Brazil beat South Korea: A Tactical Masterclass or Mere Respite?

In a surprising turn of events, Brazil's national team, which began the match against South Korea as perceived underdogs, delivered a resounding 3-0 victory. This triumph came on the heels of lacklustre performances, including a defeat to an average Peru side and a disheartening loss to Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Against this backdrop, many feared that even South Korea could exploit Brazil’s vulnerabilities. However, the Selecao rose to the occasion, dispelling doubts and rekindling hope.

Tite’s Tactical Reset: Formation and Positional Precision

Tite opted for his signature 4-1-4-1 formation, but this time with a critical adjustment: the right players were placed in their ideal positions. Arthur and Lucas Paquetá operated in central midfield, providing balance and creativity, while Philippe Coutinho was given a freer role in central attacking midfield. This setup allowed Coutinho to seamlessly transition between the left flank and central areas, orchestrating Brazil's offensive manoeuvres. Behind them, Fabinho played as a defensive pivot, shielding the backline and enabling the midfielders to advance with confidence—a move made more astute by resting the fatigued Casemiro.

The midfield trio’s synergy was palpable. Arthur and Paquetá complemented each other’s styles, with Fabinho’s defensive prowess serving as a foundation. The clarity in their roles highlighted the importance of tactical discipline, a factor Brazil had sorely missed in previous outings.

Renan Lodi: A Revelation on the Left Flank

Renan Lodi's performance as a left-back was pivotal. His involvement in the first and third goals underscored his attacking flair and positional awareness. The opening goal was a testament to Brazil’s fluidity: Coutinho’s deft dribble set up Lodi, whose pinpoint cross found Paquetá for a clinical finish. The third goal, a showcase of Brazil's quintessential build-up play, saw Lodi initiating the move that culminated in Danilo’s strike. Such sequences reminded fans of Brazil's storied tradition of mesmerizing, intricate passing.

Lodi’s emergence raises the question: has Brazil finally found their ideal left-back? While his performance was promising, sterner tests against elite teams will determine his true calibre. Nevertheless, his potential surpasses that of Alex Sandro, and Tite must nurture this talent with consistent opportunities.

Breaking the Free-Kick Curse

Coutinho’s stunning free-kick goal—the first by a Brazilian since Neymar’s in 2014—broke another jinx. For a nation celebrated for its free-kick maestros, this dry spell was an anomaly. Coutinho’s strike not only electrified the fans but also rekindled memories of Brazil’s golden eras.

Concerns Persist in the Number 9 Role

Despite the victory, Brazil’s attacking configuration left much to be desired. Richarlison, deployed as a number 9, struggled to make an impact, highlighting his unsuitability for the role. Conversely, Gabriel Jesus, a natural striker, was relegated to the wing, a tactical misstep that stifled his effectiveness. The decision to introduce Rodrygo Goes—a burgeoning talent from Real Madrid—in the dying minutes was baffling. Friendlies are ideal opportunities to integrate young players, and Rodrygo’s limited involvement felt like a missed chance.

Looking Ahead: Building Momentum

This victory should mark the beginning of a sustained resurgence. Consistency, underpinned by the right player combinations and tactical clarity, is imperative. Tite must resist favouritism and make merit-based selections to restore Brazil’s dominance. The upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Copa America, and matches against Europe’s elite will test the Selecao’s resolve.

Winning, as they say, is a habit. For Brazil, it must also be an expression of their unique flair and tactical acumen. Fans expect no less.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar