Returning to the land where they last tasted World Cup glory in 2002, Brazil faced a familiar foe in their Olympic opener in Tokyo: Germany, the team they conquered in Yokohama two decades ago. This time, however, the stakes were different. The psychological scars of their defeat to Argentina at the Maracanã still lingered, and Brazil's mission was clear: to restore pride and prove their mettle on the Olympic stage.
Their campaign began with a spectacle, marked by a blend of
brilliance, resilience, and an all-too-familiar flaw—missed opportunities.
A Dream Start:
Richarlison’s Hat-Trick
It took just seven minutes for Brazil to announce their
intentions. Richarlison, deployed on the left, latched onto a precise pass and
slotted a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. The goal, a product of
Antony’s assist from the right, injected urgency and belief into the
Selecao.
The momentum snowballed. Claudinho and Matheus Cunha
relentlessly pressed the German backline, creating waves of pressure. In the
22nd minute, full-back Guilherme Arana delivered an exquisite cross that
Richarlison buried with precision, doubling Brazil’s lead.
Eight minutes later, Cunha’s deft setup allowed Richarlison
to complete his hat-trick—a feat that etched his name in history as the first
Premier League player to score a treble at the Olympics.
At 3-0, Brazil seemed poised to exorcise the ghosts of past
disappointments, but the narrative took an unexpected turn.
The Tale of Missed
Chances
Brazil’s attacking verve was undeniable, yet their finishing
left much to be desired. Dani Alves, the ageless captain, orchestrated
opportunities with his trademark flair. His assist to Richarlison lacked only a
clinical finish. Moments later, Cunha’s header from another Alves delivery
lacked the sharpness to beat the German goalkeeper.
The Germans, visibly rattled, conceded a penalty when
Benjamin Henrichs handled the ball in the box. Matheus Cunha, however,
squandered the chance, his attempt saved. Brazil continued their onslaught,
with Cunha again missing a golden opportunity in first-half stoppage time,
leaving the Selecao with a bittersweet 3-0 lead at the break.
Germany’s Resilience
and Brazil’s Response
The second half mirrored the first in Brazil’s dominance,
but their profligacy persisted. Antony, a livewire on the right flank, linked
seamlessly with Alves but failed to convert promising chances. Cunha and
Claudinho, too, found their efforts lacking precision.
Germany, known for their tenacity, capitalized on Brazil’s
wastefulness. Nadiem Amiri’s strike in the 57th minute exposed cracks in the
Brazilian defence, and suddenly, the spectre of a comeback loomed.
Despite their defensive frailties, Brazil pressed on.
Richarlison narrowly missed a header, and even centre-back Diego Carlos
ventured forward to test the German goalkeeper. Substitute Malcom added fresh
energy, setting up Antony for another missed opportunity.
When Ragnar Ache reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 84th
minute, Brazil’s earlier profligacy threatened to derail their campaign. But in
stoppage time, Bruno Guimarães, commanding the midfield with poise, set up Paulinho,
whose clinical finish sealed a hard-fought 4-2 victory.
The Dani Alves Factor
and Lingering Concerns
Even at 38, Dani Alves demonstrated why he remains
indispensable. His leadership, vision, and precision passing were instrumental
in orchestrating Brazil’s attacking play. Alongside Bruno Guimarães, who
dictated the tempo with incisive passes, Alves ensured Brazil’s midfield was a
fortress and a launchpad.
Yet, Brazil’s habit of squandering chances is a recurring
flaw. From the Copa América to Tokyo, their inability to convert dominance into
decisive victories has been a persistent Achilles’ heel. Against tougher
opposition, such wastefulness could prove costly.
Redemption and
Reflection
Brazil’s victory against Germany was a testament to their
attacking prowess and resilience, but it also underscored areas requiring
immediate improvement. The Selecao’s journey in Tokyo will hinge not just on
their skill but on their ability to shed old habits and embrace clinical
efficiency.
For now, the smiles are back, but the road ahead demands
more than just flair—it demands the ruthless precision that defines
champions.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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