Emotions run high but could expectation become a burden
Ochoa now a free-agent in demand
Fred and Jo suffer social media backlash
“From Socrates and Zico to Fred and Jo. Just not the same is it?” exclaimed one Brazilian fan on Twitter, while another asked: “Brazil struggling for a good striker, why are Pato and Damiao sat at home.” It is a question many Brazil fans were asking after a largely ineffective display from the two forwards chosen by Luiz Felipe Scolari. Fred has been excellent over the past 12 months but against a dogged and determined Mexico backline he was largely neutralized. With Plan A not working, Jo was brought on but the former Man City striker hardly seems like a game-changer with just five international goals to his name. Could this lack of cutting edge ultimately cost the hosts?
Mexico prove their no push over
When this group was announced most pundits picked Brazil and Croatia to advance. But after defeating Cameroon and securing a hugely impressive draw with Brazil, Mexico could just spring a surprise. Well organised, with a goalkeeper who looks unbeatable and bags of talent in attack, El Tri may just fancy their chances of going deep in the tournament. In Giovanni dos Santos, Oribe Peralta and Javier Hernandez they have creativity and goals. Combine that with the assured performances of Rafael Marquez at the back, they may well feel they can reach the last-16 and then anything is possible.
Brazil not playing to the Samba beat
In previous World Cup’s you could always expect a Brazil side to be full of attacking flair. They played to a rhythm of their own, with fast, agile, quick witted players who bamboozled opponents. Neymar would comfortably fit into these great sides but who else in the current set-up would? Ramires, Fred, Paulinho, Luis Gustavo…I don’t think so. With the usually creative Oscar somewhat stifled, Scolari’s side struggled to pick apart a disciplined Mexico defence. Should they advance past the group stage then they will face tougher opponents and there will be greater pressure on Neymar to perform. How he responds will be crucial.