If we talk a lot about the attacking artists of the Seleção, Tite’s men have relied primarily on an impenetrable defensive base for the past few months, and even more so since the start of the World Cup.
on September 12, 2022 at 4:00 p.m
World Cup 2022
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You were promised a delicate introduction. Against Serbia and then Switzerland, the Brazilian favorites would be able to assess themselves quickly at this World Cup before challenging Cameroon. Result of the races: The Seleção did not allow a shot against the two biggest underdogs in their pool. Zero. no A statistic that says a lot about Tite’s Brazil’s defensive solidity against teams that scored 4 and 5 goals in two games back then. “We have a very balanced team,” Tite warned before the World Cup. “We conceded few goals in qualifying and I don’t intend to fill the field with defenders. The secret is to find the balance. “Coach Auriverde’s mission accomplished.
Unemployed Guards
Before challenging Croatia, another defensive reference of the tournament with 9 shots on goal, Brazil also points to 9. A convincing total, but almost misleading. In fact, of those 9 shots on goal, 6 were conceded in the second period while the Brazilians relaxed against South Korea as they led 4-0 at the break. The other three were against Cameroon during the last group match, for which Tite had sent his hairdressers. With two goals conceded, Brazil are also the tournament’s second-best defense behind the Moroccan surprise, whose only goal came from a Nayef Aguerd counterattack against Canada.
“Our team defends very well,” said legend Claudio Taffarel, now the Seleção’s goalkeeper coach. “Not only our defenders, our full-backs, our midfielders, but also the attackers contribute to this. It’s very positive. When you don’t admit chances, you show your strength. “So Alisson had to find the time in his cages for a long time in the first two encounters. “I know sometimes a goalkeeper gets bored, wants to join in, but he’s ready,” Taffarel retorted. “I saw him very focused, very attentive to the game. It’s a different way of participating in the game by communicating, by supporting an action 100%. It’s better for us who are on the sidelines when he’s not too busy. »
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Especially since the situation is not new for Alisson Becker, since Brazil was already the best defensive player in the South America qualifier (5 goals conceded in 17 games). Enough to lay the foundation and free the attacking artists (40 goals in the playoffs, 7 in this World Cup). Playing against Brazil in 2022 has therefore become a headache. Because in addition to the incessant attacks of Neymar, Antony, Raphinha, Vinícius or Richarlison, it is also necessary to perforate the block Casemiro, Fred, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo and Militão before facing Alisson, the best goalkeeper in the world of the year 2019. And that while the Seleção are actually in the full squad as Alex Telles and Alex Sandro are injured while the former Lille Gabriel has had to retire.
Formerly known for his darts coming from behind, with ultra-attacking full-backs like Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, even Carlos Alberto, Tites Brazil now shows a cautious quartet with more moderate defenders, even if the increases of Militão or Thiago Silva are felt. The former Parisian also offered himself a record against South Korea by delivering the crucial pass to Richarlison’s fourth pawn. At 38 years and 74 days, Thiago Silva is the oldest passer in World Cup history since 1966, overtaking Roger Milla (38 years and 42 days). Proof that if this Brazil proves impenetrable, it remains dangerous, especially offensively. Even with his defenders.
By Adrien Helard-Dohain