Brazil still haunted by 71 defeat
REVENGE Manager Tite says Germany’s mauling of Selecao in 2014 semifinal makes tonight's meeting an emotional affair
BERLIN: Brazil coach Tite says the “ghost” of their 7-1 mauling by Germany at the 2014 World Cup still haunts the ‘Selecao’, as the teams prepare to meet on Tuesday. Brazil suffered their heaviest home defeat when Germany hit four goals in six devastating first-half minutes of the Belo Horizonte semifinal nearly four years ago.
Toni Kroos and Andre Schuerrle both scored twice over the 90 minutes as Germany’s attack ran riot en route to winning the World Cup title.
The teams meet in a friendly for the first time since at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and Tite says Brazil still bear the scars.
“This has a huge psychological meaning - no one needs to fool themselves about that,” Tite told German magazine Kicker.
“The 7-1 from the World Cup is like a ghost. It’s present, people still talk about it, but the more you talk about it, the less this ‘ghost’ disappears.”
“It won’t just be a sporting challenge, but a huge emotional challenge too. We are preparing to give our best performance, which will be important, but of course I also want a good result.”
Tite has been in charge of Brazil since 2016, but Felipe Scolari was head coach for the mauling by Germany.
“I was watching the game at home in Sao Paulo with my wife and after the third goal went in, she started to cry,” said the 56-year-old Tite. That started me off. It was a moment of great inspiration for Germany, every shot was a goal - stuff like that doesn’t even happen in video games.”
“Sometimes you get that in football, a team comes close to perfection and that’s what happened to Germany.
“The wound is still open and the match in Berlin is a part of the process of closing it.”
Tite told Brazil reporters that Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho will replace Douglas Costa in the only change from the team which beat Russia 3-0 in Moscow on Friday.
Germany head coach Joachim Loew expects to make up to five changes from the starting line-up of Friday’s 1-1 with Spain. such as Mesut Ozil, Thomas Mueller and Emre Can, Germany’s line-up against Brazil is set to be considerably altered from that in their 1-1 draw against Spain. Apart from replacing unavailable players, manager Joachim Lowe may choose to experiment at the full-back and goalkeeper’s positions to keep his options open when they begin their title defense in June. turn out against Spain is not clear. However, Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli will be keen on settling down on the team that would be best suited to provide Messi the freedom to express himself and control La Albiceleste’s game in Russia. Injury concerns though, may hamper the selection of those best suited. Brazil will be looking to rid themselves of the ‘ghost’ of the 7-1 home defeat they suffered against Germany in the 2014 World Cup. More than a chance for manager Tite to test various players and combinations, he will be looking to trounce the Germans at any cost. A strong Brazilian line-up can be expected to take the field despite Neymar’s absence. manager Julen Lopetegui will be looking to finalise on a striker who could lead their attack during the World Cup. With defensive and midfield spots almost guaranteed to be taken up by established names,
Rodrigo Moreno and Alvaro Morata will have to justify their selection upfront. be looking for a seventh win on the trot against Italy. England’s midfield remains their biggest problem. Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier provide solidity but lack creativity and with Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling performing below par in national colours, it could be their undoing. Southgate will also be looking to zero in on his first choice goalkeeper. 12:15am (Wed), Germany v Brazil; live on Sony Ten 2 & 2HD. 12:30am (Wed), England v Italy; live on Sony Ten 1 & 1HD.