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Right after the final whistle in Morumbi, last Friday night, the unsatisfied fans on social media and foreign sports websites found the same explanation for Brazil’s poor performance in the 1-0 victory over Venezuela: the absence of Neymar.
There is no doubt that the team was missing the ace, it is something even obvious when it comes to one of the best players in the world. Hence pointing this out as the only reason for the poor performance or reigniting the controversy over an alleged dependence on the attacker at a great distance.
First of all, remember that Neymar participated in only 13 of the last 25 matches of the National Team, which even without him won the Copa América title last year.
The circumstances this time increase the impact of the embezzlement, it is true. Tite only had two training sessions with the full group and, in addition to Neymar, he lost another key piece in the offensive sector: Philippe Coutinho, player most frequently summoned by him.
But, despite these and all the other considerations that can be made, more is expected from Brazil. If the Paris Saint-Germain star couldn’t play, there were Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Richarlison and other elite athletes in world football. But once again the team faced enormous difficulties against an injured rival, as it had been against Venezuela itself in 2019, in a goalless draw in the Copa América.
Like last year, Vinotinto closed with five players in defense and four more ahead, forming two very compact lines, as you can see in the image below:
Venezuela closed at 5-4-1 against Brazil – Photo: Playback
Neymar’s genius was perhaps decisive in breaking this blockade, but it would also be possible with triangulations, dribbling, overtaking, medium and long-distance shots …
What we saw, however, was a team that took little risk, was in a cast at times and changed many passes (623), but without the necessary speed.
See also:
+ See the scores of the players of the national team
+ Tite mentions the “golf cup” of Paquetá and admits difficulties in victory
Tite repeated the scheme 2-3-5, this time with Gabriel Jesús on the right, Richarlison as “shirt 9” and Roberto Firmino with more freedom to leave the area. The Liverpool forward started on the left side, but the national team grew when he reversed his position with Everton Ribeiro, leaving Flamengo closer to Renan Lodi to govern.
If Richarlison’s goal in the 7th minute had not been annulled due to a millimeter impediment, it is very possible that Brazil would win by playing better and perhaps even repeat what they did in their debut, when they beat Bolivia 5-0. Stubborn seemed to be sapping the energy and patience of the team, which also made many technical errors, especially in attempts to turn around or long balls.
At 32 years old, a move showed what the road to Brazil could be. Allan managed to turn quickly to get rid of the mark and found a quick pass for Firmino, who deviated from the mark and, between the Venezuelan lines, risked a shot from outside the area. Sadly, a rare moment in the weak first half of the Canaries.
Venezuela’s strong brand made life difficult in Brazil – Photo: Nelson Almeida / Reuters
Realizing the creative difficulty of the team, after half-time Tite put Lucas Paquetá in place of Douglas Luiz. Outstanding in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Aston Villa midfielder was far behind this time.
Another change was the movement of Gabriel Jesús to the center, backtracking with Richarlison.
The team improved, albeit with difficulties, and reached the winning goal after a good triangulation, one of the virtues of Tite’s Brazil, but which was lacking in the game. Richarlison, Paquetá, Everton Ribeiro … and Firmino’s goal after a dispute in the area.
In advantage, Brazil slowed down and began to control the score in the final minutes, giving even more disappointing airs for the lean victory. Pedro came in willingly, Everton Cebolinha (again on the right) offered fresh encouragement, but that was it.
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On Tuesday, the national team will face their toughest rival so far in the qualifiers: Uruguay, in Montevideo. If on the one hand you should have more work on defense, it is very likely that you will also find more space to attack. One thing, however, is certain: Neymar will not play again.
