Brazil vs England: 5 talking points

So the world was welcomed to the new Maracana. Unfinished in renovation, but full of noise, the ‘mecca’ of football was packed to the rafters. The majority of the fans, the Brazilians, were treated to excellent football from their team. The world for the first time saw the real ability of Neymar, while Lucas Moura was booed by the capacity crowd. Both coaches were animated throughout the game. Brazil’s miserable run of form without wins continued, they have now won only one of their last 8 fixtures. So here are five talking points a pulsating night in Rio De Janerio-

1. Outstanding Keeping

Joe Hart was a colossus in between the sticks for England. He saved anything that could be saved, and many others that normally are not save-able. He put his body on the line time and again. His reflexes were outstanding and was quick in anticipation of any danger. He made three saves of shots from Neymar, an Oscar drive was blocked and a long distance pile driver from Dani Alves was tipped over acrobatically. Had it not been for Joe Hart, England would have out of the match long before half time. As it was, Hart had made saves from nine different Brazilians before half time.

2. Individual Brilliance

Neymar was in his element all night. He twisted and turned and left the English defense chasing shadows. He picked out the correct passes and made smart runs. He was without doubt the best player on the pitch. Also for the visitors, the match came down to two pivotal moments. The first was a beautiful Oxlade-Chamberlain goal. He played a smart one-two with Rooney and unleashed an unstoppable half-volley into the bottom corner. The second was Rooney’s goal. Milner showed amazing brilliance and composure to slide away from his markers and played the ball to Rooney, who in turn unleashed an unstoppable volley to give England the lead.

3. Lack of penetration

The fact that England managed their first sight of goal after 35 minutes speaks volumes. England had only 16 fit and top class players to choose from and the lack of impetus was a worrying factor. With Cleverly, Wilshere and Gerrard absent, the midfield seemed toothless. The defense too was torn to shreds by a rampant Brazilian team. What is needed is a leader like Terry who can marshal the defense, most of the time the Three Lions were fending off attacks and this left them with little opportunity to go on the front foot.

4. Ball retention

England simply cannot keep the ball. They do not have players who are experts at keeping possession and playing patient football. Last night too, Rooney and Walcott could hardly keep the ball long enough to threaten the Brazilians. Sometimes England were abruptly dispossessed and at other times they gave the ball away cheaply. Carrick looked ineffectual all night and Gerrard’s absence was felt. Also England do not have the pace to play on the counter, and when they play teams who press quickly and are good passers they inadvertently have to keep defending.

5. Lack of quality

Take away Neymar, Hart and Oscar and there were no other players who could claim that they played a good match. Rooney and Co. looked off the boil and it was Chamberlain’s introduction that kicked some life into them. His performance along with Hart’s are the only positives that England can take from this game. For all their apparent dominance, Brazil too lacked in quality. The last time they had won the World Cup, they had Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho on fire. This time around the only name they have is Neymar and he too is unproven. England have youth and quality but need to work on their passing to mount a credible challenge. Giving up possession, cheaply, time and again only spells doom.