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A lucky 3-1 win against Croatia and a disappointing 0-0 draw with Mexico pretty much sums up where Brazil are at as a team at the 2014 World Cup.
Lacking star strikers with the quality of Ronaldo or Pele and relying heavily on young star Neymar, Brazil have lacked polish and cohesion in their first two World Cup matches.
This is a lacking that will, in my opinion, prevent Brazil from winning the tournament on home soil.
Having not won the title since 1998, many hoped this would be the Brazilians’ year. However, what I have seen so far has been less than impressive.
The youthful team has lacked the passing precision needed in today’s game. With a lacklustre Fred leading the attack, they have struggled to truly threaten goal and maintain possession in their attacking half.
Neymar has been impressive in bursts going forward, but his tendency to hog the ball is limiting the scope of his impact. His two goals so far were lucky and I struggle seeing him carrying the Brazilian team to the final, regardless of his potential skill.
Defensively, Brazil have been rather resolute, as yet not allowing their opposition to score. The one goal they conceded came from a Marcello deflection into his own net. But against a surprisingly attacking Mexico, their defensive cracks were on full display – allowing for a number of shots that really threatened Brazil’s goal.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Brazil’s back line. From the rock solid Silva to the ball control of Luiz, Brazil has the potential to keep most teams scoreless. They are however a little too relaxed in defence, allowing speculative shots from Mexico that on any other day could have found the back of the net.
Their midfield is similarly full of potential but lacks the experience a World Cup demands. Oscar showed glimpses of brilliance against Croatia but aside from that, the whole midfield has been rather lacklustre. Paulinho – who is a surprise starter after a poor season with Tottenham – has done nothing to push forward his credentials.
Everyone else seems content to give Neymar the ball and hope for the best.
More often than not, Neymar can produce something from nothing, but as I touched on earlier, his youth and arrogance is impeding his ability to perform within a team – whether it be Barcelona or Brazil.
Having said this, when Neymar does get a pass away, more often than not it lands at the feet of Fred who either falls over looking for a penalty or makes a weak pass to nobody.
In his game against Mexico, Fred was replaced by Jo, who similarly lacked any impact up front. Bernard appears to a saving light for the Brazilian side up front, who in both of his substitute appearances has surprised opponents with his pace and ball control.
But the bench is not the place for him to be, and with a game against Cameroon coming up, I hope the Brazilian coach – affectionately known as Big Phil – gives Bernard a full game.
This last group game against Cameroon is the place to experiment in my opinion. Two very unconvincing performances indicate to me that Brazil will struggle to get past the round of 16 if they keep their current formula. Already touted as having home ground advantage, I feel in this instance the immense support and expectation they have, is working against the Brazilian side.
Watching the Brazil versus Mexico Game, I could see the look expectation on the home fans faces every time Brazil got the ball. This was an expectation which I believe to be misplaced, especially if the opening two games are anything to go by.
It is an expectation which rather than causing concern for the Brazilian side, has only increased their nonchalant style of football.
Brazil can still win, but I would be surprised if they did. After all it is football, and the unpredictability is what makes the game so great.
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