Brazil 0-1 Colombia: 3 things we learned as Neymar and Selecao see red
By Ryan Wrenn
Colombia’s Two Halves
Let’s first take a look at the stats of the game courtesy of SportsMatrix:
Those sets of numbers tell a pretty impressive story, one that might not be fully understood by looking at them alone however.
Colombia were dominant in the first half precisely because they recognized what almost earned Peru a draw – or possibly a win – against Brazil. Their front four, particularly James and Cuadrado, were fearless as they ran at Brazil’s defense. Fernandinho was often so occupied with marking the ever-more-impressive Cuadrado that he left James in open space for Sánchez to find over and over again. Fred, so woeful in attack against Peru, seemed included in the side solely because he is willing – if not exactly able – to track back and mark the supportive runs of fullback Juan Zúñiga. Dani Alves’ influence was limited to one clever cross in the first half due mostly to the fact that he alone was responsible for checking the runs of James and Armero on the right. All signs pointed toward Colombia running up the score in the first half.
The cluster of set pieces that eventually led to the goal were the result of Brazil’s increasing frustration with containing this Colombia attack. They fouled Cuadrado in dangerous areas or were content to punt the ball for a corner rather than clear upfield. Even if Colombia failed to score in open play, Murillo’s goal from that last corner was vindication enough of their efforts.
Live Feed
The Top Flight
Brazil’s weaknesses in defense could very well have indirectly contributed to any result they got if only because an overconfident Colombia had clearly exhausted themselves by the 60th minute. No team prefers to defend a 1-0 lead, but Colombia were out of options. Sánchez, so vital in the offense in the first, proved his defensive mettle in the second. He checked runs and cleared balls, he pushed Brazilians back or to the side away from his centerbacks. It was yeoman’s work, but absolutely vital.
It feels inappropriate to call Colombia’s game lopsided as both sides, attack and defense, proved their quality, albeit at different times. That kind of performance is reflected in SportsMatrix’s numbers. Brazil controlled possession and topped Colombia in their passing game, but still could not managed to replicate Colombia’s offensive production in the first half. Colombia outdid Brazil in total number of shots, in Shots from Dangerous Area and Shots from Good Chances. They accomplished this through a pragmatic blend of passing, counterattacks, set pieces and long balls. They defended when they needed to and took their chances when they came. As simple as it sounds, it’s what secured Colombia an important win.
Brazil, in contrast, seemed confused and frustrated that Colombia would think to attack them so brazenly in the first half and then defend against them so doggedly in the second. They made some concessions to Colombia – Fred’s inclusion among them – but overall they played like a team that seemed content to wait for Neymar to win the game as he had against Peru. That’s been an issue with Brazil since before last summer’s World Cup. Dunga’s return to the fold was due to make Brazil more than just a single man, or at the very least solidify the defense. That neither appears to have fully happened yet suggests that Dunga too has fallen in with the cult of Neymar. The forward’s supreme talents are manifest, but they should not be favored at the expense of the rest of the team.
Next: Coutinho Could Be Key