Copa America 2019: Brazil 2-0 Argentina - 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#4 Gabriel Jesus answers his critics emphatically

Jesus scored one and created another for Brazil

Gabriel Jesus has endured a slight fall from grace over the past season and a half. The cycle started with an injury he suffered at the back end of the 2017-18 term and that escalated to gigantic proportions at last year’s World Cup.

The striker’s case wasn’t helped by Tite constantly throwing him on in each game and exposing him to the scrutiny of millions. Though the manager’s faith is a virtue revered by many, on this occasion, it started to hamper Jesus’ development a tad, considering the enormous pressure he was put under.

However, since that tournament, Tite has decided to hand Firmino the famous Brazilian No.9 jersey. Consequently, the Liverpool striker has started the majority of games this season. Thus, one expected Jesus to be reduced to a bit-part role at the Copa America.

Yet, the Brazilian manager persisted with the Manchester City striker and deployed him in an unfamiliar right-sided midfield position. Unsurprisingly, the youngster encountered teething problems but come the knock-out stage, he has re-discovered the verve that made the whole of Brazil fall in love with him.

Against Argentina, the striker was a bundle of energy from the outset. He hassled and harried the away side’s defenders. The above led to a few mistakes and that set the tone for Jesus’ evening.

With the ball, the Brazilian was mesmerizing at times. On numerous occasions, he demanded the ball in tight areas and wriggled out of them courtesy exemplary close control. A fact embodied by the 2nd goal Brazil scored.

He picked the ball up near the half-way line and strode purposefully towards the Argentine defence. He first got past Pezzella with ease, then he outpaced Otamendi and eventually sat down Juan Foyth in the penalty area before squaring the ball for Firmino.

For the 1st goal, the striker showcased his predatory instincts as he created space for himself between the right-sided centre back and the full back. Subsequently, he was left with a tap in.

Through the course of Brazil’s Copa America campaign, there have been a lot of murmurs regarding the personnel Tite has preferred. And Jesus too was one of those whose head many had been calling for.

Yet, when the occasion demanded a saviour, Jesus turned up.