No Tite-style “Seleçao” full-back has directly participated in one of the seven goals scored in four matches. Not even once morest South Korea (4-1) on Monday, a success that opened the doors to the quarter-final once morest Croatia on Friday (4:00 p.m. live on beIN SPORTS 1). Their work has focused on covering attackers like Vinicius and Raphinha. A game system in which Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta play more freely.
“Our full-backs are not Junior or Jorginho because they have more of a building function”, said Tite at the end of the match once morest the South Koreans. He was referring to two of the greatest representatives of these Brazilian full-backs who brought an offensive numerical superiority while returning to their zone when the ball was lost. “Generations change, but references remain”yet recalled left-back Alex Telles, out of the game due to a right knee injury.
The loss that changed everything
The drastic change follows the 2021 Copa América final loss to Argentina at the Maracana. After the shock, Tite renewed his line of attack, then very dependent on Neymar: Vinicius, Raphinha, Rodrygo and Antony took their marks. Before the World Cup, the coach also changed his tactical scheme: Paqueta, normally on the left, retreated to midfield with Casemiro, usually accompanied by a versatile midfielder like Fred or Douglas Luiz. The free space was occupied by an attacker, Vinicius or Antony.
This change limited the attacking functions of Danilo, Dani Alves, Alex Sandro and Alex Telles, pure full-backs, and Eder Militao, a central defender accustomed to playing on the right flank. “We have players (in this position) who can play a marker role, like Danilo. Players with more strength and skill in getting the ball out like Militao. We have different options”, Titus explained. Now, when the five-time world champions have the ball, one of the full-backs stays with the two centre-backs while the other steps up in support of Casemiro. Brazil then has five attacking players, starting with Neymar, two classic wingers, a “N.9” in the area (Richarlison) and another midfielder helping to create (Paqueta). In addition to his defensive functions, the side that accompanies Casemiro participates in the circulation of the ball. “To have these players (in attack)we have to position ourselves on the field in actions without the ball and that players behind provide support”underlined the coach.
quest for balance
The change was born out of Tite’s tireless quest for a balanced team, even though the 61-year-old is criticized in Brazil for his defensive rigor. “If the balance gives way, the possibility of losing is greater”, he explains. Brazil was thus the best defense in the South American qualifiers (5 goals conceded in 17 matches) with a fiery attack (40 goals scored).
During the group stage in Qatar, the Auriverde conceded only one goal and goalkeeper N.1 Alisson did not have a single save to make. A remarkable defensive performance following the injuries of the titular full-backs Danilo and Alex Sandro. Danilo made his return in the round of 16 once morest South Korea, but played on the left and Militao on the right. Tite is also awaiting the return of Alex Sandro once morest the Croats, finalists of the 2018 World Cup and who want to take the transformed heirs of Cafu and Roberto Carlos, the side duo of the fifth coronation in 2002.