I agree. If we had won on the back of Romario in 1998, I think we would not have won in 2002. Winning 3 world cups in a row is almost impossible, there’s a reason nobody never pulled this off.
Yes, in the 3-0 vs Saudi Arabia at the 1997 Confeds. Rivaldo however came in as a sub and the goals were scored by César Sampaio and Romário (2 goals). EDIT: all 3 started in the 2-1 vs. Germany in Stuttgart in March 1998.
I remember that game vs Germany. IIRC Cesar Sampaio headed the opener direct from a corner, and Ronaldo scored a late winner . Two players were sent off too - direct red card for Juergen Kohler for a horrendous tackle on Cafu, while Dunga accumulated two yellows.
Tite sticking with the same lineup. It seems Paulinho, Willian and Jesus are under the microscope to perform. I think Tite should of made at least 1 change.
I think Willian was going to be the change but then got a lifeline with the Douglas Costa injury. The early subs of Paulinho are a good sign that Tite knows he isn't performing but I will be shocked if/when he is actually benched. Gabriel is probably closest to losing his spot this tournament. But would he give us that same off the bench spark Firmino has been giving us and is it worth it to give that up?
It's obviously too late to do anything about our lack of offensive options at this point due to injury, but one player I've heard mentioned serveral times is Arthur. Why wasn't he called up? Is he injured? Didn't perform when given a chance? Inferior to the existing options? Or is it the famous prioritization of loyalty to the existing group over current good form "coerência" (read: teimosia)?
I want to believe that Arthur was injured when Tite wanted to call him. When Renato Augusto probably should of been cut was another opportunity for Tite to call him. Ultimately, he was called up once for a qualifier and not used in both games. Tite taking these midfielders who each offer something different except creativity is one of his mistakes.
Yes Arthur was hurt at some point when Tite could have called him. He also blossomed only last year. We didn't have many options in that mid-creative area to be honest. Unless you consider Luan an option, which I never did.
Brazil stopped producing midfield playmakers, that is very frustating. Even an old school slow creative midfielder like Quintero would be very useful for us. James Rodriguez even more so. In 2002 Alex wasn’t called up and I never liked him that much. Today he would start easily on this team.
Continuation of the theme we've been discussing regarding the unbalanced attack: https://globoesporte.globo.com/fute...da-selecao-apos-perda-do-midas-coutinho.ghtml For non-Portuguese readers.... Tite searching for improved performance on the right side of the attack Left side with Marcelo-Coutinho-Neymar benefits from short passing ability and movement of each player Right side players, especially Paulinho and Willian, are more strength and speed inclined Offensive output against first two opponents Switzerland -- Left 44% / Right 27% Costa Rica -- Left 46% / Right 29% The article doesn't mention what exactly they plan do about this.
Maybe, Tite have Coutinho drift to to right on occasion to combine with Willian. If Willian is on form for this game, then it’s a non issue IMO.
We turn out meia-attacantes, but not meia-armadores. What I wouldn't give for a modern, non-chain-smoking Gerson.
Football logic dictates that if you want a Pirlo type midfielder , you need Maldini type fullbacks. The choice we made post-82 was to maintain offensive fullbacks and use the 2 "cabecas the area" system. Should we reverse that or go back to 1982 system with both alas AND deep lying playmakers? personally I wouldn't mind if we tried that.
This is the most dangerous final group match I’ve experienced. Wouldn’t mind getting some breaks to calm the nerves .
Globo showing live locker room talk. Marcelo asking for "patience with the ball" several times. "Intelligence" several times. "second ball is more important than 1st ball". "attention in bola parada"