Without the injured Neymar and with Vinícius Júnior suspended, Brazil will face a big challenge in the quarter-finals of the Copa América against Uruguay and, with a team still without an identity, the bet will be on the tradition and strength of its shirt.
In charge since January, coach Dorival Júnior has not yet managed to give a face to the national team, which remains far from his style.
With the 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday, Brazil finished in second place in Group D of the Copa América, with 5 points from a possible nine.
In a press conference in Santa Clara (California), Dorival highlighted that his team is in the process of reconstruction, which requires time to achieve the same solidity as Colombia, unbeaten in 26 games.
“These fluctuations will happen, it’s a team in formation, we can’t forget,” highlighted the coach.
But the patience that Dorival asks for clashes with the problems that the National Team needs to resolve in the short term, which currently occupies a modest sixth position in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, one place above the play-offs.
BRA X COL 🇧🇷⚽️
Brazil drew 1-1 with Colombia on Tuesday night (2) at Levi’s Stadium in California and took second place in Group D of the Copa América.
The next challenge for the national team will be against Uruguay this Saturday (6), in Las Vegas, in the quarterfinals… pic.twitter.com/liP3WtvayE
— CBF Football (@CBF_Futebol) July 3, 2024
Vini Jr. suspended
Brazil needed to beat Colombia to avoid Uruguay, who dominated Group C with three wins.
Although they took the lead with a free kick from Raphinha, the Seleção failed to achieve their objective and also lost Vinícius Júnior, who received his second yellow card in the group stage and is suspended for the quarter-final game.
The Real Madrid forward will join Neymar next Saturday in the stands at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (Nevada), missing yet another opportunity to show that he is the leader that the national team needs.
Against Colombia, Vini had his worst game of the tournament, after having been decisive in the 4-1 win over Paraguay in the second round.
In any case, Dorival will have to find solutions for an attack lacking goalscorers, at a time when Rodrygo seems to feel the weight of being the number 10 with the absence of Neymar.
“Until recently I heard that Brazil had to learn to play without its protagonists, now is the time. Vini is out, we are without Neymar for some time, at some point we will not have them in a match, others will have to appear”, said Dorival.
With Rodrygo and Raphinha seemingly starting, the other two options are youngsters Savinho, who scored against Paraguay, and Endrick, who is still waiting for an opportunity to start playing.
“The most winning team in the world”
Until now, Brazil has seemed comfortable in giving up the favorite label, but against Colombia, when facing the moment of truth, it sent a message to those who consider the team as dead.
“Uruguay is going through a great moment. Today three teams stand out: Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia, in addition to Venezuela. But the Brazilian team is the Brazilian team (…) We have the quality to get out of this moment”, highlighted Dorival.
“We’re going into the game with confidence in our team, in our quality, even without Vini,” said goalkeeper Alisson. “I’m sure whoever comes in will be up to the task.”
“We are the most successful team in the world,” said full-back Wendell. “We expect a very strong team against Uruguay, but they will also see the strength of Brazilian football.”
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
