A Crisis of Selection
and Substitution
Dunga’s decision-making, particularly in team selection and
substitutions, left much to be desired. Starting Willian on the right instead
of Lucas Moura baffled many. Willian, while a diligent performer, lacks the
explosiveness Moura could have brought to the game. Similarly, the substitution
of Hulk in the second half was delayed, robbing Brazil of an opportunity to
inject fresh energy into a stagnating attack. When Ricardo Oliveira did come
on, he brought an immediate spark, creating two opportunities that went
begging—a stark reminder of Brazil’s enduring woes with the number nine
position.
The absence of young, agile forwards capable of capitalizing
on such chances is glaring. Dunga’s reluctance to experiment with players like
Alexandre Pato underscores this issue. Pato, a player with the pace and
finishing ability Brazil sorely needs, has been inexplicably overlooked. The
same can be said of Thiago Silva in defense, whose exclusion leaves Brazil’s
backline vulnerable. Miranda, shaky and inconsistent, has failed to establish a
commanding partnership with David Luiz, leaving the defence fragile and
error-prone.
A Static Midfield and
Misplaced Roles
Brazil’s midfield remains the weakest link in their setup,
with predictability and stagnation defining their play. Oscar, once heralded as
a creative force, was anonymous, while Douglas Costa seemed burdened by the
expectation to replicate Neymar’s brilliance. Costa, a natural playmaker, was
miscast as a goalscorer, which disrupted the fluidity of his partnership with
Marcelo on the left flank.
Among the midfielders, only Luiz Gustavo appeared competent,
but he was overburdened in the absence of support from his peers. The late
introduction of Lucas Lima highlighted Dunga’s tactical inefficiency. Lima,
with his incisive passing and vision, immediately injected life into the
midfield but was afforded too little time to make a significant impact.
Casemiro, a standout performer at Real Madrid, was another glaring omission.
His ability to control the tempo and shield the defence would have been
invaluable in this setup.
The inclusion of players like Elias, who failed to
contribute meaningfully, raises questions about selection priorities. With
players like Casemiro and Lucas Lima available, why were they not trusted to
lead the midfield?
Defensive Instability
and Tactical Naivety
Brazil’s defensive issues are equally concerning. Without a
leader like Thiago Silva, the backline lacked structure and cohesion. Miranda’s
inability to command the defence was evident, and David Luiz’s adventurous runs
forward often left gaps for opponents to exploit.
These lapses were exacerbated by a lack of midfield cover,
forcing defenders like Dani Alves and Marcelo to venture forward to spark
attacks. While their attacking instincts are commendable, it left Brazil
vulnerable to counterattacks, which players like Eduardo Vargas and Alexis
Sánchez capitalized on.
Dunga’s Pragmatism: A
Double-Edged Sword
At the heart of Brazil’s problems is Dunga’s pragmatic
approach. While pragmatism can yield results, it often stifles creativity and
limits players’ natural expression. This was painfully evident in Brazil’s
performance, which lacked the flair and fluidity that once defined their
football.
Dunga must recognize that rigid systems and conservative
tactics will only take Brazil so far. Players thrive when given the freedom to
express themselves within a clear framework—a balance that the current setup
fails to achieve.
The Path Forward
To restore Brazil’s former glory, Dunga must address these
glaring issues:
1. Selection and
Squad Balance
The inclusion of
players like Pato, Thiago Silva, and Casemiro is essential. Young, dynamic
forwards must be prioritized, and ageing or underperforming players
reassessed.
2. Midfield Revamp
Creativity in
midfield is non-negotiable. Players like Lucas Lima and Casemiro need to be
central to Brazil’s plans, providing both defensive solidity and attacking
impetus.
3. Tactical Evolution
Dunga must adopt a
more progressive mindset, allowing players the freedom to express themselves. A
rigid, safety-first approach stifles Brazil’s natural strengths and alienates
fans longing for the attacking brilliance of old.
4. Defensive Stability
A return to
defensive basics, coupled with the inclusion of experienced leaders like Thiago
Silva, can restore structure and composure at the back.
Conclusion
Brazil’s recent struggles are not just about missing key players—they reflect deeper structural and tactical flaws that must be addressed urgently. The Seleção’s rich history and immense talent pool demand a more nuanced and ambitious approach. For Brazil to reclaim their place among football’s elite, Dunga must evolve, or risk being left behind by the modern game.
Thank You
