Brazil’s Improved Performance in Venezuela: A Tale of Progress and Missed Opportunities

Brazil's 1-1 draw against Venezuela might not have yielded the desired result, but it underscored a crucial shift in the team's trajectory: a marked improvement in both tactical coherence and offensive fluency. While the final scoreline might suggest a missed opportunity, the match offered a clear contrast to the stifling performance against Ecuador and reflected a deeper evolution in Brazil’s playstyle since the Copa América debacle.

The premise of judging Brazil’s performance based on its style of play, rather than the mere result, remains relevant. If this same criterion was applied to the unconvincing victory over Ecuador, it is only fair to extend it to Brazil’s more coherent display against Venezuela. Despite a disappointing outcome, Brazil emerged with a greater sense of purpose on the pitch, creating far more offensive volume than what was witnessed during their previous struggles. The team managed to maintain the ambition of their offensive identity, pressing high, controlling possession, and consistently looking to impose their will on the opposition. These traits, though not enough to secure all three points, nevertheless showcased a clear improvement in their overall game.

Tactical Intent and Attacking Dynamics

The tactical game plan was evident from the outset: Brazil sought to engage with the match in the same assertive manner they had in earlier fixtures, displaying the attacking instincts that have become their hallmark under coach Dorival Júnior. What stood out was the impressive mobility of the attacking quartet. In contrast to the stagnation seen during the Copa América, Brazil's forward line — particularly Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and the ever-dynamic Gerson — exhibited a more fluid and vertical attacking approach. This energy was complemented by the midfield support of Bruno Guimarães, who provided the necessary verticality to break through Venezuela’s defensive lines. The movement was purposeful and direct, with little wasted time on languid ball circulation.

The result was a more incisive Brazil, eager to transition quickly from defence to attack. Early chances underscored this shift. Raphinha’s precise free kick in the first half gave Brazil a deserved lead, while Vinícius Júnior’s counterattack, resulting in a thunderous strike that rattled the post, further exemplified the team’s heightened offensive sharpness. In fact, the first half offered multiple moments of brilliance: from Romo’s brilliant save to prevent an own goal to Savinho’s intelligent assist to Vinícius. Brazil was aggressive, fluid, and cohesive in their offensive endeavours, a significant departure from the disjointed performances of their recent past.

Defensive Weaknesses and the Issue of Space

However, as is often the case with teams in transition, Brazil’s defensive shortcomings were exposed at times. In particular, the team’s defensive transitions were less assured. The vulnerability was most evident early in the second half when Venezuela exploited the spaces left in Brazil’s midfield and defensive lines. Brazil's high-pressing game initially disrupted Venezuela’s build-up, but a lack of aggression in both pressing and passing allowed the Venezuelans to regain control, particularly as they began playing more aerial balls. In these moments, Brazil’s defensive midfielders, Bruno Guimarães and Gerson, found themselves stretched, forced to cover large gaps with little support. This ultimately led to Venezuela’s equalizer, a goal that came from a lack of defensive compactness in Brazil’s central zone — a direct consequence of their high pressing and subsequent gaps in coverage.

The defensive frailties became more apparent as the match progressed, and Brazil's inability to assert full control in the second half allowed Venezuela to create additional pressure. Despite recovering the ball in key areas, Brazil struggled to turn these moments into concrete chances, and their defensive midfielders — stretched by the attacking pressure — were often left exposed. This imbalance, akin to a "short blanket" effect, left crucial spaces open, especially in the “mouth of the funnel” — the zone in front of the penalty area. While it was clear that Guimarães and Gerson were working hard to cover these areas, their efforts were not always enough to prevent attacks from materializing.

Missed Opportunities and Tactical Adjustments

As the match drew on, Dorival Júnior sought to address the tactical imbalance by introducing attacking reinforcements, sacrificing defensive stability to increase the offensive threat. However, the Venezuelan defence, having been backed into a corner, proved difficult to break down, especially as they settled into a defensive stance after equalizing. The penalty miss by Vinícius Júnior — a rare mistake from Brazil’s most potent forward — seemed to encapsulate the frustrations of the evening. Brazil had opportunities, but the final execution, whether in front of goal or in defensive situations, let them down at critical moments.

Despite these setbacks, Brazil’s fluidity in attack was a notable improvement. The team's energy and tactical intentions were clear, and it was evident that Dorival’s system was beginning to bear fruit. While the defensive issues need refinement, particularly in maintaining balance between pressing and defensive compactness, the overall trajectory remains positive.

A Step Forward, but Room for Improvement

While frustrating in its result, the 1-1 draw with Venezuela presented a clear picture of Brazil’s ongoing evolution under Dorival Júnior. The team displayed far more attacking fluidity than during the Copa América, with dynamic play in the final third and a more cohesive attacking unit. Yet, as the match highlighted, there are still questions about the team’s defensive organization and ability to manage transitions under pressure.

Looking ahead, Brazil can take solace in their attacking game being far more effective and dangerous. The challenge will be to fine-tune their defensive structures, ensuring that their forward momentum does not come at the cost of exposing themselves in transition. The next challenge in Salvador against Uruguay, who remains a formidable opponent, will be a true test of whether Brazil can maintain their offensive growth while shoring up its defensive weaknesses.

In the end, while Brazil may have deserved more from the match, their performance offers grounds for optimism. The style of play, full of intent and joy, was undoubtedly a positive takeaway, and with further refinement, Brazil may well be on the path to reclaiming its place at the top of South American football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil’s Narrow Escape in Caracas: A Tale of Pragmatism and Potential

Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Venezuela in Caracas might read as a routine triumph for the Selecão, but the performance revealed deeper cracks in the team’s tactical framework. Against a Venezuelan side that had managed just four points before this encounter and had never defeated Brazil in an official match, Tite’s men were expected to dominate. Instead, they laboured through the contest, relying on late heroics to salvage the result. 

Venezuela’s Game Plan: Organized Resistance 

Venezuela, aware of the gulf in quality, approached the game with a disciplined defensive structure and counterattacking intent. Manager Fernando Batista deployed a compact 4-3-3, with captain Tomás Rincón anchoring the midfield and Salomón Rondón’s absence necessitating a reshaped attacking trio of Peñaranda, Ramírez, and Machís. 

Their plan bore fruit early. Brazil’s right flank, manned by the struggling Danilo and supported by an out-of-form Everton Ribeiro, was repeatedly exposed. It was from this vulnerability that Yeferson Soteldo, Venezuela’s diminutive creative spark, carved an opportunity. His chipped cross found Eric Ramírez, who directed a precise header past Alisson to give Venezuela a deserved lead. 

Brazil’s Stagnation: A Tale of Misplaced Pragmatism 

Tite’s reliance on his preferred 4-4-2 system, coupled with a conservative approach, stifled Brazil’s creativity. The absence of Neymar, suspended for this match, was glaring. Lucas Paquetá, deployed as a No. 10, struggled to provide the incisiveness needed to unlock Venezuela’s disciplined defence. 

Brazil’s midfield pairing of Fabinho and Gerson offered solidity but lacked the dynamism to transition effectively into attack. Meanwhile, Ribeiro’s ineffectiveness on the right flank further compounded the team’s issues. 

Opportunities came sporadically, often through individual moments rather than cohesive team play. Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol both missed chances, while Ribeiro’s crossbar-rattling effort symbolized Brazil’s lack of clinical finishing. 

The Turning Point: Injecting Dynamism 

The introduction of Raphinha at halftime proved transformative. The Leeds United winger brought pace, creativity, and directness to the right flank, exposing Venezuela’s defensive frailties. His set-piece delivery immediately caused problems, with Thiago Silva’s disallowed goal serving as an early warning sign for the hosts. 

Vinícius Júnior’s arrival further shifted the balance. Deployed on the left, the Real Madrid starlet injected urgency and flair, repeatedly troubling Venezuela’s defence with his pace and dribbling. His presence raised the question: why wasn’t he included in the starting XI? 

Brazil’s Revival 

The equalizer came in the 71st minute, courtesy of a corner from Raphinha. Marquinhos rose highest to power a header past Venezuela’s goalkeeper, Wuilker Faríñez, bringing Brazil level and reigniting their attack. 

Tite then made two crucial substitutions, introducing Antony for the underwhelming Jesus and Emerson Royal for Danilo. These changes provided the Selecão with the attacking impetus they had lacked throughout the first half. 

Vinícius and Raphinha continued to terrorize Venezuela’s defence, forcing errors and creating opportunities. It was Raphinha’s relentless pressure that led to a penalty, as Gabigol was fouled inside the box. The Flamengo striker converted confidently, giving Brazil the lead. 

Antony, making his debut, capped off the night with a well-taken goal after a sublime assist from Raphinha, sealing a hard-fought victory for the visitors. 

Lessons for Tite 

While the result might paper over the cracks, Brazil’s performance highlighted systemic issues. Tite’s pragmatic approach, while effective against stronger opponents, often stifles the creative potential of his squad against weaker sides. With players like Vinícius, Raphinha, and Antony, Brazil possesses the tools to play a more expansive and attacking brand of football. 

The continued reliance on Danilo and Ribeiro on the right flank is another area of concern. Both players struggled to cope with Venezuela’s pace and physicality, and their lack of offensive contribution further hindered Brazil’s attack. Emerson Royal and Raphinha demonstrated that better options exist. 

Conclusion: A Pyrrhic Victory 

Brazil’s late revival in Caracas showcased the team’s depth and individual brilliance but also underscored the limitations of Tite’s tactical philosophy. Against stronger opponents, such pragmatism might yield results, but against teams like Venezuela, it risks undermining the Selecão’s attacking identity. 

If Brazil is to truly capitalize on its wealth of talent, Tite must embrace a more proactive approach. The second-half performances of Raphinha, Vinícius, and Antony offered a glimpse of what this team can achieve when allowed to play with freedom and creativity. Whether Tite heeds this lesson remains to be seen, but the road to Qatar 2022 demands more than just scraping by against underdogs.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Copa América 2021: Brazil's Bright Start Amid Venezuela’s Struggles

 

After months of speculation, protests, and a carousel of venue changes, the Copa América, one of football's most storied tournaments, finally kicked off. This time, Brazil plays host once again, entering as the reigning champions and overwhelming favourites to retain their title. In their opening encounter against a depleted Venezuelan side, the Seleção delivered a commanding 3-0 victory, though the scoreline belied moments of inefficiency and missed opportunities.

Marquinhos Leads the Charge

The match began with Brazil asserting their dominance, dictating the tempo and pinning Venezuela deep into their half. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute from a corner—a staple of Brazilian attacking play. Neymar’s delivery caused chaos in the box, and amidst the melee, the ball fell to Marquinhos. The centre-back showed remarkable composure, using his thigh to control before rolling it past the wrong-footed Joel Graterol.

Marquinhos’ goal was a testament to his rising stature as a modern defender capable of impacting both ends of the pitch. His tally of eight goals since the start of the 2020-21 season, including six headers, evokes comparisons to Sergio Ramos, albeit without the penalty-taking duties.

Wastefulness in Front of Goal

Despite their early lead, Brazil failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities to extend their advantage. Richarlison thought he had doubled the scoreline minutes after Marquinhos’ opener, only for VAR to intervene and rule him offside. Neymar, ever the orchestrator, dazzled with his dribbling and vision but narrowly missed the target on a solo effort from the edge of the box.

The second half continued in a similar vein. Gabriel Jesus delivered a tantalizing cross into the area, only for Neymar to miss a sliding attempt at the far post. The Seleção’s profligacy in front of goal was emblematic of a team still finding its rhythm, despite the talent at their disposal.

Neymar’s Risky Redemption

Brazil’s second goal came in the 64th minute via a penalty. Danilo’s marauding run down the right flank drew a clumsy foul from Yohan Cumana, leaving the referee with little choice. Neymar stepped up and converted with his trademark stutter-step technique, sending Graterol the wrong way.

While effective on this occasion, Neymar’s penalty style has drawn criticism for its unpredictability. Recent misses, including one against Ecuador earlier this month, have sparked debate over its reliability. His approach, though audacious, teeters on the edge of brilliance and folly, and its long-term efficacy remains in question.

Gabigol Seals the Victory

Gabriel Barbosa, affectionately known as Gabigol, added the finishing touch in the 89th minute. Neymar floated a precise cross into the box, and Barbosa controlled it deftly on his chest before slotting home. It was a cathartic moment for the forward, marking his first goal in the iconic yellow jersey since 2016.

Venezuela’s Struggles and Resilience

For Venezuela, the match was always going to be an uphill battle. A squad ravaged by 13 COVID-19 cases and injuries to key players, including Salomón Rondón, left José Peseiro’s side with a threadbare lineup. Their 32% possession and solitary shot on target underscored the chasm between the two teams. Yet, amidst the adversity, there were glimmers of resilience.

Joel Graterol, Venezuela’s young goalkeeper, delivered a performance that belied his inexperience. Making only his third international appearance, he thwarted Gabriel Jesus twice with sharp reflex saves and commanded his area with authority. Graterol’s heroics kept the scoreline respectable and offered a rare bright spot for La Vinotinto.

Brazil’s Bright Start, but Questions Remain

While Brazil’s 3-0 victory was comprehensive, the match highlighted areas for improvement. Their finishing lacked clinical precision, and the early momentum dissipated at times, allowing Venezuela brief reprieves. Against stronger opposition, such lapses could prove costly.

For now, however, the Seleção can take solace in their strong start and the contributions of their star players. Neymar’s creativity, Marquinhos’ leadership, and Gabigol’s return to form provide a solid foundation as they look to navigate the tournament and defend their title.

Conclusion

Copa América 2021 is underway, and Brazil has laid down an early marker. Their opening performance showcased their depth and quality but also hinted at vulnerabilities that need addressing. For Venezuela, the match was a tale of survival against overwhelming odds, with Graterol’s emergence a silver lining. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to refine their approaches, but for now, Brazil stands tall as the team to beat.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil’s Labored Triumph: A Night of Grit and Gaps

 

In São Paulo, Brazil faced a familiar yet formidable challenge—breaking down a resolute Venezuelan defence. The absence of Neymar, sidelined by a groin injury sustained during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League campaign, loomed large over the Seleção. His absence, compounded by injuries to Philippe Coutinho, Fabinho, and Rodrigo Caio, as well as COVID-19 exclusions for Éder Militão and Gabriel Menino, left Tite’s squad without several key players. 

Yet, Brazil is a nation of footballing depth, a team that rarely falters even when star names are missing. Against a defensively disciplined Venezuela, however, the cracks in the Seleção’s attacking framework were laid bare. 

A Tactical Impasse 

On paper, Tite’s lineup was potent. Roberto Firmino led the line as the central striker, flanked by Richarlison on the left and Gabriel Jesus on the right. A midfield trio of Allan, Douglas Luiz, and Éverton Ribeiro promised control and creativity, while the backline, marshalled by Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, ensured stability. Ederson replaced Alisson Becker in goal. 

José Peseiro, Venezuela’s manager, opted for a conservative approach, setting his team up in a low block to stifle Brazil’s rhythm and restrict space. This defensive strategy forced Brazil to rely on long passes and flank play to penetrate the compact Venezuelan lines. 

Despite dominating possession—74% by the final whistle—Brazil struggled to convert control into clear opportunities. Venezuela’s deep defensive structure turned the game into a test of patience, one that Brazil laboured to pass. 

The Missing Talisman  

The absence of Neymar was painfully evident. Beyond his flair and finishing, Neymar serves as a creative hub, frequently dropping deep to orchestrate attacks and link midfield to the forward line. His ability to draw defenders out of position and unlock compact defences was sorely missed. 

Similarly, the void left by Coutinho’s ingenuity in midfield was glaring. Without these two creative forces, Brazil’s buildup play lacked fluidity and imagination. 

Douglas Luiz and Allan, tasked with controlling the midfield, fell short of expectations. Luiz, in particular, endured a torrid evening. His passing was erratic, and his inability to track runs left gaps for Venezuela to exploit. A yellow card in the first half further curtailed his effectiveness, prompting Tite to replace him at halftime. Allan, too, was largely anonymous, his misplaced passes stifling Brazil’s momentum. 

Éverton Ribeiro, the lone bright spot in midfield, attempted to inject creativity, but his efforts were often isolated and insufficient against Venezuela’s defensive wall. 

