In the 1-1 draw, a fair result, Morocco, collectively, was better, but Brazil has more exceptional players.
The chances of goals were equal. Brazil started the match with a quartet in the center (Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá and Raphinha), in addition to strikers Vini and Igor Thiago. During the match, there were progressively several individual and positional changes. Vini scored a beautiful goal, but missed a lot of shots. Mainly, there was a lack of more talent in the midfield, exchange of passes and control of the ball and the game. Igor Thiago did poorly and was replaced.
Ancelotti, bring on Endrick!
Spain, Portugal and Argentina, because they have exceptional midfielders and because of their philosophy, fill the midfield more, have more control of the ball and alternate the exchange of passes with quick plays. France, as it has excellent attackers, prioritizes speed towards the goal. Germany advances with many players, but leaves huge spaces in defense. England seeks balance between sectors.
The Brazilian team has been criticized for not having, close to the World Cup, a definition of its lineup and strategy. The justification almost always used is that Ancelotti only had one year in office. I don’t see that as a problem. Several great teams and selections that went down in history were formed in a short time. Uniting the characteristics and qualities of the players is more important than time.
Zagallo took charge of the 1970 team just a few months before its debut. The lineup and strategy were defined close to the World Cup, with the exchange of a left winger (Edu) for a third player in midfield (Rivellino), the choice of midfielder Piazza as defender, in addition to the definition that I would be the center forward. Argentina, led by Scaloni, changed the team with each match, becoming 2022 world champions.
Cruyff said that, in the 1974 World Cup, Rínus Michels’ Netherlands defined two weeks before their debut the revolutionary way of playing that enchanted the world.
Unlike the other teams, Ancelotti, in recent weeks, has changed the lineup and positioning of some players several times. The coach is not hostage to any dogma, to any strategy. Defines the way to play and the lineup according to the moment, quality and characteristics of the players on the Brazilian team and the opponent.
Ancelotti is flexible, capable of making correct decisions in the face of unexpected and negative circumstances. He has no philosophy, his great quality, which doesn’t mean he doesn’t make mistakes.
That’s life. We live on successes, mistakes and uncertainties. The most successful coaches are the ones who make the best choices. Nothing is definitive. “Things come and go, life doesn’t even belong to us” (João Guimarães Rosa).
Aztec Feast
When I saw the beautiful opening party of the World Cup at the Azteca stadium, I was reminded of the 1970 World Cup final, in the same place. After many celebrations from the fans and players on the field, we returned to the hotel and then went to a dinner promoted by FIFA. Before dessert, I sneaked out, got a ride with a Mexican and went back to the hotel, where I met my parents. We cried hugging each other. I slept little, thinking about everything. I was happy and relieved. Life went on.
Brito
My condolences to the family of Brito, an excellent defender, elected the athlete with the best physical shape of the 70 World Cup by FIFA. In Mexico, Brito would call his family and ask them to make his dog bark, to make sure he was okay.
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