Brazil v Denmark, Group Match, Rio 2016 - Superb display by the Samba Boys

What a show by the Samba boys! Rogerio Micale’s men dished out the sort of football we all have been waiting for a long time. Jogo Bonito was rekindled at Salvador and Brazil dominated throughout the match and scored four goals to answer the haters who made the life of the Samba Boys miserable for the last one week.

Micale adopted a 4-2-4 formation, the tactic which gave new life to Jogo Bonito in 1958 and took attacking football to a new level. Brazil’s attacking flair was evident from the start and some of their moves were spectacle – Neymar’s silky pass to Gabriel Jesus which he missed, a Socrates like backheel of Gabigol, Douglas Santos’ shift of role from wing back to left winger like Junior, Renato Augusto running from the deep to opposition goal like Toninio Cerezo and Falcao, Neymar’s chip over the Denish defence to Douglas Santos and then to Luan for the third goal, the formation of triangles and squares more often in the midfield like the glorious 70s and 80s and those short passes to orchestrate an attack were a treat for the eyes.

Neymar dropped down deep tonight and dictated the match like Pele of 1970. He ran on smoothly, with enough control over the ball and helped to move his attackers more forward and then either passed it to Jesus or Gabigol or passed it left to Santos to broaden the space for scoring a goal.

Then there was Douglas Santos. I am sure, Brazil doesn’t need a Marcelo or Felipe Luiz in the team anymore. This Santos is an absolute gem. He has the attacking and defensive qualities of Junior, Roberto Carlos and Nilton Santos. He not only offers security at the left flank, but moves up with the ball to initiate an attack.

Marquinhos was rock solid at the back while, Walace was highly impressive in the midfield. Being a Brazilian follower since 1988, I am not a fan of the destroyers in the midfield. But time has changed and the presence of such physical characters offer enough balance to the team. By the way, Walace not only shut down an attack, but he has the ability to win the ball back and pass it as well.

Among the two Gabriels, Gabigol was the most impressive. This boy is destined to achieve greatness and after playing in Europe, he will be a new sensation. I am happy to see that Jesus has found the net. It was much needed to boost his confidence. Just give him some time and he will rock.

Of course, how can I forget about Luan? He is a typical number 7 and what impressed me was his very good positional sense when the players move up from the deep and nears the opposition penalty area, he positions himself well to aid the initiative and reap a rich harvest.

Micale has delivered the sort of football, he promised to us. This is what Brazil football is all about. It’s all about the joy of life.

Viva Brazil!  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar