.

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