Mikey Stafford reports for TheScore.ie from Fortaleza
WHILE NO ONE is pretending everything is rosy in the garden the one thing Brazilians are not worrying about ahead of the decisive Group A encounter with Cameroon is their defence.
Following the Indomitable Lions’ disastrous defeat to Croatia last night you could probably include the opposition as a second source of encouragement, but the hosts are already planning well beyond Monday’s match in Brasilia.
The stuttering draw against Mexico has provoked calls for changes in attack, where Barcelona’s Neymar is ploughing something of a lone furrow, and in the midfield, with Premier League stars Paulinho and Ramires under pressure to keep their places ahead of Manchester City’s Fernandinho and a fit again Hulk respectively.
However the defence, and in particular midfield shield Gustavo and central defensive pairing of Thiago Silva and David Luiz, has observers purring.
Marcelo’s own goal against Croatia remains the only goal conceded in two World Cup games and it was only the fourth conceded in 12 matches since the Confederations Cup 12 months ago.
In O Globo Alexandre Lozetti identified the defence as Luiz Felipe Scolari’s one source of comfort.
“With uneven performances, knowing that the defence is very strong is a security for Scolari,” wrote Lozetti. “Survivors from the last era, since Mano Menezes took office in August 2010, Thiago Silva and David Luiz are leaders and safe havens for a team that is fighting to get back to better days.
Further up the field there is much disquiet that Neymar, after two goals in the opening game, was unable to alter the course of events in Estadio Castelao on Tuesday. The team’s talisman drew two wonderful saves from Guillermo Ochoa in the Mexican goal but, without much support from Fred or a subdued Oscar, the 22 year old could not turn the course of the game single-handed.
SporTV commentator Paulo Cesar Vasconcellos believes it is not Neymar, but his team-mates, who need to up their game.
“When Neymar is well marked or not playing well, it is up to the rest of the team to make up for it,” said Vasconcellos. “I understand that in the game against Mexico the rest of the team failed to make up for it. It is normal to expect lots from your star player, but those around Neymar need to be more active and productive.”
