NEW DELHI: As Brazil open their FIFA World Cup 2018 campaign towards Switzerland on Sunday, all eyes will flip to their famous person ahead Neymar. For 3 months, a complete nation feared it will no longer occur, but he'll take to the field having recovered fully from the fractured foot that required an operation in March.
ALSO READ: Neymar begins assault on World Cup with harm woe at the back of him
But whilst the specter of Neymar looms huge on Switzerland, former Argentina footballer Diego Maradona reckons that the Brazilian unit as a complete is in a position to packing a punch. Writing solely for Sunday's Times of India, Argentina's World Cup profitable captain identified that Brazil is not only about the 26-year-old Neymar, and that there are a number of impactful avid gamers in the crew, underneath the supervision of trainer Tite.
ALSO READ: Want Messi to revel in profitable the World Cup
"The talk about Brazil is revolving around their impressive run under coach Tite. Since he became manager two years ago, our South American neighbours have won 17 of 21 matches, with only a solitary defeat. This record looks better when you take into account just five goals conceded against 47 scored," Maradona wrote.
"There is another record I expect them to remember. It was against European teams that their defensive frailties were exposed in 2014. With Tite at the helm, they have won friendlies against Russia, Germany and Croatia recently. Even though the Germans tested reserves, Brazil looked good in these games. Not just Neymar, they have quality in other parts as well. Sterner tests await them with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica in the group."
Switzerland meanwhile have often proven they are in a position to punching above their weight, having simplest narrowly missed out on computerized qualification to Russia on function distinction at the back of Portugal. Since securing their position by way of the playoffs, they have got held Spain to a 1-1 draw and thrashed World Cup debutants Panama 6-0 in friendlies.
"Experience tells me European teams are tough nuts to crack on the big stage. Not all of them possess outstanding technical ability or skill, but make up for it with systematic play. They are temperamentally equipped to play a waiting game. Switzerland is a good example. Flattering to deceive when it comes to major competitions, they have risen to sixth in world rankings. In Bosnian tactician Vladimir Petkovic’s 4-2-3-1 formation, they sit back and defend from the deep," Maradona, who scored 34 objectives in 91 internationals for Argentina, identified.
The Swiss also have pedigree in opening World Cup games, beating eventual champions Spain of their opener of the 2010 World Cup.
"Even then, Switzerland’s task is daunting. Brazil will most probably go 4-3-3, with variations as per requirement. Neymar and Coutinho will attack the wingbacks, with Jesus or Firmino inside the box looking for goals. They form an awesome attack, where everyone including the top star is in form. It’s difficult to keep them quiet for 90 minutes. Neymar has looked sharp after returning from injury and has the responsibility of carrying his nation’s hopes. He must keep calm because the opponents know he has a tendency to react to provocations," discussed Maradona.
The improvement since Adenor Leonardo Bacchi aka Tite took over as Brazil trainer in June 2016 has been exceptional and that could be a prime explanation why the Selecao are probably the most favourites to win a 6th World Cup. Credit goes to the wily trainer, who has instilled a sense of goal in a crew that seemed lost underneath his predecessor Dunga. His work has been exemplary, as 15 wins in 19 games turn out.
"The important improvement under Tite has been in the defensive mechanism. He was quick to identify the problem and recent stats show that they are not leaking goals. Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are solid in central defence, with Miranda as an able back-up. Marcelo has been excellent for Real Madrid. Right-back is the only weak spot in the absence of the injured Dani Alves. Man City’s Danilo should replace him, so overall, the defence looks good. It's important to defend in the midfield and this is where Casemiro has been key," Maradona added.
ALSO READ: Neymar begins assault on World Cup with harm woe at the back of him
But whilst the specter of Neymar looms huge on Switzerland, former Argentina footballer Diego Maradona reckons that the Brazilian unit as a complete is in a position to packing a punch. Writing solely for Sunday's Times of India, Argentina's World Cup profitable captain identified that Brazil is not only about the 26-year-old Neymar, and that there are a number of impactful avid gamers in the crew, underneath the supervision of trainer Tite.
ALSO READ: Want Messi to revel in profitable the World Cup
"The talk about Brazil is revolving around their impressive run under coach Tite. Since he became manager two years ago, our South American neighbours have won 17 of 21 matches, with only a solitary defeat. This record looks better when you take into account just five goals conceded against 47 scored," Maradona wrote.
"There is another record I expect them to remember. It was against European teams that their defensive frailties were exposed in 2014. With Tite at the helm, they have won friendlies against Russia, Germany and Croatia recently. Even though the Germans tested reserves, Brazil looked good in these games. Not just Neymar, they have quality in other parts as well. Sterner tests await them with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica in the group."
Switzerland meanwhile have often proven they are in a position to punching above their weight, having simplest narrowly missed out on computerized qualification to Russia on function distinction at the back of Portugal. Since securing their position by way of the playoffs, they have got held Spain to a 1-1 draw and thrashed World Cup debutants Panama 6-0 in friendlies.
"Experience tells me European teams are tough nuts to crack on the big stage. Not all of them possess outstanding technical ability or skill, but make up for it with systematic play. They are temperamentally equipped to play a waiting game. Switzerland is a good example. Flattering to deceive when it comes to major competitions, they have risen to sixth in world rankings. In Bosnian tactician Vladimir Petkovic’s 4-2-3-1 formation, they sit back and defend from the deep," Maradona, who scored 34 objectives in 91 internationals for Argentina, identified.
The Swiss also have pedigree in opening World Cup games, beating eventual champions Spain of their opener of the 2010 World Cup.
"Even then, Switzerland’s task is daunting. Brazil will most probably go 4-3-3, with variations as per requirement. Neymar and Coutinho will attack the wingbacks, with Jesus or Firmino inside the box looking for goals. They form an awesome attack, where everyone including the top star is in form. It’s difficult to keep them quiet for 90 minutes. Neymar has looked sharp after returning from injury and has the responsibility of carrying his nation’s hopes. He must keep calm because the opponents know he has a tendency to react to provocations," discussed Maradona.
The improvement since Adenor Leonardo Bacchi aka Tite took over as Brazil trainer in June 2016 has been exceptional and that could be a prime explanation why the Selecao are probably the most favourites to win a 6th World Cup. Credit goes to the wily trainer, who has instilled a sense of goal in a crew that seemed lost underneath his predecessor Dunga. His work has been exemplary, as 15 wins in 19 games turn out.
"The important improvement under Tite has been in the defensive mechanism. He was quick to identify the problem and recent stats show that they are not leaking goals. Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are solid in central defence, with Miranda as an able back-up. Marcelo has been excellent for Real Madrid. Right-back is the only weak spot in the absence of the injured Dani Alves. Man City’s Danilo should replace him, so overall, the defence looks good. It's important to defend in the midfield and this is where Casemiro has been key," Maradona added.
Diego Maradona Exclusive: This Brazilian team is not just about Neymar
![Diego Maradona Exclusive: This Brazilian team is not just about Neymar]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
June 17, 2018
Rating:
