England vs. Brazil, Friendly: Wednesday 06/02/13, 19:30 Wembley Stadium, London [R]

Some more than others, though. This side just doesn't look that good in general.

 

Yeah, but Brazil have more pressure than most. Scolari HAS to win the World Cup or he will be regarded as a big failure (this time around). Neymar will be expected to fire Brazil to victory or he will be lambasted. The last time Brazil hosted the World Cup, they failed to win it and that was a big blow to their pride. They need to win this one to make up for 1950. Imagine if Argentina win in Rio? They would probably have a national inquest!

 

Oscar without doubt. I've seen him pre-Chelsea and, not to be Euro elitist but, the leap to playing in Europe has really developed the kid's game. Neymar should have ideally moved last summer too so he could bed in similarly and get a taste of the top level games/opposition he can expect at the WC.

Where were the Shakhtar boys? Fernandinho is a notch up on Ramires, and I say that as a Rami fan.

 

Yeah, they were missing some players, that's true. Still not sure it's one of the best Brazil sides though.

Mind you playing at home and all that, they'll be VERY dangerous next year.

 

Biggest problem with Brazil was how static their midfield was. They played like they did last time Scolari was in charge, that worked back then as this was the pre-Spain/Barca era. Now it's vital to have fluid possession midfielders like Wilshere who can move between the lines. Brazil had a massive distance most of the game between Ronaldinho and Ramires/Paulinho. Oscar and Neymar would occasionally try to fill it, but only by coming in from the wide areas. Second half Brazil looked a bit more fluid, but still lacking in some quality.

 

England's midfield with Wilshere, Cleverly and Gerrard looked fluid and technical. It became less fluid when Lampard came on in the second half. Lampard has great vision and long range ball passing, but he's not a tiki-taka player. In the first half, that midfield is probably the best we can hope to see develop into an effective unit. Also it's great to see Rooney dropping deep, adding a 4th man in midfield to solidify things.

 

Rooney always drops deep...it's the way he plays...for club and country...