In São Paulo, Brazil faced a familiar yet formidable challenge—breaking down a resolute Venezuelan defence. The absence of Neymar, sidelined by a groin injury sustained during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League campaign, loomed large over the Seleção. His absence, compounded by injuries to Philippe Coutinho, Fabinho, and Rodrigo Caio, as well as COVID-19 exclusions for Éder Militão and Gabriel Menino, left Tite’s squad without several key players.
Yet, Brazil is a nation of footballing depth, a team that
rarely falters even when star names are missing. Against a defensively
disciplined Venezuela, however, the cracks in the Seleção’s attacking framework
were laid bare.
A Tactical
Impasse
On paper, Tite’s lineup was potent. Roberto Firmino led the
line as the central striker, flanked by Richarlison on the left and Gabriel
Jesus on the right. A midfield trio of Allan, Douglas Luiz, and Éverton Ribeiro
promised control and creativity, while the backline, marshalled by Thiago Silva
and Marquinhos, ensured stability. Ederson replaced Alisson Becker in
goal.
José Peseiro, Venezuela’s manager, opted for a conservative
approach, setting his team up in a low block to stifle Brazil’s rhythm and
restrict space. This defensive strategy forced Brazil to rely on long passes
and flank play to penetrate the compact Venezuelan lines.
Despite dominating possession—74% by the final
whistle—Brazil struggled to convert control into clear opportunities.
Venezuela’s deep defensive structure turned the game into a test of patience,
one that Brazil laboured to pass.
The Missing Talisman
The absence of Neymar was painfully evident. Beyond his
flair and finishing, Neymar serves as a creative hub, frequently dropping deep
to orchestrate attacks and link midfield to the forward line. His ability to
draw defenders out of position and unlock compact defences was sorely
missed.
Similarly, the void left by Coutinho’s ingenuity in midfield
was glaring. Without these two creative forces, Brazil’s buildup play lacked
fluidity and imagination.
Douglas Luiz and Allan, tasked with controlling the
midfield, fell short of expectations. Luiz, in particular, endured a torrid
evening. His passing was erratic, and his inability to track runs left gaps for
Venezuela to exploit. A yellow card in the first half further curtailed his
effectiveness, prompting Tite to replace him at halftime. Allan, too, was
largely anonymous, his misplaced passes stifling Brazil’s momentum.
Éverton Ribeiro, the lone bright spot in midfield, attempted
to inject creativity, but his efforts were often isolated and insufficient
against Venezuela’s defensive wall.
The Breakthrough
Brazil’s frustration mounted as the first half unfolded.
Gabriel Jesus missed a golden opportunity to convert from close range, while
Douglas Luiz had a goal disallowed for a foul on Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker
Faríñez. The second half brought more of the same—dominance without end
product.
Finally, in the 67th minute, Brazil’s persistence paid off.
Ribeiro, shifting to a wide-right position, delivered a teasing cross into the
box. Venezuelan defender Osorio, under pressure, misjudged his header, and the
ball fell to Firmino. The Liverpool striker, struggling to impose himself
throughout the match, reacted instinctively, volleying the ball awkwardly past
Faríñez.
It was a scrappy goal, but one that underscored Firmino’s
knack for delivering in crucial moments. Until that point, Firmino had tested
Faríñez only once, midway through the first half, with a rasping shot. His
winning strike, however, salvaged a difficult night for Brazil.
A Sobering
Reality
Despite the victory, Brazil’s performance raised concerns.
Managing just three shots on target despite overwhelming possession is a
statistic that does little justice to a forward line featuring Firmino, Jesus,
and Richarlison. These players, known for their ability to dismantle defences,
found themselves stifled by Venezuela’s disciplined approach.
Tite’s side must rediscover their cutting edge, especially
with a daunting clash against Uruguay in Montevideo looming. Without Neymar,
the Seleção’s ability to adapt and overcome defensive setups will be tested
once again.
Looking Ahead
Brazil’s triumph over Venezuela was not one to savour but
rather one to scrutinize. The resilience and depth of the squad were evident,
but so too were the gaps in creativity and fluidity. As the team prepares for
Uruguay, the onus will be on Tite to address these deficiencies and ensure that
Brazil’s journey through the World Cup qualifiers remains on course.
For now, the Seleção’s victory is a reminder of their ability to grind out results—a hallmark of champions, even on nights when brilliance eludes them.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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