When it comes to international football, the adjective ‘best’ often brings conjecture to the Latin superstar’s Brazil, who withheld an immense legacy in the sport. The Selecao have always instilled a feeling of fear in their opponents with their skilful football.
However, only one word can describe their recent outing against Costa Rica in their opening match of Copa America 2024, and that is disappointing. The Brazilians are known for producing a romance between their feet and the ball; however, the team lacked synchronization alongside individual excellence, and it never seemed as if they were the same powerful horses of Latin soccer.
Dorival Junior, who has been assigned newly with the Latin powerhouse, will have to be better tactically to organize the superstars of the side.
Against Costa Rica in the tournament opener, the Brazillian goalkeeper who did not have much of a role to play was the only player who seemed to do what he had to on the field. The defense remained disorganized; only for an opponent like Los Ticos, Dorival’s side was spared without much threat to their goal.
Danilo with the armband was too casual despite the responsibility, while the PSG and Madrid stars, Marquinhos and Militao, remained firm in central defense and posed a major threat ahead, though Marquinhos’s stunner was denied due to interference from a Brazilian offside.
The Brazilian midfielder has always led an example to world football; however, Paqueta, despite several chances on the ball, could not find the back of the net, though he remained Brazil’s only possible threat at the opposition penalty box. Newcastle central midfielder Gumaires played the role of controlling midfielder, and hence his presence was felt though competence was severely lacking.
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Brazil lost the game primarily in the forward line as the three giants of La Liga were completely out of touch, having not a single shot at goal. Vinicius and Raphinha seemed incompatible down the two flanks. Dorival Jr. would have to make some tough choices and dare to choose class over fame, including Endrick and Martinelli over the La Liga greats Rodrygo and Raphinha.
The lack of Neymar and Richarlison, which was felt in the game against the Los Ticos, should be overcome against Paraguay so that the Latin American giants can break the shackles to enter a spree of goalscoring like southern neighbours Uruguay, who have scored 8 in the tournament so far.