Brazil need patience vs intense Germany
There has been a lot of talk about revenge ahead of the quarterfinal between Brazil and Germany. The context has been Brazil’s 2014 World Cup loss. We Brazilians are not moved by vengeance. Brazil won the 2002 World Cup against them and Germany won in 2014, no big deal. What moves Brazil players is the passion for the game and enjoyment in playing football. We don’t have rivalry with Germany, they are a very good team to play against, that’s it.
I am very happy to see how well the boys are doing. I hope they keep doing their best and continue playing with the same passion. The next match will be tough. I think we will watch a wonderful and balanced game. It would certainly be a treat for the fans at Salt Lake Stadium and across India watching on TV.
Germans know how to manage the ball and control the rhythm of the game, and they are also very intense. Brazil have to be patient and explore our known skills and collective game to beat them. The coach might bring in more speed into the play, asking the boys to move the ball fast and try an unusual shot combination or movement in the final moment to pass through the defence.
They always talk about Latin American flair versus European efficiency. I agree with the picture, even though I believe our style might be more efficient than the Europeans.
But for earlier (matches), Brazil would feel the gap created by Vinicius Junior’s absence. He is one of the best in his age, but I see many skilful players to fill his absence and stand up to the occasion. Lincoln is one such player. He has a promising future and can go on to become one more great Brazilian player.
That’s the thing about Brazil and their ability to produce quality footballers. Our grassroots are very organised and professional in the medium to big clubs; even small clubs have produced big names.
0The clubs deal with young talent very seriously. They provide a good structure to train, psychological and nutrition support. They hire high level professionals to teach and care about the youth.
Brazilian professionals can contribute to improve the process to build Indian youth as big names. India has been making the right noise in world football. Everybody who likes football in Brazil knows about the Indian Super League. We see ISL as an opportunity to play a good league and live in a country with exciting supporters.
BRAZIL WOULD FEEL THE GAP CREATED BY VINICIUS JUNIOR’S ABSENCE, BUT I SEE MANY SKILFUL PLAYERS TO FILL HIS ABSENCE.