Brazil’s journey to Qatar 2022 continues with unyielding dominance, as they overcame Paraguay in their own fortress, the Estadio Defensores del Chaco. A venue where the Seleção had not tasted victory since 1985 became the stage for a commanding performance, as Tite’s side extended their perfect run in the qualifiers to six wins from six. The 2-0 victory not only reaffirmed Brazil’s supremacy but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of their squad, spearheaded by the talismanic Neymar.
Neymar: The Heartbeat
of Brazil
From the opening whistle, Brazil displayed intent and flair,
with Neymar at the epicentre of their attacking thrusts. It took only four
minutes for the Paris Saint-Germain star to make his mark, capitalizing on
Gabriel Jesus’ somewhat erratic pass to slot the ball home at the near post. It
wasn’t a highlight-reel goal, but it was a testament to Neymar’s clinical edge
and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Neymar’s impact extends beyond goals. His ability to operate
between the lines, threading passes and drawing defenders, left Paraguay’s
rigid 5-3-2 formation in disarray. With five goals and four assists in the
qualifiers, Neymar has been Brazil’s talisman, a player who not only delivers
but also elevates those around him. His assist for Lucas Paquetá’s late goal
was a perfect example of his vision and creativity, a deft setup that sealed
the game with a flourish.
Tactical Discipline
and Squad Depth
Tite’s Brazil operates with a tactical sophistication that
combines defensive solidity with attacking fluidity. The 4-2-2-2 formation
ensures a balance of power and precision, creating a compact defensive
structure while allowing the front four to exploit spaces. Against Paraguay,
this approach was evident as Brazil pressed high, dominated possession, and
controlled the tempo.
Fred, starting in midfield alongside Casemiro, delivered a
commendable performance, showcasing his ability to regain possession and
dictate play. However, his early booking prompted a halftime substitution, with
Lucas Paquetá coming on to add an attacking dimension. Paquetá’s late goal
underscored his versatility, hinting at a potential reshuffle in Tite’s
midfield hierarchy.
The defensive unit, led by Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, was
imperious. Brazil recorded their fifth clean sheet in six games, a feat that
underscores their defensive discipline. Even as Paraguay attempted to claw
their way back into the game, Brazil’s backline remained unyielding, snuffing
out threats with composure.
Paraguay’s Struggles
in the Final Third
For Paraguay, this was a night of frustration. Eduardo
Berizzo’s side, desperate to break their two-decade World Cup drought,
struggled to assert themselves. Their defensive setup aimed to stifle Brazil’s
creativity, but an early goal shattered their plans, forcing them to chase the
game.
Angel Romero, one of the top scorers in the qualifiers, was
isolated and starved of service. Paraguay’s inability to transition effectively
from defence to attack left Romero as a lone figure, battling in vain against
Brazil’s defensive wall. With just one goal in their last three matches,
Paraguay’s offensive woes threaten to derail their qualifying campaign.
A Historic Start for
Brazil
Brazil’s victory in Asunción marked their best start to a
World Cup qualifying campaign since 1969, a year that culminated in their
triumph at the tournament itself. With 18 points from six matches, they sit
comfortably atop the South American table, opening a significant gap over their
closest rivals.
“It was a game where we scored early, which settled us down
and allowed us to control the ball. Paraguay had to chase the game, and we
killed it at the end,” Marquinhos reflected. His words encapsulate Brazil’s
approach—calm, calculated, and clinical.
Looking Ahead
As Brazil gears up for the controversial Copa América, they
do so with a squad brimming with confidence and cohesion. Neymar’s form, the
depth in midfield, and the defensive solidity provide Tite with a robust
foundation. Yet, questions remain about how this side will fare against
stronger opposition in high-stakes encounters.
For Paraguay, the road to Qatar looks increasingly arduous.
Their defensive resilience must be matched by creativity and efficiency in
attack if they are to remain in contention.
In Asunción, Brazil not only broke a 36-year jinx but also
sent a clear message: they are not just qualifying for Qatar—they are shaping
up as contenders to dominate on the world stage.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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