In hindsight, I was really critical of the team, but a 5x1 win is something to be happy with no matter what. We also had one goal called back (correctly) and one header off the crossbar and were a constant threat on set pieces. Raphinha also hit the post once. I do wish subs had come on earlier and there was some disjointedness once Fabinho was in and when we were at 6 subs on the field, but it was also a match we were always in control of, the issue was being efficient and scoring. I felt like we were missing that final decision, but even if we were we produced enough to win 5x1 so, not bad. Excellent match from Alex Sandro. Good match by a number of players, including Casemiro and Marquinhos, I thought. Thiago Silva was a little unlucky on the goal - he did poke the ball away - but he still needs to do better there. Looking forward to the Japan friendly which will probably have Vini Jr and Raphinha starting, which probably means Neymar as false 9 without Richarlison this time. We'll see. Only thing I'm not looking forward to is waking up even earlier... or maybe even staying awake for it.
https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...era-de-cortar-quatro-convocados-de-novo.ghtml Some changes expected Tuesday, like Vini Jr. and a different left-back to start, but no hints on what else might change. I would guess Eder Militao would start and I would hope for a Bruno Guimaraes or Matheus Cunha start as well. EDIT: After watching some coverage of the match and speculation on Monday, I think that, in addition to Militão and Arana in back, the next most productive test might be dropping Paquetá dropped to keep a number 9 (Richarlison) and keep both Neymar and Vini Jr. on the field. Hoping to see this in training: Alisson; Dani Alves, Militão, Marquinhos, Arana; Casemiro, Fred (Bruno Guimarães); Raphinha, Neymar, Vini Jr.; Richarlison
Japan easily beat Paraguay 4 x 1 in their prep match for our friendly. The stats show they they dominated the game with 28 shots vs 10 so Japan should be a tougher game compared to SK.
Would like to see more of VJ, I think next game. Neymar now only 4 goals away from GOAT PELE. Casemiro solid. I think we have a good chance this year boys and girls.
Team arrived in Japan late Friday. Only two practices before Monday's match - a few hours from now (Saturday in Japan) and Sunday. https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...a-a-toquio-para-amistoso-contra-o-japao.ghtml
One additional change in Sunday practice indicated Militão will start: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...s-mudancas-para-amistoso-contra-o-japao.ghtml Alisson; Daniel Alves, Marquinhos, Éder Militão, Guilherme Arana; Casemiro, Fred; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Neymar, Vini Júnior This is basically the same shape used against Chile in the March qualifiers. That match had Antony instead of Raphinha. This could very well be the preferred offensive setup in the World Cup, and this will be the first time they all play together.
Japan's line-up: Gonda; Nagatomo, Itakura, Yoshida, Nakayama; Endo, Haraguchi, Tanaka; Ito, Minamino, Furuhashi. Brazil line-up, as expected: Alisson; Dani Alves, Éder Militão, Marquinhos, Arana; Casemiro, Fred, Paquetá; Raphinha, Neymar, Vini Jr. Brazil's bench will be without Leo Ortiz, Gabriel (injury concern), Alex Sandro and Rodrygo. This means Danilo may get some minutes. The bench should be: Weverton; Thiago Silva, Alex Telles; Fabinho, Danilo, Bruno Guimarães, Coutinho; Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison
This is the first game that we start with these 3 up front and this formation. Sucks that it's raining.
Brazil 4x0 Chile was the same shape, with Neymar as a 9, but with Antony instead of Raphinha. I would not be surprised to see this as the offensive setup for our World Cup opener.
Just the beginning but Neymar dropping deep to collect the ball and Paquetá taking his space up top. This is gonna put a lot of pressure on Paquetá.
Solid build up on 18 minutes with Dani Alves to create a chance for Raphinha. Starting to connect passes in the offensive half now.
So when we defend we are showing a 4-4-2 with Vin Jr. and Raphinha tucking back and Neymar and Paqueta staying up front.
Some nice play by Vini Jr and most of the attack to keep a ball alive and eventually generate a shot by Neymar... and then keep it alive some more until a Neymar backheel ended it.
I have to say, I haven't seen us manage this many touches into the box and this much control in the box for a while. Not getting shots off early enough, but definitely capable of penetrating.
Just watched a video on free kicks before the match (spoiler: there are no great free kick takers today - Coutinho the best for Brazil). Not a bad attempt by Raphinha though. Raphinha has been taking a lot of wide free kicks and it's always a good sign when Neymar is willing to let someone else take the shots too.