For Brazil fans, the sting of this defeat lies not merely in
the loss but in the manner of it. Brazil’s display against Argentina was bereft
of the flair, cohesion, and creativity that have long defined their footballing
identity. It was a performance that not only paled in comparison to their
storied past but also underscored the growing cracks in Tite’s system—a system
that seems increasingly at odds with the ethos of Brazilian football.
A Year of Diminished
Returns
Brazil’s struggles in 2019 have been evident. The signs of
decline first appeared during the lackluster draw against Panama in Porto and
have since become glaringly obvious. While the Copa América victory on home
soil provided a veneer of success, the campaign was far from the sparkling
spectacle fans had hoped for. Since lifting the trophy, Brazil have failed to
win a single match, a streak unbecoming of a team with their pedigree.
The decline is not merely in results but in style. Brazil’s
performances have lacked the attacking verve and creativity that once made them
the most feared team in the world. Against Argentina, these deficiencies were
laid bare.
A Midfield Without
Magic
At the heart of Brazil’s struggles is a midfield devoid of
inspiration. Tite’s tactical approach, rooted in European pragmatism,
emphasizes defensive solidity and counterattacking opportunities. While this
approach has its merits, it stifles the natural attacking instincts of
Brazilian players. The midfield, once a hub of creativity, now appears static
and unimaginative.
Lucas Paquetá’s deployment as a number 10 was emblematic of
this dysfunction. Tasked with orchestrating attacks, Paquetá was instead
shackled by defensive responsibilities, a role ill-suited to his abilities. The
result was a disjointed midfield that failed to provide service to the forwards
or relieve the defensive pressure.
Arthur and Casemiro, tasked with linking play, fared no
better. Casemiro, a stalwart for both club and country, appeared fatigued—a
consequence of his relentless workload this season. Tite’s decision to introduce
Fabinho in the second half provided little respite, as the Liverpool midfielder
was unable to inject the necessary dynamism.
A more balanced midfield setup, with two pivots and a
dedicated attacking midfielder, might offer a solution. Arthur, with his vision
and composure, could excel in a more advanced role. However, Tite’s reluctance
to adapt his tactics continues to hinder Brazil’s progress.
The Wing-Back Woes
Brazil’s tradition of producing world-class
wing-backs—players who seamlessly blend defensive solidity with attacking
flair—seems to have faltered. Danilo and Alex Sandro, the current incumbents,
have consistently underwhelmed. Their inability to contribute meaningfully in
attack or provide defensive stability has left Brazil vulnerable on the
flanks.
The emergence of Renan Lodi and Emerson offers a glimmer of
hope. These young talents possess the attributes needed to reinvigorate
Brazil’s wide play, and Tite must place his faith in them.
A Wasted Opportunity
in Attack
Brazil’s attacking lineup, brimming with potential, was
another area of concern. The decision to start Willian on the left wing, ahead
of the in-form Rodrygo Goes, stifled the team’s rhythm from the outset.
Willian’s inability to link up effectively with Gabriel Jesus and Roberto
Firmino left Brazil’s attack toothless.
Rodrygo, fresh off a series of scintillating performances
for Real Madrid, deserved a starting role. His pace, creativity, and
fearlessness could have provided the spark Brazil so desperately needed. Tite’s
insistence on established names over emerging talents is a pattern that must
change if Brazil are to rediscover their attacking prowess.
Alisson: A Lone
Bright Spot
Amid the gloom, Alisson Becker stood tall. The Brazilian
goalkeeper made a series of heroic saves to keep the scoreline respectable,
preventing what could have been an embarrassing rout. His performance was a
reminder of the quality that still exists within the squad, even as the
collective falters.
A Call for Change
Brazil’s defeat to Argentina was not an isolated incident
but the culmination of a broader decline. Tite’s counterattacking approach,
heavily influenced by European football, has been exposed in recent matches
against Argentina, Nigeria, and Senegal. It is a philosophy that prioritizes
caution over creativity, and discipline over daring—a philosophy that feels alien
to the soul of Brazilian football.
To overcome this lean patch, Brazil must return to their
roots. The possession-based, attacking style that once defined Joga Bonito is
not merely a nostalgic ideal but a blueprint for success. It is a style that
aligns with the natural instincts of Brazilian players and resonates with the
fans.
For Tite, the path forward is clear. He must adapt his tactics, embrace the new generation of talent, and reignite the spark that has long defined Brazil. Anything less risks not only further defeats but also a loss of identity—a fate far worse than any scoreline.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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