WC Preparation Friendlies: vs Croatia - June 3rd (London, England) vs Austria - June 10th (Wien, Austria) We'll see where the Tite's team stands in these 2 pre-WC friendlies and get an idea if we'll see the same WCQ lineup. Questions up in the air: Who will start at RB ? I imagine it will be Danilo. Will RA keephis starting spot? Or will Fernandinho or even Fred take his spot. Gabi Jesus or Firmino ? I am guessing Jesus will start. Willian OR/AND Coutinho ? Neymar rust ? @Century's Best I am steeling the thunder back, but feel free to write your dissertation
I thought this was a good basic article about tactical options Tite will be exploring: Tite abre período de testes... Summary: He'll likely try these 4 options in training. The objective is to have a variety of options to break defensive lines and not be caught like Felipao and Dunga in 2014 and 2010 with no real options off the bench. Fernandinho or Coutinho in Renato Augusto's place (Willian coming in if Coutinho moves to the middle) - Bascially the March friendlies continued Two forwards - Firmino + Jesus or Neymar moving up alongside Jesus (or Firmino) Taison in a 4-2-3-1 in the ponta de lança type of role Fred as a wildcard who can replace any of Casemiro, Fernadinho or Paulinho depending on the need
I think Danilo will start with Fagner coming off the bench and for next Sunday's game vs Austria I think Fagner will start and Danilo will sub. And I think Tite should do the same with Jesus and Firmino!! And I think that Willian should start over Coutinho and please give Ederson and Cassio some playing time!!
I read that. I like that Tite is so studious and is trying so hard to avoid errors from 2010 and 2014. However obvious it is to state this, I hope for no injuries. We have a deep team, but we all want all our players at full form and strength come the opening match.
This is not looking good!! What in the Hell is wrong with Tite? Fcuk it!! Just call us the 'Walking Wounded'!! Neymar, D.Costa, Fagner, R.Augusto, all injured!! I hope showing this stubborn Gaucho loyalty to his boys from Corinthians doesn't come back and bite us in the ass!! Damn it just get this sh-tshow over with get Tite out and bring back Luxemburgo for the Copa'19!!
I am uneasy about Neymar now. First they said he'd be ready to play that last 2 games of the season for PSG. Then they said he'd be ready to play both friendlies. Now he is only available for some minutes ? Doesn't sound good. He is going to have to gain rhythm during the WC ... and quickly. And with Douglas Costa and RA injured, I think Tite should have thought about bringing some of the alternates to train during this period. That was an option that other teams have used. If either of them have to be dropped, you'd already have someone who's acclimated and has been training with the team getting used to tactics and etc ... The problem (and difference compared to other teams) is that those alternates are playing in the Brasileirão and he'd be affecting those clubs with the possibility of in the end, not use those players for the WC.
When is the deadline to cut players? Neymar I would have coming off the bench the whole group stages.
Monday is the deadline for final 23. If there is a cut before then, the replacement needs to come from the alternate list. If there is an injury after June 4th, then a replacement doesn't have to come from that list. Weird rule. Not sure what's the deadline for reporting and replacing an injured player. Could be up to final couple 2-3 days before kick off.
Deadline is 24hrs before the team's first game. So Brazil has until Saturday, June 16 to replace an injured player. Keep in mind that requires FIFA Medical approval and the rules say "serious injury". I don't think that would apply to Douglas Costa or Renato Augusto for example, but that's just a guess.
I am watching. And am not liking what I'm seeing. At all Croatia is a very organized team. Will defintely give the Argentines trouble.
Rather poor first half from Brazil. No options for moving the ball through the midfield, poor response to pressure. Lots to be sorted out.
This is our problem...With the addition ofr neymar the team looks like a Ferrari..without him it struggles to keep pace.
Danilo is such a lame duck to me. Can't believe I'm saying this but I miss Dani Alves. Marcelo's attacking prowess rarely impresses me for Brazil and especially for Real because more often than not, he delivers a few howlers along side his one stroke of genius. Thiago Silva has been solid af. I think we'd have been with with both Marquinhos or him. There is absolutely no midfield creativity. At all. Coutinho has been lackluster. I'd like to see him in midfield to add a semblance of creativity. Willian been decent. I need to see Firmino as a false 9 introduced.