Brazil v Uruguay, 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Brazil paid a heavy price for their own mistakes

The Maracana has observed many epic battles between Brazil and Uruguay and one of those encounters still hurts the Brazilian fans all over the world – the heartbreaking Maracanazo in 1950. Then there was that nail-biting Copa America Final in 1989 and the do-or-die qualification match in 1993. In those games, the Selecao didn’t let any heartbreaks to repeat. But those games were not easy ones. In world football, Uruguay are such a unit which can unnerve both Brazil and Argentina.

In the World Cup Qualification match of last night, Uruguay spoiled Brazil’s party again, but this time around, Brazil suffered for their own mistakes rather than Uruguay’s brilliant display.

Brazil’s brilliant start

Brazil’s start was rollicking. A long ball from Dani Alves was received by Willian, who beat Voates with pace and crossed from the right side where Digeo Costa stretched out a leg to put the ball at into the net. In the eighth minute Costa edged was very close to double the score as he out Fuclie with speed and skill, but his attempt was cut short for a corner. Brazil’s brilliant start gained further momentum when Neymar spotted Renato Augusto around the back of the Uruguayan defence. Neymar outsmarted Alvaro Pereira to pass the ball to Renato who dummied Muslera before hammering the ball into the roof of Uruguay’s net. Brazil 2 Uruguay 0. Brazil were in the wonderland.

Uruguay bounce back

Uruguay were at bay in the first 30 minutes, but it didn’t take them long enough to come back into the game. Pereira smartly beat Willian on the left to cross the ball to Sanchez, who nodded it back for Edilson Cavani who thundered the ball in the Brazilian net to make it 2-1. Gradually, Uruguay started to claw back into the game and as soon as the second half started, the talisman of La Celeste, Luis Suarez equalized to put Brazil on the back foot.

Fragile Brazilian defence

Brazil’s defence was at their worst last night. Neither Felipe Luis nor David Luiz exhibited enough effort to stop orchestration on Cavanni’s goal. While Cavani was about to shoot the ball, Luiz  stood like a cartoon rather attempting to stop the shot. Luiz was found wanting again when Suarez easily beat him to score the second goal. How foolish can a central defender be! David Luiz doesn’t deserve a place in the team. Meanwhile, after last night’s dismal performance, Miranda’s place in the team should be questioned.

Miranda had past his best long ago and doesn’t have the skill and stamina to weather the storm against the best strikers in the world. Against Uruguay, he was not only poor in guarding the defence, but he was found serving wrong passes which could have proved handy for Brazil.

Why Dunga doesn’t include Thiago Silva in the team remain a moot question. Thiago Silva is not only the best defender in the world, but is also blessed with leadership qualities. Neymar is still not mature enough to be the captain of the side and making him the captain of the side is nothing but adding more pressure on the young man.

Carlos Dunga might have personal problems with Thiago, but when it is the matter of betterment of the team, he should keep his ego aside. Brazil needs the best players in its defence and not some burn-out-soldiers.

Where is Marquinhos?

Moreover, when a team is blessed with players like Alex Sandro, Marcelo and Danilo, why would you select past-heroes like Dani Alves and Felipe Luis. Both Alves and Luis were easily outweighed by the Uruguayan wing and it would have been ideal, if they concentrated more on man-marking rather than advancing forward.

I don’t think, Brazil needs the service of them anymore. Dunga should concentrate on the young assets of Brazil.

Philippe Coutinho to play as a deep-central-midfielder?

Dunga summoned Philippe Coutinho to replace Fernandinho in the second half. I was shocked to discover that the Brazilian coach wants Coutinho to play as a deep lying central midfielder. Are you serious Mr. Dunga? Coutinho is a genuine number 10 material and you want him to play as a defensive midfielder? What would be the best word to describe your coaching method?

Willian had lost his vim as the second  half progressed and Coutinho should have come instead of him. Moreover, when you have players like Ganso, who’s a unique talent, how can you ignore his contributions? Then, there is a versatile player like Lucas Moura, who has been ignored repeatedly due to your mind-boggling team selection.

A disorganized midfield

Dunga is adopting a 4-1-4-1 system and it requires a defensive midfelder and two brilliant central midfielders who can control the possession and win the ball back. I am sorry to say, Luiz Gustavo is in his decaying stage no matter how much the critics try to justify his place in the team. Why doesn’t anyone talk about Lucas Lima? Then, why no one talks about Casemiro who has been performing brilliantly for Real Madrid. Casemiro has the ability to inject intensity and the cutting edge which Brazil badly needs in the central midfield.

Brazil need a genuine number 9 and not false number 9

False 9 is not the Brazilian way. Yes, it worked in 1970 as because someone like Pele was there, but Neymar has still not reached the ranks of either Pele, Romario or Ronaldo. It is just foolish enough to expect such a young player to everything. Neymar is fine on the left flank rather than playing the role of a striker and I don’t get the idea of 36-year old striker to score for Brazil. A number 9 should be blessed with versatility and pace. Can we expect such things from players like Ricardo Oliveira, Diego Tardelli, Jo or Fred?

Brazil have players like Gabriel Barbosa, Jonas, Gabriel Jesus and co, then, why the hell cash on substandard strikers?

Brazil need to regroup

Brazil’s next game is against Paraguay and on their own den, they are a dangerous opponent. If Carlos Dunga doesn’t shun his pragmatic and mind-boggling tactics, Brazil will find it tough against Paraguay.

I repeat, pragmatism is not the Brazilian way.

CBF must rethink about their faith in Dunga. Either Tite or Rogerio Micale should  be the coach of Brazil.

Dear CBF, please, think seriously.   

Thank You

Faisal Caesar