Neither Mexico ever won against Brazil nor did they ever score against the
Selecao in a World Cup match. And, the record remained firm as the Boys from
Brazil advanced into the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory!
In 1962, a number 10 named Pele scored and today, another
number 10 named Neymar gave Brazil the much needed opening to inject the psychological
boost after a pretty scratchy first half. But the credit must go to that man,
who was shifted to left from right as Fagner came up from right back, Willian –
cut back by beating the Mexican defence and provided the marvelous pass to
Brazil’s golden son Neymar and calm the nerves down.
That goal made Brazil even more menacing as since the second
half started, the Samba Boys were looking much organised – hungry for goals,
intention to toy with the green shirts and unleash the high-press, which has
made Tite’s Brazil a dangerous side since he took over as the coach. Brazil
high-pressed, dribbled, kept the wing busy and all this happened because of the
solid defense with Casemiro shielding them in front from that defensive
midfield position. Boy, I have never seen such a solid Brazilian defence.
As the match progressed, Willian looked a different customer
– the Willian of Chelsea was regaining his mojo as he made the left-flank all
his own and Felipe Luis just guarded that flank by cutting short his intention
to go up front. At the other end, Philippe Coutinho, yet again, marshalled the proceedings
throughout the match until he was substituted. He orchestrated from the centre forward position,
from the left, from the right and from centre midfield. What a player!
But Gabriel Jesus cut a frustrating figure once again. When
will that mental block fade remains a moot question.
Mexico started off with the same tactics used against
Germany, but they forgot, this Barzil defence is way better than the Germans and
this time around, they mean business. The Brazilian defenders simply isolated
the Mexican danger-men and Mexico were left without any plans.
Firmino confirmed an assured victory and Tite’s men are
looking promising enough.
Viva Brazil!!!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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