Tough first half. Some good skill by Brazil, good work to get out of pressure, but no clear chances besides the ball that hit the post. Some half chances, a couple of shots requiring a save or coming close. On the other hand, Japan did well when they had possession, but in the last 15-20 minutes it was all Brazil.
I hope we'll see subs a little faster than we did against Korea. Maybe Bruno Guimarães, to keep putting the pressure on with the strong passing game out of pressure we see today. Fred has been good though. Would also like to see Matheus Cunha come on later and get his first goal.
Perhaps I am in the minority , but I for one did not like the combinations upfront that much. Just looked a lot based on improvisation and I don’t think we used width intelligently .
I’ve also disliked the new combination upfront, but would still give some time to those four. And Neymar attitude really bothers me. He seems to not haver learned anything from his previous mistakes - same negative and complaining behaviour. He needs to learn from Vini.
That's fair. I do think it was improvised and trying to make something work when the plan didn't, but the extended time on the ball, not losing possession in those situations was fun and promising.
Second half much like the first so far. After an initial Brazilian pressure, Japan threatening with good possession and a corner. When Brazil has the ball they're pressuring our back line. Solid chance for Brazil now on 7 minutes after a steal, but deflected for a corner.
Good play by Japan to get a dangerous cross. Vini Jr not staying with his man. Another corner to Japan. We're winning the headers on these now, but Japan keeping pressure on the second balls.
Great long ball to Neymar but he fails to get it to Paquetá or Vini Jr. Vini Jr. about to come off for Martinelli.
Amazing long ball to Neymar and beautiful trap, but the shot was blocked. After the corner Martinelli with a great chance to score, but he mishit it.
Richarlison ready to come on. Let's see if Neymar comes off or if it's Paquetá. Neymar just not in the game in the last two possession, unable to connect with the ball.
So we officially have Militão as a right-back now (or 3 at the back, depending on how they set their shape). Richarlison came in for Fred and Thiago Silva for Dani Alves. Casemiro, Arana and Paquetá will have to protect the backline. Japan get some solid pressure on the first possession after those subs.
Martinelli with a bad giveaway... saved by the ref getting in the way, but Martinelli looks like he didn't wake up yet today.
Nice play for Brazil finally, Neymar with a shot well saved. Arana hits the crossbar on the follow-up but Richarlison was fouled on the play, penalty for Brazil.
Neymar may not be looking sharp all the time, but the PK is his usual reliable one. 1x0 Deserved lead. Good test, lots of stuff to think about, but Brazil the better team. Let's keep pushing for another goal though. They are giving the ball away a little now.