Tite pushing all the right buttons for impressive Brazil
By Harvey Cruz
Brazil advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals courtesy of a 2-0 win over Mexico, and are looking more and more like favorites.
These knockout games aren’t for the faint of heart. With each passing match, expectations for teams are raised, sometimes to a point some players are simply incapable of reaching. Try telling that to Tite, who’s pushed all the right buttons so far this tournament, including now in a convincing 2-0 Brazil win in the round of 16 against Mexico.
“Expectations? We don’t live by expectations, we live by reality,” Tite said in the pre-match presser leading up to the game. The reality is Brazil are now onto the quarterfinals of the World Cup with a strong second half to put away a valiant Mexico, 2-0. Tite knew coming in Brazil were going to have to work for this result, but he would’ve wanted a better start to the game.
For the first 20 minutes, Mexico had Brazil on the ropes with their pressing, creating chances as a result. Fagner retained his place at right-back, but was getting beaten and out-matched by Carlos Vela. Mexico had their chances to score but were unable to, and when you’re unable to take your chances early, you allow a dangerous team like Brazil to grow into the game.
Which is exactly what happened in the second half. A fantastic team goal started and finished by Neymar opened the scoring, assisted by Willian, who was brilliant throughout. A goal by substitute Roberto Firmino put the result beyond any doubt. They’ve denied Mexico a chance at a quinto partido, a fifth game, which would’ve been their first since 1986.
In a game between two evenly-matched teams, Brazil had that little bit more quality that proved to be decisive. They had to stifle Mexico’s thrilling attack and a wonderful performance by Guillermo Ochoa. Sometimes, that’s all you need to get where you want to be. For Neymar and company, that place is in the final. The focus has shifted, the expectations have been raised and a new reality is set.
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Brazil can now focus on their second consecutive trip to the World Cup quarters, although they will do so without midfielder Casemiro, who is suspended for ellow card accumulation. A big loss for a team who don’t have a replacement with his sort of physicality and tackling ability. But with Tite, Brazil are in good hands as his tactics have carried Brazil to new standards, new expectations.
Brazil will be favorites whether they face Belgium or Japan. Another game not for the faint of heart, but one that will surely showcase the great attacking talents on the pitch. Brazil are legitimate contenders and have been since they flew into Russia. Despite a quiet game from Philippe Coutinho, the selecao were able to coast without him.
Tite will have been proud of his players and the performance. Electing Thiago Silva as captain was sweet, starting Filipe Luis for the injured Marcelo worked and Brazil’s attack shone throughout. He’s pushing all the right buttons. Under his guidance, a sixth World Cup trophy looms on the horizon.