The Breakthrough 

Brazil’s frustration mounted as the first half unfolded. Gabriel Jesus missed a golden opportunity to convert from close range, while Douglas Luiz had a goal disallowed for a foul on Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Faríñez. The second half brought more of the same—dominance without end product. 

Finally, in the 67th minute, Brazil’s persistence paid off. Ribeiro, shifting to a wide-right position, delivered a teasing cross into the box. Venezuelan defender Osorio, under pressure, misjudged his header, and the ball fell to Firmino. The Liverpool striker, struggling to impose himself throughout the match, reacted instinctively, volleying the ball awkwardly past Faríñez. 

It was a scrappy goal, but one that underscored Firmino’s knack for delivering in crucial moments. Until that point, Firmino had tested Faríñez only once, midway through the first half, with a rasping shot. His winning strike, however, salvaged a difficult night for Brazil. 

A Sobering Reality 

Despite the victory, Brazil’s performance raised concerns. Managing just three shots on target despite overwhelming possession is a statistic that does little justice to a forward line featuring Firmino, Jesus, and Richarlison. These players, known for their ability to dismantle defences, found themselves stifled by Venezuela’s disciplined approach. 

Tite’s side must rediscover their cutting edge, especially with a daunting clash against Uruguay in Montevideo looming. Without Neymar, the Seleção’s ability to adapt and overcome defensive setups will be tested once again. 

Looking Ahead 

Brazil’s triumph over Venezuela was not one to savour but rather one to scrutinize. The resilience and depth of the squad were evident, but so too were the gaps in creativity and fluidity. As the team prepares for Uruguay, the onus will be on Tite to address these deficiencies and ensure that Brazil’s journey through the World Cup qualifiers remains on course. 

For now, the Seleção’s victory is a reminder of their ability to grind out results—a hallmark of champions, even on nights when brilliance eludes them.    

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Brazil Triumphs in the Rain: A Pragmatic Victory in Merida

On a dark, rainy night in Merida, Brazil continued their resurgence under Tite’s stewardship, registering a composed 2-0 victory over Venezuela. The match, while lacking the tempo and flair often associated with the Selecao, showcased their ability to adapt and seize opportunities even in trying conditions. 

The rain-soaked pitch, coupled with power cuts during crucial phases of play, disrupted the rhythm and spectacle of the encounter. Yet, Brazil’s discipline and tactical coherence shone through, marking another step forward in their quest to reclaim their dominance in world football. 

Capitalizing on Mistakes

This wasn’t a game defined by Brazil’s individual brilliance alone but also by their opportunistic exploitation of Venezuelan errors. The hosts, struggling to build cohesive attacks, inadvertently invited pressure through lapses in concentration. Brazil, under Tite, have mastered the art of turning such mistakes into launching pads for incisive counters. 

Gabriel Jesus, the 19-year-old sensation, continued his meteoric rise on the international stage, scoring his fourth goal in as many matches. Each touch of his seemed measured, a perfect blend of grace and purpose that reflected his growing confidence in the Selecao jersey. 

While Neymar’s absence might have been a concern, the collective effort of players like Philippe Coutinho and Willian ensured Brazil’s attacking edge was not blunted. Coutinho, in particular, orchestrated movements with finesse, constantly probing the Venezuelan defence and stretching them with his incisive runs. 

Midfield and Defensive Solidity

Renato Augusto deserves credit for his commanding presence in midfield. His ability to dictate the pace of the game—slowing it down when necessary and quickening transitions when opportunities arose—was instrumental. His composure acted as the fulcrum for Brazil’s possession-based play, providing a steady link between the defense and attack. 

The backline, too, was a picture of composure. Compact and synchronized, they nullified Venezuela’s sporadic forays forward, giving goalkeeper Alisson a relatively quiet night. This defensive organization, a hallmark of Tite’s regime, reflects the balance Brazil has sought to restore—combining attacking verve with defensive discipline. 

A Second Half of Missed Chances

The second half promised more goals, and Brazil came tantalizingly close to delivering. A disallowed goal for offside and several missed opportunities left fans yearning for the clinical edge that could have turned a good performance into a commanding one. 

Despite the missed chances, the Selecao’s ability to regroup quickly after losing possession was notable. The team’s high press and immediate transition into attack illustrated their evolving tactical maturity. Tite’s emphasis on collective responsibility was evident, as every player contributed to both the offensive and defensive phases of the game. 

A Pragmatic Display Amid Adversity

This was not the free-flowing, samba-style football that has defined Brazil’s legacy. Instead, it was a pragmatic display shaped by the circumstances—a rain-drenched pitch, intermittent power outages, and a dogged opposition. 

What stood out was Brazil’s ability to adapt and find moments of quality amid the challenges. Gabriel Jesus’s precision, Coutinho’s creativity, and Augusto’s control exemplified a team in sync with their manager’s vision. 

Progress Under Tite

With this victory, Brazil continued to consolidate their position as a force to be reckoned with under Tite’s leadership. While the match lacked the flamboyance often expected from the Selecao, it demonstrated their resilience and growing tactical discipline. 

As the rain poured over Merida, Brazil proved that they could win not just with flair but with grit and intelligence—a hallmark of champions in the making.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Dunga’s Brazil: A Momentary Respite Amidst Growing Discontent

Carlos Dunga found himself at a critical juncture as Brazil’s head coach, navigating turbulent waters following a tactically underwhelming display against Chile that invited sharp global criticism. The clash against Venezuela, perceived as a relatively straightforward assignment, presented a crucial opportunity to regain lost ground. Fortunately for Dunga, Venezuela's status as underdogs played into Brazil’s hands, allowing the Seleção to seize control early on and secure a vital 3-1 victory.

First-Half Flourish: Willian Shines Bright

Brazil’s start was marked by a sense of urgency, embodying the flair and dominance their fans have come to demand. Willian, arguably the star of the evening, delivered a stellar performance in the opening half, scoring twice to propel Brazil into a commanding position. His sharp movements and clinical finishing revitalized the Brazilian attack, offering glimpses of the creativity and aggression once synonymous with the Seleção. Yet, even as Brazil dictated terms, the artistry and elegance that define their footballing heritage remained elusive.

Second-Half Slump: Old Habits Resurface

The second half, however, painted a different picture. The intensity and precision that marked the first 45 minutes faded, giving way to a lacklustre and disjointed performance. This regression allowed Venezuela to capitalize on one of Brazil’s persistent vulnerabilities: defending set-pieces. The visitors scored a historic goal on Brazilian soil, a moment that not only underscored Brazil’s defensive frailties but also reignited the spectre of unpredictability in Dunga’s tenure.

The tension was palpable as the possibility of squandering their first-half advantage loomed large. Yet, it was the veteran Ricardo Oliveira, at 35 years old, who quelled the nerves. Channelling his wealth of experience, Oliveira delivered a decisive third goal, a moment of redemption for a player often criticized for his perceived parallels with underperformers like Fred and Jô. His strike secured Brazil the much-needed three points and momentarily eased the pressure on Dunga.

Dunga’s Dilemma: Selection and Strategy Under Fire

While the victory buys Dunga time, the cracks in his managerial approach remain glaring. His continued preference for certain players over arguably more deserving options has become a recurring theme. Talented individuals such as Lucas Moura, Alexandre Pato, Lucas Lima, Renato Augusto, and Thiago Silva languish on the fringes, their exclusion raising questions about Dunga’s vision for the team.

Furthermore, this performance, albeit sufficient against a weaker opponent, offers little reassurance against stronger adversaries. The hallmark of a great coach lies in elevating his team’s consistency and delivering results against elite competition. For Dunga, the challenge is not merely survival but restoring Brazil’s footballing identity—a blend of beauty and effectiveness that resonates beyond fleeting victories.

A Long Road Ahead

As the dust settles on this match, the questions surrounding Dunga’s stewardship remain largely unanswered. The win against Venezuela provides a temporary reprieve, but it does little to dispel the concerns about Brazil’s tactical coherence and player management. For the Seleção to truly regain their stature, they must demonstrate similar resolve and dominance against formidable opponents. Only then can Dunga's position as coach be met with genuine acceptance, rather than reluctant tolerance.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar