Brazil v Denmark preview

Brazil are hoping its third time lucky when they play Denmark in Salvador tonight, in the final game of Group A in the 2016 Olympic games. A change of scenery might do the under fire Seleção some good following the rancour and ill feeling manifested during a pair of 0-0 draws with South Africa and […]
by
sambafoot_admin
2016-08-11 00:10:00

Brazil are hoping its third time lucky when they play Denmark in Salvador tonight, in the final game of Group A in the 2016 Olympic games. A change of scenery might do the under fire Seleção some good following the rancour and ill feeling manifested during a pair of 0-0 draws with South Africa and Iraq in Brasília. Hailed as a more exciting squad than their senior counterparts, this U-23 side seems to have succumb to the same angst experienced by the senior squad.

Boasting a very exciting front three of Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa and Gabriel Jesús, Brazil’s failure to break down obstinate South African and Iraqi defences has come as an unpleasant surprise. However, the motor issues seem to stem from the midfield. Thiago Maia- possibly Brazil’s best performer of the tournament so far- Renato Augusto and Felipe Anderson are fine players. But the chemistry has not really bubbled between the trio, making the Seleção’s build up play rather laboured.

Thiago, Renato and Felipe have played too far apart from one another, which has made playing through the lines more difficult. Renato Augusto, drafted in as an experienced head, has yet to work out how to provide a link between Thiago Maia and Felipe Anderson. As a result, Brazil have been forced wide, leading one of two predictable conclusions. Either the full-backs swinging hopeful crosses in for Gabriel Jesús, Jesús is good in the air, but he is no target man and Iraq and South Africa have always had plenty of defenders on hand to clear balls into the area.

Or else the ball is funnelled wide to Neymar or Gabigol, who look to cut inside onto their stronger foot. Often, this just sees both players marshalled into traffic, leaving attacks to break down. Brazil’s young side have submitted to frustration as games have worn on, which has affected their decision making and led them away from collective play. Neymar has resorted to petulance, Gabigol to simulating or seeking contact to win free-kicks, whilst attacks rarely even reach Gabriel Jesús, who has been something of an island upfront.

The good news for Brazil is that a win over Denmark will assuage any looming crisis and qualify them for the quarter-final, most likely as group winners. Suspension to Thiago Maia will force at least one change in midfield, with Rodrigo Dourado and Walace as potential options. Coach Rogerio Micale may try to find a way to fit Grêmio’s Luan into the side too. He brings a burst of energy and creativity. His movement drags defenders out of position, which would be precious currency indeed for a hitherto impoverished Brazil attack.

Denmark only need a draw to progress from the group and having observed South Africa and Iraq’s success in smothering Brazil, we can probably expect the Danes to play in a compact manner. Both Iraq and South Africa showed potential on the counter attack, which will surely encourage the Danes to sit deep and look to hit on the break. The Salvador crowd may be more forgiving than the crochety spectators in Brasília, but if Denmark can frustrate the home side in the opening half an hour, the pressure and the poison will increase significantly for the Seleção.

Goalkeeper Weverton, drafted in at the last minute for the injured Fernando Prass, has looked a nervous and unsettled presence in goal, which could further encourage the Danes of the value of good counter attacks. However, Brazil can expect another test of their attacking smarts against a well organised and compact defence. Most of all, this match will provide a test of nerve for this young Brazil side with scrutiny levels turned up to eleven. Ironing the creases in that loose midfield structure would give them a good chance of overcoming this hurdle and qualifying from this group.

Predicted score: 2-0 Brazil (Neymar, Gabriel Jesús)

Predicted line-up: 1.WEVERTON (Atlético Paranaense), 2.ZECA (Santos), 4.MARQUINHOS (PSG), 3.RODRIGO CAIO (São Paulo), 6.DOUGLAS SANTOS (Atlético Mineiro), 15.RODRIGO DOURADO (Internacional), 7.RAFINHA (Barcelona), 17.FELIPE ANDERSON (Lazio), 9.GABRIEL BARBOSA (Santos), 10.NEYMAR(c) (Barcelona), 11.GABRIEL JESUS (Manchester City).

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by
sambafoot_admin
Aug 11, 2016