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TOO MUCH FIREPOWER

By Asif Nasser

Published on:

Updated on:
149
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BRAZIL VS PERU

Brazil once again cruised through the game, scoring four goals against Peru to top the group. Solid defensive performance and a late attacking surge stamped down the authority. Peru did not pose any real threat to the defending Champions. Brazil’s comfortable victory makes them the only team in Group A not to drop points.

 

 

The initial moments of the game were slow, with both teams trying to find a tempo and rhythm. There were no clear attacking threats in the first ten minutes. Both teams were trying to establish control of the game and although Peru did share the spoils, the difference in quality was evident.

COMFORTABLE BUT LACK-LUSTER START

There were no efforts on goal by either team in the opening ten minutes. It was Manchester United’s Fred that took the first shot on goal, but his effort from outside the box was far too wide of the post. However, it was the start of the threat that loomed.

In the 12th minute, Everton’s cross found its way to Gabriel Jesus following a poor clearance. The Manchester City forward squared the ball back into the box and Alex Sandro smashed in the first goal of the night.

 

 

The first best chance of the game for the visitors came in the 39th minute. They started making use of the long spells of possession they had by putting pressure on the Brazil backline. Cueva played a neat ball into the box for Lapulda who had the presence of mind to leave it for Tapia. The La Liga midfielder was quickly rushed by Ederson and so he tried to curve it around the keeper. Danilo read the play and puts his body in the way to clear it for a corner.

 

 

Brazil had a comfortable first half but was not convincing in their game plan. Both keepers remained largely uninvolved in the half. Fabinho and Jesus were the more influential players in the half for Brazil. The Liverpool No.6 swooped up any potential danger even before it occurred. Another central defensive midfielder, Renato Tapia, was the key man for Peru in the half. Popping up in dangerous areas and ticking the ball through to the forwards.

TOO MUCH FIREPOWER

Peru didn’t try and stamp their authority in the second half despite being a goal down to Brazil. In the 63rd minute, Brazil looked like they were set to finish the game off with the second goal. Neymar weaved his way into the edge of the box and went to the ground following pressure from Renato Tapia. Although the ref initially pointed to the spot, after a lengthy VAR review, it was overturned.

 

 

In the 68th minute, Neymar got his goal. Neat footwork enabled the PSG No.10 some space to turn with the ball. A low-driven shot from outside the box out of the keepers reach gave Brazil the lead they needed.

Peru’s best chance of triggering a comeback came in the 79th minute. Substitute Valera should have marked his debut with a goal from nearly point-blank range. A free-kick swung into the far post was pushed back into the box but Valero could not react precisely and send the ball above the crossbar instead of under it.

 

 

Peru’s missed chance livened up the Brazilians who went on an attacking spree. In the last five minutes of normal time, the Brazilians kept on creating chances and nearly scored a third of the night if not for incredible save Pedro Gallese. However, Everton Ribero did find the third goal just a minute after the save, teed up by Richarlison.

 

 

Richarlison then went on to score the fourth goal of the game in injury time. Once again Firmino’s shot was saved brilliantly but Richarlison was quick to react, driving the ball past the keeper to make it 4-0.

BRAZIL’S SQUAD DEPTH AND VERSATILITY

The last-minute hosts of the tournament boast one of the best teams on the continent. The five-time World Cup winners and the defending champions of Copa America have the most talented squad in the competition. Manager Tite has an exemplary list of players to choose from and has the depth in the squad to create impacts from the bench as well.

 

 

Players like Renan Lodi, Firmino, Richarlison, Marquinhos and Casemiro were all warming the bench. Tite even has the option to switch the keepers if need be. In the first game, Allison had started the match but it was Ederson who made the starting XI this time.

With so many names to choose from, Tite even has the option of switching the formations and game plans. There is plenty of attacking intent within the squad and almost everyone in the team is capable of popping up with a goal.

Asif Nasser

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