Brazil's Tactical Dilemmas: Assessing the Challenges Ahead of Copa America 2024

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.

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Faisal Caesar 

Bert Patenaude: The Forgotten Pioneer of the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage for footballers to etch their names into history. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic hat-trick against Spain in 2018 to Pelé’s teenage brilliance in 1958, and Paolo Rossi’s redemption in 1982, these moments have captivated the world. Yet, the story of the first-ever World Cup hat-trick remains shrouded in obscurity, belonging to an unlikely hero from the United States: Bert Patenaude. 

Born on November 4, 1909, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Patenaude was a product of the vibrant local soccer scene, where immigrant communities fostered a competitive football culture. His early career was a testament to his natural talent and relentless work ethic. After signing his first professional contract with the Philadelphia Field Club in 1928, Patenaude quickly made a name for himself with his knack for scoring. However, his journey was far from linear, as he moved between clubs, including J&P Coats and his hometown Fall River Marksmen, before eventually earning a spot on the U.S. national team for the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930. 

A Journey to the Unknown 

The 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay was a bold experiment by Jules Rimet, inviting nations from across the globe to compete on football’s grandest stage. The United States, a relative outsider in the global football landscape, accepted the invitation and assembled a 16-man squad. Among them was the 20-year-old Patenaude, whose inclusion was partly due to the absence of Archie Stark, considered the country’s best forward at the time. 

The journey to Uruguay was an odyssey in itself—an 18-day voyage across the Atlantic. When the U.S. team arrived in Montevideo on July 1, they were greeted not by fanfare but by indifference. Football in America was a niche sport, and few back home paid attention to their exploits. 

The Historic Hat-Trick 

The U.S. team surprised many with their skill, inspired by the competitive American Soccer League (ASL). Their opening match against Belgium ended in a resounding 3-0 victory, with Patenaude scoring the third goal. However, it was their second match against Paraguay that would secure Patenaude’s place in history. 

On July 17, 1930, the U.S. faced Paraguay, the reigning Copa América champions and a formidable opponent. Patenaude opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed by a second goal just five minutes later. The third came in the 50th minute, completing his hat-trick and securing a 3-0 victory for the Americans. 

The achievement was monumental, but controversy surrounded the second goal, with conflicting reports attributing it as an own goal, a strike by teammate Tom Florie, or Patenaude’s own. For decades, the ambiguity denied him the recognition he deserved. It wasn’t until November 10, 2006, that FIFA officially confirmed Patenaude as the scorer of all three goals, solidifying his status as the first player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history. 

The Aftermath 

Despite their success, the U.S. team’s World Cup journey ended in the semifinals with a heavy defeat to Argentina. Patenaude returned home to a nation largely indifferent to his achievements. The American press barely covered the tournament, and his historic feat went unnoticed. 

Patenaude continued his club career, becoming a prolific scorer in the ASL and later in the St. Louis Soccer League. His career highlights included a five-goal performance in the 1931 National Cup final and leading his teams to multiple league and cup titles. Yet, as the ASL collapsed and soccer’s popularity waned in the United States, Patenaude faded from the professional scene. 

A Legacy Rediscovered 

Bert Patenaude’s life after football was unremarkable by public standards. He returned to Fall River, working as a painter and carpenter until he died in 1974. Recognition of his contributions came late, with his induction into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 1971, just three years before his passing. 

Patenaude’s story is one of quiet greatness, a tale of a pioneer whose achievements were overshadowed by the nascent state of American soccer. His historic hat-trick remains a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the World Cup, where even an underdog can leave an indelible mark. 

Today, as football fans celebrate the legends of the game, Bert Patenaude’s name stands as a reminder that greatness often begins in the most unlikely of places. His feat in 1930 was not just a triumph for the United States but a landmark moment in the history of the World Cup, deserving of its place in the annals of football lore. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Brazil’s Redemption Against the USA: A Glimpse of the Samba Spirit?

After enduring harsh criticism following a lacklustre display against Costa Rica, Brazil silenced their detractors with a captivating performance against the USA. From the opening whistle, the Seleção exuded purpose and precision, showcasing a commanding rhythm that harkened back to their footballing heritage. The 4-1 victory marked Brazil’s tenth consecutive triumph over the United States, but more importantly, it rekindled hope for the return of the samba spirit. 

A Return to Tradition?

Gone was the cautious, safety-first approach that had plagued recent outings. Instead, Brazil embraced their traditional style of fluid passing and intelligent space creation, dictating the tempo of the game with confidence. The team’s counterattacking prowess was on full display, weaving artistry with intent. 

Hulk set the tone in the first half, delivering a composed finish to give Brazil the lead. However, it was the injection of Neymar, Lucas Moura, and Rafinha in the second half that elevated Brazil’s performance to a different plane. Their inclusion brought a dynamism that overwhelmed the USA defense, with Neymar bagging a brace and Rafinha adding the final flourish. 

The Stars Shine Bright 

While Neymar’s brilliance is now almost an expectation, it was Lucas Lima who truly caught the eye. Operating as an attacking midfielder in Dunga’s 4-5-1 formation, Lima brought energy, vision, and creativity to the midfield. His ability to link play, maintain tempo, and exploit spaces mirrored the qualities of Brazil’s iconic playmakers of the past. 

The wing-backs and midfielders also impressed with their disciplined yet adventurous displays, while Lucas Moura’s intelligent movement and precise passing added depth to Brazil’s attacking arsenal. This collective performance highlighted the wealth of talent at Dunga’s disposal, underscoring the importance of utilizing these assets effectively. 

The Dunga Dilemma 

While this victory offered a much-needed morale boost, it raises an enduring question: can Dunga consistently channel Brazil’s traditional style? Friendly victories, no matter how entertaining, are insufficient to satisfy the expectations of a nation that measures success by its performance in major tournaments. 

Dunga’s recent tactical evolution—moving away from pragmatism toward a more expansive game—suggests he may be willing to adapt. However, this transition must be fully embraced, not merely deployed in isolated fixtures. Brazil’s strength lies in their ability to play with freedom and flair, characteristics that resonate with their fans and intimidate their opponents. 

A Promising Yet Cautious Outlook 

The performance against the USA demonstrated Brazil’s potential when they aligned with their footballing DNA. However, this victory, while heartening, must not lead to complacency. Success in friendlies is a far cry from navigating the challenges of Copa América or World Cup qualifiers. 

Dunga now faces the task of ensuring this stylistic resurgence becomes the norm rather than the exception. The talent is there, but the system must amplify, not suppress their natural instincts. Brazil’s redemption story will only be complete when they deliver this level of football on the grandest stages, reasserting their identity as the beautiful game’s most luminous torchbearers. 

For now, though, the Seleção can savour a performance that reminded the world—and themselves—of what Brazilian football truly represents.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar