The “Samba” Squad Constrains Its Main “Dancer”

AFP PHOTO/GABRIEL BOUYS

Brazil\'s forward Neymar controls a ball next to Brazil\'s coach Tite (left) during a training session at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 21, 2018 on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Brazil and Costa Rica.

SAINT PETERSBURG, KOMPAS – Any discussion of the Brazilian national soccer team will not stray too far from talks about the problems surrounding its superstar, Neymar. Brazilian coach Tite faced an onslaught of questions on Neymar’s latest condition in a press conference at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Russia on Thursday (21/6/2018). Tite reaffirmed several times that “Neymar will play!”

Brazil’s upcoming match against Costa Rica — its second Group E match — at Saint Petersburg Stadium this Friday (22/6) will be crucial. Thus far, the Samba squad has just scored one point in the group standings after a draw against Switzerland, 1-1. A victory against Costa Rica is necessary for the five-time world champion to make it through to the next round.

After finding a highly disciplined opponent with great defensive skills in Switzerland, Brazil will find that its upcoming challenger is equally tough. Despite its defeat from Serbia, 0-1, in its first World Cup match this year, Costa Rica was once known as the “killer of giants”. It defeated Uruguay and Italy in the 2014 World Cup.

Nevertheless, Tite said he would not impose too many changes to the team’s strategy. It will be similar to the one applied in the match against Switzerland. According to the former Corinthians coach, the team has found a perfect rhythm in the match against Switzerland. Despite scoring only one goal, namely by Philippe Coutinho, Tite said he was convinced his team had a good flow and could create many opportunities.

This means that Tite will not change the team’s lineup. By using a 4-2-3-1 formation and placing Neymar, Coutinho and WIllian behind striker Gabriel Jesus, Tite said he hoped the team would perform better when facing the “Los Ticos” squad. This also means that Neymar must not be egoistic when the team faces Switzerland.

The only difference will be that Thiago Silva will replace Marcelo as team captain. “This is a determining match and we must perform better,” Silva said.

Whoever the captain is, Brazil still hopes that Neymar will play. He is a central figure that spreads confidence to the other players. The problem is that many doubt Neymar’s physical fitness. He was reported to have had another injury and was not seen during practice on Tuesday (19/6). However, the next day, he was seen in practice.

Neymar took a two-month rest after suffering from broken bones in his foot ahead of the World Cup. There are concerns that the injuries will recur as Brazil hunts for its sixth world champion title. “[Neymar] is continuously getting better. He is having a speedy recovery. Indeed, he needs five matches to return to his top form,” Tite said.

Tite’s decision to let Neymar play is not without risk. Neymar is often targeted for attacks by opponent teams. In the match against Switzerland, Neymar was on the receiving end of violations 10 times — the most violations a player received in one World Cup match in the last 20 years.

The World Cup four years ago was not a good memory for Neymar and Brazil. When facing Colombia in the quarterfinals, Neymar ended up with a back injury as a result of another player\'s violation. Despite Brazil winning the match and advancing to the semifinals, Neymar was forced to drop out from the World Cup. Consequently, Brazil suffered a devastating defeat from Germany, 1-7.

“It is not that we wish to sacrifice Neymar. He is fit and we urgently need a win,” Tite said.

France got through

France secured a ticket to the Round of 16 after defeating Peru 1-0 in a Group C match on Thursday (21/6). Kylian Mbappe broke the record as the youngest Frenchman World Cup scorer at 19 years and 183 days. The previous record holder was David Trezeguet at 20 years and 246 days.

Denmark and Australia will fight for the group’s runner-up position. With its four points, Denmark only needs to get a draw against France to get to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Australia will need to win against Peru and hope for Denmark’s defeat by France.