The Brazilian team was able to absorb the criticism received for the terrible impression left after the defeat in the friendly against France, last Thursday (26). In the last test before being called up for the World Cup, Brazil beat Croatia this Tuesday (31), 3-1, in Orlando, in the United States.
After the apathetic performance against the French, when the green and yellow team was dominated and lost 2-1 despite playing much of the game with an extra man, the main change in the game with Croatia was the attitude. Brazil didn’t just wait for the opponent, they looked for the attacking field throughout the game and even reacted quickly when victory almost slipped away at the end.
Danilo was the one who opened the scoring in the first half, at 46. After the break, Majer took advantage of the Brazilian defense’s hesitation and left everything the same in the 38th minute. Four minutes later, Brazil returned to the lead, with Igor Thiago converting a penalty. Before the end, there was still time for Gabriel Martinelli to close the account, at 46.
The numbers from the first half, as well as the reaction in the second half, showed an evolution in Brazil’s offensive production. Against the French, Ancelotti’s team didn’t have any clear shots in the opening 45 minutes. Against the Croatians, there were four balls on target, out of a total of nine shots.
Croatia only had one successful shot, in the 45th minute, when Modric took a free kick, throwing the ball into the area and Vuskovic headed it into the middle of the goal, requiring a good save from Bento, who sent it for a corner.
After the charge, Brazil recovered the ball and launched a quick counterattack. Still in the defensive field, Matheus Cunha made a beautiful pass to Vinicius Junior. The number 10 cleared three markers before serving Danilo Santos. The midfielder shot hard, high, without a chance for goalkeeper Livakovic, and made it 1-0.
The number 18, Botafogo player, was one of the team’s highlights. Before finding the net, he had already demanded a good save from the Croatian goalkeeper. In the 20th minute, also served by Vinicius Junior on the left, the midfielder finished halfway, but Livakovic managed to save.
The Croatian goalkeeper was the main name of his team, with good saves and a bit of luck, as in a move in which he prevented a goal from João Pedro by falling on the ball. The attacker invaded the area and shot hard after Matheus Cunha once again made a beautiful pass between the markings.
After the break, the pace of the match was less fast. Ancelotti also took the opportunity to carry out new tests, giving opportunities to Danilo Luiz, Fabinho, Igor Tiago, in addition to the return of Gabriel Martinelli, who started against France. The Arsenal striker replaced Vinicius Junior, who left tired. He ran much further than he had done against the French.
However, it was not the Italian coach’s desire to carry out tests on this FIFA date. Before facing Croatia, he regretted the fact that he was without his starting team due to injuries. Despite the problems, he also declared on Monday (30) that he already has a “very clear idea” of his ideal team and his final list for the World Cup.
The game with the Croatians, however, allowed players like Danilo Santos and João Pedro to gain points with the commander at a decisive moment. The call-up for the World Cup will be on May 18th.
The coach also showed his star after experiencing a moment of frustration. In the 38th minute, Majer tied the match after receiving a pass from Fruk, on the right, and infiltrating Brazil’s defenders to leave everything even. Bento missed the goal badly and left his goal open.
With two goals in four minutes, however, the Brazilian team showed the power to react. First, Endrick scored a penalty, converted by Igor Thiago, Ancelotti’s bet for the second half. Then, it was Gabriel Martinelli’s turn to secure the victory at 46, completing a counterattack. He also came on in the final stretch of the match to boost the team.
The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) schedule now includes two more games before the World Cup, both with the World Cup squad already defined. On May 31st, the team says goodbye to the country in a friendly against Panama, at Maracanã. Then, already in the United States, he faces Egypt, on June 6th.
The World Cup debut is scheduled for June 13th, against Morocco, in what should be their most difficult game in Group C, also made up of Haiti and Croatia.
