The entire country has been rocked by the tragic news concerning Barcelona star Neymar who after a kick on the back by Colombian defender Juan Zúñiga has fractured his vertebra. As a result of which the 22 year old will not just miss the match against Germany, but should Brazil make it to the final of the competition, Neymar will not be able to take part in it either.
Neymar had been regarded as Brazil’s biggest hope of bringing the world title back to the country after 12 long years. The youngster did take the job seriously and had been Brazil’s outstanding player so far. Apart from being a real menace inside the box having scored four goals in the competition, Neymar is also the competition’s statistical leader as depicted by these stats compiled by ESPN Stats & Info.
However Brazil’s plight does not just end there. The five time world champions are also set to be without their most influential and consistent player Thiago Silva. Brazil paid their price for the negative tactics used in the match against Colombia as the PSG man received a yellow card for a needless challenge on Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. The yellow card was Silva’s second of the tournament and the Brazilian captain will now not be able to take part in the all important clash against Germany.
Such is the importance of their captain that Brazil appealed to FIFA to overturn the second yellow card the 29 year old received so that his ban could be lifted. However Brazil’s pleas have been rejected and the hosts will now be certainly without their influential captain.
The loss of Neymar and Thiago Silva is a monumental one and Luiz Felipe Scolari will have a hard time replacing both of his star players. Dante is the most obvious choice to replace Silva and whereas the Bayern Munich star is hardly a world class defender like his compatriot, his experience in Germany while playing club football means he will know his counterparts better.
Chelsea midfielder Willian on the other hand is likely to step in for Neymar. Despite of being a very competent player, the former Shakhtar man does not have the same qualities as the Barcelona star. However in Willian Brazil get a hard working player who will be willing to track back and can be very effective when going forward.
Whereas being short in quality definitely makes Brazil weaker, it is not something which can be covered by tactical brilliance.
Calmness at the back
One of Thiago Silva’s biggest traits is his ability to bring calmness in defence. The PSG man is his side’s most experienced defender with 51 caps to his name and that is something which allows him to tackle difficult situations with a cool head.
An impulsive David Luiz is what Brazil donot need on Tuesday.jpg?q=75&w=634)
This is something his partner in crime, David Luiz lacks. Whereas the former Chelsea defender is capable of dispatching a free kick from 35 yards out with style, he is of a volatile nature something which can be detrimental for his side.
For Brazil to get anything out of their match against Germany it is important that David Luiz and co deal with such high pressure situations with calmness.
Exploit the flanks
Germany have time and time again suffered when teams have attacked them from the wings. The primary reason being that their full backs are almost always caught up way up the field to deal with the threat. Germany have responded to this problem by restating captain Philipp Lahm in his preferred right back role.
However the Bayern Munich man who is a very responsible defender, at times has the tendency to dessert his defensive duties for attacking ventures, something Germany’s other full back Benedikt Höwedes also has the inclination to do. If such a situation occurs Brazil can use pace in the squad to their own benefit and punish the Germans.
Attack the centre backs
Defence is definitely Germany’s biggest worry. Despite of not conceding too many goals in any of the matches so far, Die Mannschaft have looked vulnerable on far too many occasions at the back. Luckily for them their goal is protected by arguably the best goalkeeper in the world Manuel Neuer who has at times single handedly marshaled the defences.
Mats Hummels’ return has restored order to some extent, however his partner Jerome Boateng tends to commit too many mistakes, which bodes well for the Brazilians.
Dominate the midfield
What both teams have is a set of extremely talented midfielders and it will be interesting to see how they go against one another. Brazil have the advantage of having some of the most accomplished box to box midfielders who can perform both their attacking as well as defensive duties with aplomb.
The side will be boosted with the return of Luiz Gustavo, who has been his side’s most consistent midfielder. The Wolfsburg man is an efficient play breaker who could really put a thorn in Joachim Löw’s tactics by not allowing Germany much possession, especially in the final third. He will be accompanied by either of Tottenham’s Paulinho or Man City’s Fernandinho both of whom are tireless midfielders and can run havoc in the middle of the park.
Watch the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final Brazil vs Germany
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