Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup look so much
brighter after the Confederations Cup and Luis Felipe Scolari’s side can brush
aside South American counterparts Uruguay to book their place in Sunday’s
final.
Under fire for the last two seasons after a disappointing
Copa America, Luis Scolari’s second tenure at Brazil threatened to be atomistic
one after Mano Menez’s young side failed to win the Olympic tournament and then
went on a poor run of friendly results against bigger nations – including draws
against Italy, Colombia, Chile, and England (whom they also lost to on foreign
soil) – but have quickly found their best form to win their group in impressive
style and seem to be setting upon the formation and first XI that they will use
to try and land a sixth World Cup.
Situated in the tougher of the groups, Brazil have been
rarely troubled in progressing to this stage, sweeping aside Japan, Mexico and
Italy in fine style, rarely looking troubled barring one for minute period
where Italy drew level in their final group game only to be brushed well aside
in a short second half burst after that. Scolari’s side were generally expected
to find Italy the toughest test from an attacking viewpoint so far but that
situation never materialized with a dominant performance which could have seen
them score more than their 4 goals.
New Barcelona signing Neymar has been living well upto the
hype given to him so far during this tournament, scoring three fine goals and
threatening with his every touch, while both Fred and Jo have already scored in
the tournament so far - either is a pertinent threat.
In midfield, Oscar has asserted himself as the central
playmaker with Hernanes providing a solid platform and Luis Gusatvo excelling,
and while their defence is much maligned, the running threat of Alves and
Marcelo has more than made up for it and with Thiago Silva and David Luiz
partnering eachother at centerback Uruguay’s main problem will be containing
the unrelenting onslaught rather than responding.
Oscar Tabarez’s men were impressive and deserved winners of
the Copa America a couple of years ago and will be eagerly awaiting the next
World Cup, but had only one meaningful game in relation to the task they’’ll
face against Brazil and were hopelessly outclassed at one point against Spain
before Luis Suarez’s late free kick added gloss towards the score.
Nigeria caused them no end of trouble with their pace
outwide leaving them constantly exposed, and this Brazil side should have no
problem using the same tactics to gain a convincing success. In each of their
games so far, they have covered a one goal handicap – while they could have
scored more in all three games. Double them with reigning European and World
Champions Spain – facing Italy tomorrow – for a 90 minute double at nearly
evens.
Advice
2 pts Brazil -1 (evs Ladbrokes)
3 pts double Brazil/Spain (1.90 general)
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