NEW DELHI: A linchpin of Manchester City's Premier League triumph, Fernandinho is predicted to switch the suspended Casemiro in the beginning side after the keeping midfielder drew a 2nd yellow card in the win over Mexico. Casemiro has been a central plank of Brazil's stingy defence, which has conceded only one objective thus far in Russia. But Fernandinho is rarely stepping into cold after being utilized in all four of the Selecao's fits.
In his unique column for the Times of India, former Argentina captain Diego Maradona wrote, "The first night of quarterfinals at the World Cup is about keeping alive the South American challenge. Brazil and Uruguay face difficult tasks against Belgium and France, respectively. Other than factors that make competition at this stage tough, one or both my neighbours will miss key players. Casemiro has been a pillar in Brazil's improved defensive display under Tite. Occupying the vital position of defensive screen, he made his presence felt in all four games. Missing him because of a double booking against one of the best European sides is a big concern for his team. News from the Uruguay camp suggests striker Edinson Cavani hasn't recovered from injury, which means they will miss one of the two who make their attack dangerous."
"This Brazil team is much better than four years ago, when they were all about Neymar. Not only have they won three successive games, their attack is growing in stature with Neymar and Coutinho setting things up. Willian also caught the eye in the previous match. The most impressive area is defence, which has not conceded in three matches after one in the first. Tite's 4-2-3-1 has good players in every department, although it is to be seen how they cope in the absence of a key performer just in front of the defence," Maradona added.
"Four straight wins, including the one against Japan when they came back from 0-2, make Belgium as confident a team as you will come across right now. We knew they have a talented midfield starring Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and a dangerous striker in Romelu Lukaku. Addition of mental strength makes it a more formidable combination. They will test Brazil in the middle, although their defence has to be ready to face tough questions. In a 3-4-2-1 formation, backline has not been Belgium's strength and their challenge is to keep the opposition from putting this department under pressure," Maradona wrote.
The build-up to the quarterfinal conflict between France and Uruguay has been ruled by way of folks, however it can be the South Americans' nearly unbreachable four-man defence which makes a decision the result. And whilst France pin their hopes on Kylian Mbappe, it's not likely that the teenage celebrity has encountered a defence rather like Uruguay's.
"The other quarterfinal features teams which knocked out the biggest stars. France beating Leo Messi's Argentina and Uruguay edging out Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal was no surprise. Both played as teams against sides dependent on individuals. As I said before, power in midfield and attack makes France an enviable lot. Uruguay, on the other hand, are good at not letting the opposition play, with two strikers who make small chances count. Cavani's injury is bad news for Uruguay. Without him, their attack is not the same. He has excellent understanding with Luis Suarez and it will be a loss for coach Oscar Tabarez, whose unusual 4-1-2-1-2 combination depends on the front two for goals. I have faith in their defence and spoiling abilities in the midfield, but in a big match without an in-form striker, their task is daunting," Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, wrote.
"France's real strength is midfielders, who will give their team an advantage if they win the battle there. It's great to see the rise of Kylian Mbappe. He was given the license and room to take advantage of his speed and did that with devastating effect against Argentina. He may not get the same space against Uruguay, who will chase him on every step. Considering everything, slight advantage France, but be sure their rivals will do everything to make it difficult for them," Maradona signed off.
In his unique column for the Times of India, former Argentina captain Diego Maradona wrote, "The first night of quarterfinals at the World Cup is about keeping alive the South American challenge. Brazil and Uruguay face difficult tasks against Belgium and France, respectively. Other than factors that make competition at this stage tough, one or both my neighbours will miss key players. Casemiro has been a pillar in Brazil's improved defensive display under Tite. Occupying the vital position of defensive screen, he made his presence felt in all four games. Missing him because of a double booking against one of the best European sides is a big concern for his team. News from the Uruguay camp suggests striker Edinson Cavani hasn't recovered from injury, which means they will miss one of the two who make their attack dangerous."
"This Brazil team is much better than four years ago, when they were all about Neymar. Not only have they won three successive games, their attack is growing in stature with Neymar and Coutinho setting things up. Willian also caught the eye in the previous match. The most impressive area is defence, which has not conceded in three matches after one in the first. Tite's 4-2-3-1 has good players in every department, although it is to be seen how they cope in the absence of a key performer just in front of the defence," Maradona added.
"Four straight wins, including the one against Japan when they came back from 0-2, make Belgium as confident a team as you will come across right now. We knew they have a talented midfield starring Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and a dangerous striker in Romelu Lukaku. Addition of mental strength makes it a more formidable combination. They will test Brazil in the middle, although their defence has to be ready to face tough questions. In a 3-4-2-1 formation, backline has not been Belgium's strength and their challenge is to keep the opposition from putting this department under pressure," Maradona wrote.
The build-up to the quarterfinal conflict between France and Uruguay has been ruled by way of folks, however it can be the South Americans' nearly unbreachable four-man defence which makes a decision the result. And whilst France pin their hopes on Kylian Mbappe, it's not likely that the teenage celebrity has encountered a defence rather like Uruguay's.
"The other quarterfinal features teams which knocked out the biggest stars. France beating Leo Messi's Argentina and Uruguay edging out Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal was no surprise. Both played as teams against sides dependent on individuals. As I said before, power in midfield and attack makes France an enviable lot. Uruguay, on the other hand, are good at not letting the opposition play, with two strikers who make small chances count. Cavani's injury is bad news for Uruguay. Without him, their attack is not the same. He has excellent understanding with Luis Suarez and it will be a loss for coach Oscar Tabarez, whose unusual 4-1-2-1-2 combination depends on the front two for goals. I have faith in their defence and spoiling abilities in the midfield, but in a big match without an in-form striker, their task is daunting," Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, wrote.
"France's real strength is midfielders, who will give their team an advantage if they win the battle there. It's great to see the rise of Kylian Mbappe. He was given the license and room to take advantage of his speed and did that with devastating effect against Argentina. He may not get the same space against Uruguay, who will chase him on every step. Considering everything, slight advantage France, but be sure their rivals will do everything to make it difficult for them," Maradona signed off.
Maradona Exclusive: Selecao's defence will miss Casemiro
![Maradona Exclusive: Selecao's defence will miss Casemiro]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
July 06, 2018
Rating:
