Perhaps this is inevitable. In the old days, when the competition was called the Copa Rocca, the two South American giants were at or around full strength. Now, in the age of globalisation, they meet for these two fixtures without their European-based stars, and with very little time to train. It is little wonder that the spectacle on Wednesday night could not live up to some of the great games of the past.
Nevertheless, there is value in the exercise. It is an interestingly competitive environment in which to test new players – and any game, especially one involving these two footballing superpowers, can throw up points to discuss.
Brazil coach Mano Menzes picked a strange team for this first match. The idea to include some experienced players along with the youngsters was sound. But the initial formation, with all the veterans on the left side, made little sense. Kleber at left back never hit the heights that were expected of him a decade ago. For all his quality on the ball, it was clear as far back as the Confederations Cup of 2003 that he was not cut out physically to fulfil the role expected of a Brazil full back, since he lacks the lung power to keep reaching the bye line. In front of him was Renato Abreu of Flamengo, well into his 30s, with Ronaldinho beginning the game on the left side of the attacking trio – a line up that gave Brazil little chance of stretching the Argentine defence.
Things improved after the hour mark, when Oscar replaced Renato Abreu. It was not that the hero of the World Youth Cup final did anything special – in fact he seemed to have problems staying on his feet. But the balance of the side was better. The formation changed to a midfield diamond, with Ronaldinho at the tip, in a central role where he was more free to create, and Neymar switching flanks to the left, where he is probably most effective.
It was soon after the substitution that Leandro Damiao came up with the move of the match, cutting in from the right and producing an inspired flick over Argentina left back Emiliano Papa before sending in a lob which came back off the far post. Damiao also hit the woodwork in the first half, volleying Neymar’s cross against the post.
Both near misses showcased the strong points of the Internacional striker who has been in such magnificent form all year. He is a big centre forward who carries a threat both inside and the area and dropping deep to bring the ball forward. Where he is still lacking is in is back to goal ability. This was evident last week against Ghana, when Brazil were unable to turn second half control into clear chances, at least from open play. The same deficiency was also apparent against Argentina. Brazil will get much more out of Neymar when Damiao (or another centre forward) is able to give more of a platform, take the ball with his back to goal and supply an intelligent return pass. The hugely promising Damiao could do worse than spend some time watching Fred, the talented but injury prone Fluminense striker, who can play this pivot role very well.
These, though, are minor points about Wednesday’s match. There is probably a bigger point to be made, which refers to the midfield.
Before this match there was every expectation that even away from home Brazil would dominate. There were sound reasons for such a view. With only domestically based players on duty, it was thought that Argentina could not hope to compete – with the Brazilian currency so much stronger, clubs have been able to retain talented youngsters and bring back established stars, paying them much more than Argentine football can afford.
A glance at the starting line ups would seem to confirm this view. Brazil looked superior in goal, in defence and in attack. The question mark was in midfield – not because Argentina looked especially impressive in this sector (the big names Riquelme and Veron had both pulled out injured), but because Brazil looked decidedly mediocre.
And so it proved. Admittedly, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella sought to ify Brazil’s attacking strength by packing the midfield. Brazil were outnumbered in the centre. Even so, Brazil’s midfielders appeared to have little idea of how to maintain controlled possession. Until he limped off, Argentina’s Juan Manuel Martinez was the liveliest striker on show – because his midfield gave him support that Neymar did not receive. After the match Ronaldinho paid tribute to the way Argentina’s Hector Canteros had organised his side’s play from deep. Brazil had no equivalent.
I am of the view that Brazilian football played some of its most sparkling football not necessarily in a 4-2-4 formation, but with central midfielders who grew up understanding the system and its implications – that they are obliged to be all rounders. Think of Clodoaldo and Gerson in 1970 – interchangeable in the semi final against Uruguay – or Falcao and Toninho Cerezo in 82.
Subsequently came the dependence on forward runs of the full backs to supply attacking width, and the transformation of the wingers into attacking midfielders in a 4-2-2-2, typically applied with a separation of functions between the pair defensive minded ‘volantes’ and the offensive-minded ‘meias.’ What has been lost is the capacity to play through the team – one reason that the quest of Mano Menezes to become less dependent on the counter-attack has so far not been a convincing success.
