Brazil 0-1 Colombia: 3 things we learned as Neymar and Selecao see red
By Ryan Wrenn
Neymar Sees Red
Yes, you managed to make it to the second page of an article about this game without having to read about Neymar’s red card and the petulance with which he earned it.
Neymar has been the target of opposition defenders since he started playing the game. Often that means tight marking or the occasional crunching tackle, but last night the harassment took on another flavor. Colombia needled Neymar. They did all the usual things to keep a player of his caliber out of the game, but they did it to a degree they no doubt knew would get into the young Barcelona forward’s head. The crowded him, pushed him from the ball and then made the most of his inevitable outbursts.
This was part of Colombia’s plan. They are well aware of this Brazil sides tendency to become overwrought in crucial games, and knew that their best player in particular didn’t take being picked on lightly. The yellow card Neymar earned from handling the ball after a bungled attempt on goal at the end of the first half only made him an even more attractive target. Minutes later he was taken down just outside Colombia’s box in what was deemed a fair challenge. He screamed at the official and punched the ball in frustration. In most instances, those would be grounds for a second yellow and a sending off. Neymar was lucky to be spared.
Live Feed
MLS Multiplex
The second half only got worse for young Neymar. Colombia’s defense was, if anything, more resolute and managed to successfully hold off Brazil for the remainder of the game. As the minutes wore on, Neymar’s rage increasingly lacked direction. He lashed out at teammates who failed to get the ball to him. He called out bitterly for perceived fouls against him. If there seemed anything more likely that a Brazil equalizer, it was that Neymar would overboil.
In the end, it was the latter that indeed happened. Neymar, upon hearing the final whistle, launched a ball into the back of Colombia fullback Pablo Armero’s head. A scrap ensued at the center of the pitch and Neymar attempted to walk away. When game-winner Jeison Murillo put an arm around him and offered some no-doubt sarcastic consolation, Neymar snapped again. He attempted to head butt the young centerback and was pushed to the ground by Colombia striker Carlos Bacca. Both players were dutifully shown straight red cards shortly thereafter by the official.
Obviously, Brazil’s red hurts more than Colombia’s. Bacca only came into the game as a substitute and likely would not have started the final match against Peru in any case. Neymar, however, is the centerpiece of Brazil’s entire strategy. He is simultaneously Brazil’s best goal outlet and best goal creator. His disobedience will keep him out of the Brazil side for at least two matches. Brazil need a win against a stubborn Venezuela side this coming Sunday, and they’ll have to get it without their talisman.
Check back with Playing for 90 for more about Neymar in our tactics piece tomorrow.
Next: Colombia's Two Halves