Saturday, July 7, 2018

Brazil Are Out: The Selecao Are Exposed Temperamentally



The 2018 World Cup witnessed moments that will forever be etched in the minds of football fans. The Kazan Arena, a stadium that has hosted its fair share of drama, became the setting for the sudden exit of two of football’s heavyweights: Germany and Argentina. While Argentina’s downfall was perhaps not entirely unexpected—given their lack of tactical coherence and direction—Germany's exit was nothing short of a riddle. Watching the World Champions bow out to South Korea was a sight that defied belief. Since I began following football in 1988, I have never witnessed a German side perform so poorly on the World Cup stage.

Jonathan Wilson’s words about Kazan will surely echo through the ages: “In years to come when this stadium is a crumbling white elephant, they will sit in almost empty stands, hear the wind whisper across the marsh that surrounds it, and believe what they hear are the ghosts of giants. In three games, Kazan has claimed the winners of 11 World Cups.” The ghosts of footballing greatness lingered in the air, but for some, the spectre of failure overshadowed the hallowed turf.

But the biggest shock for many came on June 7, 2018, when Brazil—still the overwhelming favourite—lost to Belgium in a dramatic quarterfinal. With all due respect to Belgium, who had a formidable team, Brazil's surrender felt like a betrayal of their legacy. The Samba Boys had all the qualities necessary to lift the trophy—flair, skill, and an almost invincible aura. But despite dominating the opening stages, Brazil were undone by a combination of mistakes, missed opportunities, and clinical finishing from Roberto Martínez’s men. To the astonishment of millions of Brazil's loyal supporters, Belgium weathered the storm and advanced to the semifinals for the first time in 32 years.

A Brazil defeat in the knockout stage of a World Cup is a shock to the system, a jarring experience that takes the sheen off the tournament for many. For decades, Brazil’s presence at the global stage has been synonymous with brilliance. Their elimination—especially at the hands of a side like Belgium—was nothing short of heartbreaking for their fans.

Why Brazil Lost

Several factors contributed to Brazil’s downfall on that fateful night, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the defeat was a result of a series of unfortunate decisions and events.

First and foremost was the absence of Casemiro, Brazil’s anchor in midfield. His defensive presence was sorely missed, as Fernandinho, his replacement, struggled throughout the match. Not only did Fernandinho fail to protect the defence, but his unfortunate own goal sealed Brazil's fate. His inability to contain Kevin de Bruyne and win the ball back when Belgium pressed was a pivotal issue.

Secondly, Tite’s decision to start Marcelo over Felipe Luis raised eyebrows. With Romelu Lukaku playing deeper as a winger on the right, Brazil’s left-back was required to be more conservative in his positioning. Marcelo, however, was caught out of position on several occasions, leaving Lukaku with too much space to exploit. When Lukaku played a ball into de Bruyne, the Belgian maestro did what he does best, scoring a sensational goal that Brazil had little chance of recovering from.

As the match progressed, Brazil found their rhythm. Tite made attacking substitutions, bringing on Firmino and Douglas Costa, but their efforts seemed to fall short. Brazil unleashed wave after wave of attacks—over 20 shots on goal—but Belgium's defence held firm, with Thibaut Courtois in particularly imperious form. The Belgian goalkeeper was reminiscent of a wall, as he thwarted Brazil's best efforts with save after save.

Neymar’s Disappointing Performance

Then there was Neymar. The Brazilian talisman, who had been hyped as the man who would lead his country to World Cup glory, was disappointingly absent when Brazil needed him most. Neymar had his moments, but the spark and magic that we associate with Brazilian football legends like Pelé, Garrincha, Romário, and Ronaldo was missing. His performance was far from the game-changing influence fans had hoped for, and even his PSG teammate, Thomas Meunier, remarked on Neymar's lacklustre display. The weight of expectation proved too much for the 26-year-old, who failed to make the impact that Brazil so desperately needed.

The VAR Controversy

Adding to Brazil’s woes was the controversial role of VAR. Throughout the tournament, Brazil felt that they were not given the necessary support from referees or VAR. The tackle by Vincent Kompany on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty box, which many thought should have been a penalty, was not reviewed, and no action was taken. Whether it was a case of bias or simply bad luck, the lack of favourable calls left many Brazilian fans frustrated and feeling unjustly treated.

Unlucky Brazil?

Luck, as they say, plays a significant role in football, and on that night, Brazil had none on their side. As Jonathan Wilson pointed out, Belgium rode their luck, enduring numerous close calls. Thiago Silva’s header against the post, Paulinho’s miss, and Courtois’s heroic saves were all moments where fortune could have swung in Brazil’s favor. Yet, Belgium remained resilient, cutting through Brazil on the counterattack, always looking dangerous with every break forward.

Martínez’s Tactical Masterstroke

Roberto Martínez deserves immense credit for his tactical acumen. The Belgian coach was under immense pressure, yet his switch to a 4-3-3 formation from his usual 3-4-3 proved decisive. His use of Kevin de Bruyne as a false nine allowed the Belgian attack to stretch Brazil's defence, while Lukaku dropped deep to link up play. The tactical flexibility of Martínez, combined with the speed and directness of his players, created problems that Brazil struggled to solve.

Conclusion

Brazil’s exit from the World Cup is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite being well-prepared, the dream of a sixth World Cup title—HEXA—remains unfulfilled. This defeat, though painful, is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where the best-laid plans can be undone by a series of unfortunate events and decisions. The shock of Brazil’s departure will linger in the hearts of millions, but as the tournament progresses, the world will move on. For now, Brazil’s golden generation must return home and reflect on a missed opportunity, while Belgium moves on, continuing their quest for glory.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

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