The valley of death,
Kazan arena
The Kazan arena witnessed the departure of World Champions
Germany and Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Even though, in my opinion, Argentina’s
departure was not something surprising as because they were a side with no plans
and whatsoever. I was surprised, how could France digest three goals against
such a below average side! In the other hand, Germany’s shocking defeat against
South Korea will always remain a mystery for me. Since I started following
soccer way back in 1988, I have not seen Germany play so poorly in a World Cup.
The Kazan effect? I don’t know. But as Jonathan Wilson
wrote, “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 is the ghosts of giants. In three games
Kazan has claimed the winners of 11 World Cups”.
But on June 7, 2018, frankly speaking, I was not expecting
Brazil to lose at Kazan against Belgium. With due respect to the Red Devils, it
was quite unexpected that the Samba Boys would surrender against them. Without
a doubt, Belgium are a very good side, but when we talk about Brazil, who have
all the qualities to lift the trophy, definitely, Belgium might pose a threat,
but they would not overcome the superiority of Samba Boys. To the astonishment
of each and every soccer fans and billions of Brazil followers around the
world, Roberto Martinez’s men weathered the Samba storm, which started after
twenty minutes of the game and continued till the end, and advanced to the
semifinals after 32 years!
A Brazil defeat in a World Cup knockout stage itself is a
shock and takes the sheen-off the mega event as they are always the love of
majority.
Why Brazil lost last night?
I think, first of all, the absence of Casemiro. Secondly,
playing Marcelo instead of Felipe Luis. Thirdly, a Brazilian defence, which
crumbled under pressure. Fourthly, lack of logical support from the referee and
VAR. Fifthly, Thibaut Courtois. And finally,
Neymar’s failure to unleash his true-self when it was really required.
Casemiro was hugely missed in that defensive midfield
region. His replacement Fernandinho proved not only vulnerable, but also ended up
scoring an own goal, which ultimately scripted Brazil’s fate. Neither could he
guard Kevin de Bryune nor could he tackle brilliantly and win the ball back
when Belgium pressed forward.
Meanwhile, why Tite opted for Marcelo instead of Felipe Luis
remains a moot question. Romel Lukaku was playing deep and almost as a winger
on the right and what Brazil left back required was to stay back as much as
possible and not give Lukaku the spaces. When Lukaku ran forward to pass the
ball to de Bruyne, Marcelo was seen inactive while Fernandinho was left
clueless. De Bruyne received the ball and scored the second goal in a stunning
fashion! Not even the aliens could stop Kevin, from that position, which was
gifted by a Brazil defence, which was surprisingly devoid of
composure.
Two goals down and Brazil roared back. Tite brought on
Firmino and Douglas Costa, which reignited the five-time champions. They shot
the ball on target more than twenty times – some ricocheted in the box, but did
not fall in the right place, some flew over the bar, some hit the woodwork,
some passes from the angle did not meet the feet of the striker, while some
were blocked by a goalkeeper of high-pedigree – Courtois. It seemed, Dino Zoff
of Seville of 1982 was keeping last night.
It was the night, which required Brazil’s golden son Neymar
to unleash the beast in him. But he was not there. He did attack, but that
X-factor, which the likes of Pele, Garrincha, Romario or Ronaldo always
exhibited on the big stage, was hugely missing. His PSG teammate Meuneir was
even surprised by the average display of Brazil’s number 10 in such a crucial
match.
Of course, Brazil did not have the sympathy or support,
whatever words you use, of referee and VAR. That tackle of Vincent Kompany
against Gabriel Jesus should have been
awarded a penalty, but throughout the tournament, neither VAR or the on-field
referee showed any sort of supportive acts towards the Selecao. Perhaps, the
hype created by media on Neymar’s histronics played a huge role in diminishing
the sympathy.
Unlucky Brazil?
Above all, Brazil did not have the luck on their side last
night. As Jonathan Wilson wrote, “What was really striking, though, was how
dangerous Belgium were on the break. They rode their luck to an extent. Thiago
Silva bundled an early corner against a post and Paulinho missed his kick when
well-placed. Thibaut Courtois made a number of fine saves and bodies were put
on the line again and again. But that was always likely to be the case. This,
after all, is a Brazil side that had won 20 of their 25 games under Tite and
were averaging more than two goals a game. Belgium were always going to have to
endure and survive. But they also cut through Brazil over and over again”.
Brilliant Martinez
Belgian coach Roberto Martnez deserves a lot of credit for
handling the pressure and switching to 4-3-3 from his usual 3-4-3 formation.
His utilisation of de Bruyne as a false nine paid rich dividends and whenever
his men found the spaces on the break, they used pace to outweigh the
opponents. Lukaku dropped deep and why not? There was a left-back named Marcelo,
who left the left-flank wide open because of his less-profitable adventurous
approach on the up.
Conclusion
Brazil are out of the World Cup and it’s a fact. A reality,
which would take time to accept for me and many fans out there. This time
around, they were well prepared, but they would return home without completing
the mission HEXA!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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