Playing for 90
Fansided

Three things we learned from Brazil’s late win over Costa Rica

By Kian Long

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates Douglas Costa, Casemiro, Miranda and Roberto Firmino during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates Douglas Costa, Casemiro, Miranda and Roberto Firmino during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Willian of Brazil is challenged by Bryan Oviedo of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Willian of Brazil is challenged by Bryan Oviedo of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /

2. Brazil fans disgraced by Willian

When you play for Brazil, you are expected to get a cushioned touch on each and every ball which is played in to you.

Willian failed to do this, and quite frankly, he looked appalling at times. Playing down the right side, he rarely got chances, but when he did, he messed up.

This is something Chelsea fans are used to, which is frustrating. Willian clearly has what it takes, which he’s shown many times this season, but he has no consistency whatsoever.

This was shown when he was taken off for Douglas Costa at the end of the first half. Brazil immediately looked better off, and they brought the ball forward a lot more productively.

Of course, we can’t judge a player from one game. But Willian will be frustrated by his first half performance, and he’ll feel like he let his country down, despite them prevailing in the end.

He is 29 years old, and this should be the tournament which serves him the best. He will be out of favor at the next World Cup, so he really needs to improve his performances in the coming games if he is to be taken seriously.

That’s the only criticism you can have of Brazil, as otherwise it was an encouraging display from them.

Home/World Cup