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Brazil will take on Argentina in the Copa America 2021 showdown at the Maracana on Saturday.
It's not been the most exciting Copa America we've seen in recent times but the final could very well prove to be the redeeming factor. Defending champions Brazil have their work cut out against an Argentinian side that looks determined to go all the way.
The game will feature several key battles and it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top. Brazil cruised to the knockout stages, scoring 10 goals and conceding just two in four group stage games.
Brazil have not been at their freescoring best in the Copa America 2021 knockout stages
They've slowed down a bit since but were still able to register back-to-back 1-0 wins in the quarter-finals and semi-finals against Chile and Peru respectively. Argentina will undoubtedly be their toughest opposition yet at Copa America 2021 and the final will be an exciting encounter.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five things that Brazil need to do to win against Argentina in the Copa America 2021 final.
#5 To not be overreliant on Neymar
Tite has done a great job at managing the personnel at his disposal. He has been cautious about his team being overreliant on Neymar and has been proactive about testing out alternative systems.
He used Gabriel Jesus as a winger at the Copa America 2021 and has used the likes of Roberto Firmino, Richarlison and Gabriel Barbosa as strikers.
The Selecao have found a resourceful box-to-box midfielder in Lucas Paqueta. The 23-year-old scored the winning goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals against Chile and Peru respectively.
With the responsibility being shared, Neymar has been able to express himself more and he does not seem bogged down by the weight of expectations. Brazil need more of that in the final against Argentina.
#4 Wise use of substitutions
Brazil have scored in every single match up to this point and that has a lot to do with how Tite has used his substitutions. He has used five substitutions per game and has been quite bold about shaking things up and changing the dynamic of the game by introducing fresh legs.
Brazil have incredible bench strength and the use of substitutes has helped them gain the upperhand over their opposition in the second-half of matches. Brazil have dominated games when the opposition starts to tire out and they should try out their tested formula in the Copa America 2021 final as well.
#3 Veteran Brazilian centre-backs to hold their own against Argentina's attack
Brazil have been excellent defensively at Copa America 2021 and they cannot afford to let their guards down now. Despite being reduced to 10-men in the 48th minute of the quarter-final against Chile, Brazil were able to hold their ground and protect their 1-0 lead.
Veteran centre-back Thiago Silva has been in great form. He has been strong with his tackling and has dominated aerial duels. Marquinhos can keep up with the quickest attackers around and is a technically proficient footballer. Eder Militao, the third-choice centre-back, has been a force to be reckoned with as well.
They've conceded just two goals in six matches so far and if they can continue to do their job well, Brazil could be continental champions again.
#2 Casemiro and Fred to do a job on Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso
Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have played a crucial role in taking a lot of heat off Lionel Messi. De Paul and Lo Celso have both been enterprising with the ball at their feet and have provided a creative spark from midfield.
Meanwhile, Brazil have gone with a defensive approach till now. Their full-backs Danilo and Renan Lodi have been happy to make defending their primary responsibility. Fred and Casemiro have both been adept at winning the ball back and recycling possession.
Argentina have been able to make it thus far because they've played well as a team. Lionel Messi has played his natural game because teams have not been entirely devoted to keeping him silent.
Casemiro and Fred will need to do a job on De Paul and Lo Celso and not allow them to keep things ticking in midfield. That's one way to break down Argentina.
#1 Neymar kicking on in the same vein
Neymar has looked every bit the world beater he is in most of Brazil's games so far at Copa America 2021. His exquisite touches and passes have added an edge to Brazil's attack and Tite will want more of the same in the showdown against Argentina.
The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has scored two goals and provided three assists in five games so far. He has also been able to strike up a solid partnership with attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The two have brought about a lot of fluidity in the final third for Brazil and it's a treat to watch them when they are in full flow.
Neymar's ability in and around the box is nearly unmatched and Argentina will be wary of it. For Brazil to succeed, they will need their main man to be at the top of his game.
