It was a disappointing night in general for Brazil, but nothing left fans quite as downhearted as the showing of
Real Madrid midfielder
Kaka.
Not
helped by being shunted out to the flanks, Kaka showed little of the
invention and quick thinking that he has demonstrated so often down the
years. His general lethargy will worry manager Felipão.
Indeed, it was a first half that posed many questions about his current suitability as an international player.
When
moved into central areas after the break, there is no doubting that his
performance improved. However, he was still outshone by all those in
similar positions—even if they were far from outstanding in their own
right.
Kaka may still have a role to play for Brazil, and his
experience is doubtless invaluable, but he simply has to be first choice
at club level if he is to justify his inclusion in the squad.
Two abject outings this week have done little for his cause.
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Capello Has Made Russia a Compact Defensive Unit
Russia have had a side capable of challenging the footballing
elite over 90 minutes for some years now. Based on performances so far
under new manager Fabio Capello, they may be ready to take the next
step.
While they have produced fine individual performances in
recent years, they have failed to convert those into consistent team
performances and latter-round appearances at major tournaments.
Under Capello, though, initial signs are that they are a more stubborn unit than in the past.
Flying
high in a difficult qualification group, Russia presented an immovable
barrier to Brazilian attacks right until the final minute. Only then
were they unlocked by a fine Brazil move on the left flank.
An
experienced back four led the way, playing very narrow and thus pushing
their opponents into wide areas. The plan worked perfectly and, for much
of the evening, they enjoyed an entirely comfortable ride in the face
of Brazil's much-vaunted attacking unit.
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Hernanes and Fernando Offer Food for Thought
In his opening fixture against England last month, Scolari
continued with former manager Mano Menezes' attempts to utilise
midfielders Ramires and Paulinho in a central midfield partnership
Injury, though, would deprive him of both players for this week's encounters.
The remedy to their absences, while unexpected, has been somewhat of a success.
Lazio's
Hernanes has made a long-awaited return to the side and has been paired
with 21-year-old Grêmio defensive midfielder Fernando. Both can feel
they have done their nation proud.
While Hernanes is somewhat of a
known quantity, Fernando was off the radar of many European football
fans. He has played a very assured role at the base of the Brazilian
midfield and won himself admirers.
It is a role that Brazil have
lacked in the absence of Tottenham midfielder Sandro. It had initially
been expected that Bayern's Luiz Gustavo would be given the nod ahead of
the fixture with Italy.
Fernando, though, did well enough in that
game to retain his place against Russia and, on Monday night, once more
made his case for long-term involvement in the national team setup.
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Russia Should Have Punished Brazilian Errors
Despite being the better side on the night, Russia eventually
conceded a final-minute equaliser that allowed Brazil to leave the
encounter with some pride intact. But they should never have had the
chance.
Defensively, the five-time World Cup winners were a mess.
Full-backs Marcelo and Dani Alves were frequently found out of position
against counter-attacks and, with more composure, Russia could have had
more opportunities to score.
Before he eventually scored, Fayzulin
had tested Julio Cesar at his near post, while in their dominance of
the early stages Russia should have further pressed home their
advantage.
Both Fayzulin and right-sided colleague Vladimir
Bystrov found space behind the full-backs throughout, while Kerzhakov's
movement was a consistent problem for centre-backs David Luiz and Thiago
Silva.
While Russia will think over their poor conversion of
opportunities, Brazil must consider how to tighten up a poorly organised
defensive unit.
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Brazil's Attacking Options Are Muddled
Brazil have an array of attacking talent, that is clear, but it
seems that they are at somewhat of a loss as to how best to use it.
Kaka
and Oscar spent much of the first half in wide roles, with the latter
making a good fist of the challenge while the former struggled. A move
to central areas after the break helped the Madrid man somewhat, but the
presence of both also negated the potential influence of Neymar
dropping deep from the forward line.
With the introduction of
Hulk, who impressed in an unfamiliar left-wing role, Kaka was then moved
to the right flank and his malaise quickly picked up from where it had
left off just minutes earlier.
Scolari clearly has options in
terms of attacking players, but there is little point using them if they
will be played out of position. If he wants a left-winger, then he must
select a natural left-winger.
Brazil's long-term vision is
confused at the moment, but Scolari has not been afraid to make bold
decisions in the past and must do so again if he is to succeed in 2014.
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Fred is Brazil's Best Option at No. 9
Fred has always been a divisive figure among Brazilian football
fans and, despite not being at his best in the fixture at Stamford
Bridge, did enough to ensure his continued selection in coming games.
There
is a feeling that Fred is too limited for the very top level. On this
occasion, there were signs that it is a fair criticism. His movement and
close control were not always as good as would be hoped.
However,
he is consistently scoring. His late equaliser ensured Brazil will
leave London with some positives to cling to and, for him personally,
continues a run of three goals in three games in the Scolari era.
Fred
is a good striker at international level and an exceptional striker in
domestic Brazilian football. The question is whether that is enough for
Brazil's ambitions.
For the moment, though, there can be no
arguing that he is Brazil's best available No. 9. If he keeps scoring,
there will be no calls for his removal. He is answering his critics in
the best way possible.
