Page 96 - Soccer360 Issue 107

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Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte (5) and Brazil defender Guilherme Arana (16) challenge each other for the ball
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Is Vini Jr. the last hope for Brazil?
COPA AMERICA 2024 REVIEW
BRAZILIAN DILEMMA
Brazilian soccer is facing one of its darkest periods following another early big tournament exit. The Seleção’s loss to Uruguay on penalties in the Copa América quarter-finals marked their seventh early departure from an international tournament outside Brazil since 2009. While not as infamous as the 1950 or 7-1 World
Cup losses, this defeat still paints a grim picture moving forward.
Expectations for Brazil heading into this Copa América were low, with little hope
of securing their 10th title. Yet, there was potential for building momentum amid ongoing turmoil at the federation. Coach Dorival Júnior, brought in to stabilize the team, seemed to have made progress
with strong performances against Spain and England in March. However, the Copa América highlighted his shortcomings, particularly his inability to make timely in- game adjustments and maintain authority over the squad. Notably, he was ignored by his players during the crucial pre-penalty huddle. Dorival emphasized penalty preparation, but poor execution during the shootout, exemplified by Éder Militão and Douglas Luiz’s misses, undermined his efforts. The fans’ frustration boiled over, with calls for Dorival and captain Danilo
to step down. Danilo defended the team, urging patience, but the lackluster results have eroded public confidence.
Brazil’s Copa América campaign was dismal, with only one win against Paraguay. The team struggled to score from open play and failed to impress against Costa Rica, Colombia, and Uruguay. Brazil’s trademark style of free-flowing soccer was absent,
replaced by a meandering and uninspired approach. Key players like Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinícius Júnior either underperformed or were sidelined.
Vinícius, in particular, faced heavy criticism. Despite his club success, he has struggled to replicate that form for the national team. Suspended for the quarter-final,
his contributions were limited, and his
role on the team remains unclear. The burden on him to be Brazil’s creative spark has been overwhelming, and the team’s overall structure and stability have failed to support his talents.
Midfielder Andreas Pereira’s pre-match comments about Uruguay’s squad backfired, motivating La Celeste and highlighting Brazil’s disjointed midfield. Lucas Paquetá, João Gomes, Bruno Guimarães, and Pereira were outplayed by Uruguay and Colombia, with Brazil resorting to aimless long balls due to their inability to navigate through midfield pressure. Dorival’s inability to find solutions on the sidelines and the lack of strong midfield anchors like Casemiro or Fernandinho
have left Brazil vulnerable. Only 17-year-old Endrick showed promise, but expecting
him to carry the team is unrealistic. Against Uruguay, he struggled with the physicality of the game, completing just two passes. Currently, Brazil ranks as the fourth-best team in South America, trailing behind Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia. These teams may not boast more talent, but
they have a clear playing style and strong leadership. Without a quick turnaround, Brazil risks missing the 2026 World Cup
and possibly cycling through yet another manager.
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