The USA's recent performance record has been far from promising, losing 18 of their last 19 matches. Yet, in a twist, they managed to hold Brazil to a draw—a result that left many questioning Brazil’s readiness for Copa America. Head coach Dorival Júnior’s strategic pivot back to a 4-2-2-2 formation was intended to leverage firepower, placing Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha as dual goal-scoring threats. However, this tactical gamble fell short of expectations.
Vinícius Jr., brilliant when operating as a left winger, seemed misplaced as a central striker, unable to fully unleash his trademark creativity and pace. Raphinha, meanwhile, has yet to cement his presence in Brazil’s lineup, struggling to deliver the dynamism expected from a yellow shirt. Shifting Rodrygo Goes to the right could bring better balance to the attacking front, while a traditional playmaker—who can pull the strings behind a reliable target man—is urgently needed. Enter Endrick: his recent performances make him the most promising candidate for that role, carrying a maturity and precision that are rare at his age.
Further back, the midfield dynamics have been a matter of concern. While Lucas Paquetá shows greater influence in a central role, the current structure often finds him cast in a more attacking position, limiting his effectiveness. João Gomes, meanwhile, has found it difficult to anchor the central midfield, with inconsistent ball control that leaves Brazil vulnerable to counterattacks. This vulnerability has repeatedly left Brazil’s backline exposed, creating unnecessary defensive pressure that better midfield cohesion might alleviate.
With Copa America on the horizon, Brazil’s group-stage opposition—Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay—demands a sharper, more unified approach. Anything less than optimal form could make progression challenging. If Brazil fails to address these tactical missteps, qualifying for the knockout rounds will be no small feat. For a nation with storied success, average or below-par performances could come at a heavy price.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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