Time for Philippe Coutinho to take over from Neymar as Brazil's lead protagonist

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  • Without wandering too much into a philosophical preach, football has a beautiful way of stripping back humanity to its rawest form.

    Beamed into the living rooms of millions, Neymar wept in front of our eyes proving that despite his exponential remuneration, he is indeed human, not just the detached caricature we’ve come to know.

    Neymar’s eruption of emotion in the immediate aftermath of Brazil’s late 2-0 win over Costa Rica was surprising but understandable given the immense pressure on his shoulders.

    However, those drops of delight could make way for streams of suffering if the pre-tournament favourites fail to secure last-16 qualification, requiring at least a point against Serbia at the Spartak Stadium.

    Will Neymar and Brazil keep their emotions in check to secure safe passage? We examine the key questions for Tite’s Canarinho ahead of Wednesday’s clash.

    ARE BRAZIL BUILT TO HANDLE ROUGH AND TOUGH?

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    For all their undoubted style, Brazil must demonstrate they can wed that quality to substance against a strapping Serbia side.

    The five-time World Cup winners have let hearts rule heads in the past and it contributed to their spectacular implosion on home turf four years ago.

    Neymar’s tears at full-time after scoring to clinch three points against Costa Rica was reminiscent of Brazil’s unravelling in 2014, as the Paris Saint-Germain forward also memorably wailed at the end of their penalty shoot-out success over Chile in the last-16.

    We all know what followed, with Tite arriving and managing to pacify the “crybabies” in the intervening years, yet there are concerns that met with resistance, the Selecao could crumble.

    They have not yet replicated the fierce form of a side which won six of their last seven games heading into Russia. Initial signs of concern were raised in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland and were fortified in their injury-time win last time out.

    Serbia are arguably the toughest test in Group E with their bruising physicality capable of pummeling away at any sensitivity.

    Defenders Dusko Tosic, Aleksandar Kolarov and Branislav Ivanovic are experienced warriors while Nemanja Matic and Luka Milivojevic are a heavyweight pair in midfield with the crafty Aleksandar Mitrovic up top a master in the dark arts, too.

    Like in boxing, contrasting styles make fights, but if Brazil can escape from the clash with a bruising rather than a knockout, they will be stronger for it.

    WILL COUTINHO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOW?

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    Whether it’s mental, physical or even both, Brazil’s leading man Neymar has yet to take to centre-stage.

    Granted, the 26-year-old has only just returned to action having suffered a foot injury in February while playing for PSG so perhaps rust is to be anticipated.

    But Neymar’s presence has become a bit of a hindrance for Brazil’s attacking phases. No player has been dispossessed (15) more in Neymar, his six unsuccessful touches are also the highest for a Brazilian while only two-goal Philippe Coutinho (10) has attempted more shots than Neymar’s nine.

    His 15 attempted dribbles are more than double of any other team-mate, which is to be expected, but he’s only been successful on just eight occasions.

    The return on this hefty investment of playing through Neymar? One goal, a tap-in against Costa Rica with the last kick of the game. The Canarinho are becoming a little predictable and ponderous when Neymar is in possession with the attacker slowing down their transitions into the final third.

    Perhaps it is time for Coutinho to assume the role of lead protagonist. While Neymar carries the pressure, it is the Barcelona playmaker who has alleviated the weight, scoring in the opening two games – his sublime strike against Costa Rica the standout for Brazil so far.

    Intelligent off the ball as well as on it, giving Coutinho greater influence could be to everyone’s benefit, most crucially, Neymar.

    AGE OR BEAUTY WINNING THE FULL-BACK BATTLE?

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    Danilo is sidelined with a thigh injury meaning Marcelo and Fagner will once again take up their spots on Brazil’s flanks.

    The diamond duo, though, will clash against granite in the form of Serbia’s Kolarov and Ivanovic on Wednesday.

    Serbia’s full-backs are the combined age of 66 and both Marcelo and Fagner will hope their opposite number’s enterprise to push up and support Dusan Tadic and Adem Ljajic will provide a route 66 to exploit Serbia out wide.

    Both Brazilians are pivotal in creating passing triangles out wide so the full-back battle will make for a fascinating one.

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