Brazil’s World Cup credentials were well established in a convincing 2-0 win over a dangerous Mexico side at Samara Arena on Monday.
Along with the team, Neymar had his best performance of the tournament yet as he ran riot down the left flank and opened the scoring in the 51st minute.
As Mexico went in search for an equaliser, substitute Robert Firmino profited from some more good work by Neymar with two minutes on the clock as he followed in his shot for a tap-in.
Tite won the tactical battle in the dugout as his clever tweaks helped navigate Brazil past their worthy opponents.
BASIC STATS
Goals – 2
Shots – 20
Possession – 50%
Tackles – 22
Dribbles – 15
30-SECOND REPORT
Tite set his side up in their usual 4-3-3 formation although Felipe Luis stepped in for the injured Marcelo at left-back, while Fagner retained his place ahead of Danilo on the opposite side.
The Brazilians were forced to weather the storm early on as Mexico used the flanks to good effect, launching dangerous attacks that went around Selecao’s three-man midfield.
Juan Carlos Osorio’s side posed a supreme counter-attacking threat and Tite tried to guard against it, even keeping three men back on the halfway line when they had a corner. They gradually grew into the game though and shifted the ball well, testing Guillermo Ochoa in Mexico’s goal on several occasions.
Tite.
TACTICAL TALKING POINTS
Switch to the left
Brazil’s play is usually concentrated down the left flank with Philippe Coutinho, Neymar and Marcelo all occupying that side but in the left-back’s absence, there was a distinct alteration in their build-up play.
Their passing against Mexico was largely focused down the right but they would execute a quick switch to the opposite side where the likes of Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus could exploit the space.
With the young Edson Alvarez playing at right-back, it was a deliberate ploy that worked well in creating several chances, including the one for the goal.
Neymar (r) got the better of Edson Alvarez.
VERDICT
It hasn’t always been vintage Brazil at this World Cup, but Tite has ensured that there’s been a generous spattering of flair to go with a guarded structure in behind. That was never more evident than during this victory.
There was some superb attacking play that set the pulse racing but Mexico tested their defence and thanks to Tite’s pragmatic side, Brazil were equipped to deal with that threat. With Marcelo injured, even the full-backs tended to hold back to deny the North Americans too much space in the transition. It was all very precise and effective.
Rating – 8/10
