The scoreline may read 3-1 in favour of Brazil, but the match against Saudi Arabia in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was anything but straightforward. While the Selecao emerged victorious to secure their place in the next round, Saudi Arabia’s spirited performance once again underscored their resilience—a quality that belied their winless record in the tournament.
A Tactical Opening
and Early Drama
With Douglas Luiz suspended following his controversial red
card against Ivory Coast, André Jardine turned to Matheus Henrique to partner
Bruno Guimarães in midfield. Despite this adjustment, the Brazilian lineup
largely mirrored that of previous matches, signalling Jardine’s faith in his
core group of players.
Saudi Arabia, undeterred by their underdog status, made
their intentions clear within the first ten minutes. Saud Abdulhamid, assisted
by Salem Al-Dawsari, fired an early warning shot, narrowly missing the target.
Moments later, Abdulhamid conceded a corner that would prove costly. From the
resulting set piece, Claudinho delivered a pinpoint cross, and Matheus
Cunha—under pressure to end his goal drought—rose to head Brazil into the lead.
It was a moment of redemption for Cunha, whose earlier misses had drawn
criticism, and his thirteenth goal under Jardine’s management was a timely
confidence booster.
Yet, Saudi Arabia refused to capitulate. Their equalizer
came from a well-executed set piece, as Salman Al-Faraj’s delivery found
Abdulelah Al-Amri, who outjumped Dani Alves and Diego Carlos to nod the ball
home. The aerial vulnerability that had plagued Brazil in earlier matches was
exposed once more, raising questions about their defensive organization.
Second-Half Adjustments
and Tactical Chess
The stakes grew higher as news filtered through of Ivory
Coast’s second-half goal against Germany, a result that threatened Brazil’s top
spot in the group. Sensing the urgency, Jardine introduced Malcolm for Antony,
granting Dani Alves more freedom to advance on the flanks. Saudi Arabia,
meanwhile, reinforced their defensive line, narrowing their shape and employing
a disciplined mid-block to frustrate Brazil’s attacking efforts.
Brazil responded with a deliberate strategy: exploiting the
flanks and creating pockets of space to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s defensive
rhythm. Claudinho, now operating wide, delivered a series of dangerous crosses,
while Bruno Guimarães orchestrated the midfield with composure and vision.
Despite these efforts, chances went begging—Matheus Cunha squandered a
gilt-edged opportunity, and Richarlison’s attempt lacked the precision to find
the back of the net.
Reinier’s Spark and Richarlison’s Redemption
With the match hanging in the balance, Jardine introduced
Reinier Jesus, a move that injected creativity and urgency into Brazil’s
attack. Reinier’s deft footwork and intelligent movement began to unravel Saudi
Arabia’s defensive structure, paving the way for Brazil’s breakthrough.
From a set-piece situation, Bruno Guimarães headed the ball
into the path of Richarlison, who made no mistake from close range. The relief
was palpable, and the goal galvanized Brazil to press forward. In the dying
moments, a brilliant interplay between Reinier and Malcolm culminated in
Richarlison’s second goal, sealing the victory in style. The duo’s chemistry
was a highlight, their understanding creating yet another dangerous chance as
the match drew to a close.
Lessons Learned and
Challenges Ahead
While Brazil’s attacking verve ultimately prevailed, their
defensive frailties—particularly in aerial duels—remain a concern. Two of the
three goals conceded in the group stage came from set pieces, a recurring issue
that Jardine must address if Brazil are to fulfil their ambitions of Olympic glory.
Post-match, Jardine acknowledged both the positives and
areas for improvement. “The defensive weaknesses in aerial plays are something
we need to correct. We’ve seen this vulnerability before, and it’s cost us
again,” he remarked. However, he praised his team’s adaptability and
resilience, particularly in the face of Saudi Arabia’s disciplined and physical
approach.
A Victory Beyond the
Scoreline
This match was more than a contest of skill; it was a test
of character. Saudi Arabia, despite their exit, earned admiration for their
determination and tactical discipline. For Brazil, the win highlighted their
depth and ability to adapt under pressure, qualities that will be crucial as they
progress in the tournament.
The Selecao’s journey continues, but the lessons from this hard-fought victory will linger—a reminder that even the brightest stars must navigate the shadows of their own imperfections.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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