I am also worried about those high crosses into one of those huge dudes with the big afro in the box.
I'm not worried but I can't stop thinking about our quarterfinal match against Holland in 2010. I was also certain we'd beat them back then as well. This will not be an easy match.
I am a bit surprised we rate Belgium this high. They have been beating on minnows for the last 2 years and every time they faced a better-than-average team, they've drawn. I predict a close game, but another 2-0 for Brazil with some brilliance from Neymar. TS and Alisson are also going to have excellent games. Edit, not sure why I can't insert the image I want to but here is the link: https://imgur.com/a/KI6dREX
Tim Vickery on Brasil x Belgium: Brazil's superior balance makes them favourites against Belgium (mostly optimistic) Tim elogia postura de Tite: "É um técnico que não tem medo de aprender" (Praising Tite) Brazil's World Cup has gone smoothly, but now comes Belgian test (hedging, discussing heartburn-inducing weak points).
More international praise of Tite and his press conference: Tite brings calmness, clarity and candour to coherent Brazil
I need some of that calmness. Woke up at 5 am because I'm old and needed to pee, then couldn't get back to sleep thinking about the game. I wish it was the first game.
Hopefully the pattern continues. I like what Roberto Martinez has done, including bringing in Thierry Henry to help with self belief in the Belgium squad....but I think if Selecao scores first it wouldn't be surprising to see them crumble (in spite of their comeback vs Japan...Selecao is different). I wouldn't say the same about Uruguay or France who I'm positive would have self-belief until the end. A different ball game if they go up.
I'm in no way trying to praise Italy(who didn't even make it) but if there was ever a game for G. Jesus to do a Rossi'82 today is the day to do it!! Lol
I read all of Redshift's URLs and agree with the general sentiment, which is Tite's personal philosophy has filtered into the way the players play. Even if Brazil fails to win the World Cup - or even if Brazil were to lose today - I believe CBF needs to grant him a minimum two-year extension. I have not forgotten how Vanderlei Luxemburgo, for all his errors and defects, was humiliated right after the 2000 Summer Olympics. Émerson Leão did even worse; admittedly, our best players were injured and Leão made horrible personnel choices. When Luis Felipe Scolari took over, he had almost nothing to work with, so even though his legacy has been marred by the 2014 World Cup, he at least built a team in 1 year and won the World Cup. Today Brazil has no one at Tite's level, and continuity would be very helpful to keep our team consistently strong for the next few years; we do, in fact, have a Copa América at home next year, and it'd be great for Brazil to win that competition (a 30-year anniversary of the 1989 Copa América which Brazil also won on home soil). I'm not saying Tite should have a stint as long as Alex Ferguson's was at Manchester United, but Tite more than deserves an offer; additionally, once the World Cup ends for Brazil, title or no title, you guys can all bet clubs everywhere will throw money at him to get him to manage their teams.
A good analysis of our first four games using data. Also including the graphics for Finalizações Sofridas and Lado da Posse de Bola, which are discussed at length in the video. Our defensive system really stands out.
I agree Tite should be given at least another 2 years. But I don't see him bringing in a plethora of new players to prep for 2022 and that makes me nervous. I'm not trying to see Paulinho still getting called up the year before the World Cup. Can he integrate players like Arthur( who confirmed he is going to Barca right now) into the squad? Unfortunately CBF is run by mobsters and dumbasses. If we lose today, I don't see him keeping his job.
I think he can. Keep in mind he only had 2 years to work. He didn't have time to try too many different players. I am just not sure he will want to stay. I think he may miss the day to day club life.
Tite having done such an amazing job despite the questionable characters at CBF makes his work all that more impressive. It is unfortunate that CBF would reap the rewards of either a World Cup title victory, or if not that, Brazil's great run under Tite. Tite is human; he may make mistakes. But he's an extremely studious manager and he will monitor the up-and-coming talents (if he keeps the job). Arthur for example; he has now officially left Grêmio for Barcelona, and I think this does lower Grêmio's chances of winning a Libertadores tetra this year. But Grêmio's loss is Barceona's gain, and I am certain Arthur will develop and reach the Brazilian NT - hopefully under Tite.
I don't think the politics affects Tite at all. It's as if CBF business and CBF football and completely separate entities. All players and coaches have stated that over the years (since the 90s) nothing has been spared for the team.
Good point. I was reading on UOL this morning that members of Tite's coaching staff have received everything they have requested from CBF, which is not usual in Brazilian clubs (admittedly because clubs don't always have the resources CBF has).
Not all managers see them as separate entities. Tite even said as much prior to accepting the job. He was reluctant based off the potential scandalous activity and lack of a clear vision and plan that 2014 exposed.
Hoje é dia de união! União de talento com raça, de craque com craque, de time com torcida! 👊🇧🇷 #GigantesPorNatureza #Copa2018 pic.twitter.com/AUFPp2x4Tu— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) July 6, 2018 Are we wearing the blue kit today?
Morally it isn't. What I am saying is that CBF's corruption doesn't affect NT footballing matters. The most we've had of corruption affect the team I think were the shady call ups to help sell a player which I think was actually influenced by whoever the coach was at the time and not CBF. Of course we have played BS friendlies just to make money, but that's part of the business and I don't think affected it from a footballing aspect that much. All the coach needs is knowledge that there are no outside influences on his call ups and the necessary structural support needed to succeed.
As an American of Portuguese and Mexican origin currently in Lisboa, I only have one thing to say… FORÇA BRASIL! You guys have by far the most complete and talented team in the tournament, plus I’d love to see you make a big turn around from what happened in Belo Horizonte. Your brothers from across the pond have your back and are pulling for you, just like you did for us in France two years ago! Vamos a seleção!
Fellaini and Chadli to start in place of Carrasco and Mertens. Get ready for our aerial defense to be tested early.
They're also playing a back 3. Hopefully we'll do more damage than Japan and be far less naive/inocente if it comes time to administer the game. https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331538/#match-lineups