USMNT vs Brazil: a rational and tactical preview
Here is my 48 hour-ish break talking about how bad the USMNT is right now. Let’s preview the match against Brazil taking into account Dorival Júnior’s approach based on how he has prepared for Copa America.
Brazil had just defeated Mexico with their 2nd team and have saved their starting XI for the USMNT, who themselves are coming off an embarrassing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia.
Dorival is a seasoned tactician who brings a unique blend of traditional Brazilian flair and modern football pragmatism to the table. He’s someone who has rejuvenated the Seleção, making them both a joy to watch and a formidable opponent on the pitch.
Tactical Formation and Flexibility
Dorival typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, but he's not rigidly bound to it. He adapts based on the opponent and the flow of the game, sometimes shifting to a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 diamond. This flexibility is crucial in modern football, allowing Brazil to maintain a competitive edge against diverse playing styles.
In the 4-2-3-1, you’ll notice how the formation provides a solid base for both defensive stability and attacking prowess. The two central midfielders act as a double pivot, offering protection to the back four while also facilitating transitions from defense to attack. This setup allows the full-backs to advance with confidence, knowing there’s cover behind them.
However, Dorival is not afraid to switch things up. Against teams that sit deep, he might opt for a 4-3-3 to add an extra man in midfield, ensuring greater control and more passing options. Alternatively, the 4-4-2 diamond can be deployed to create overloads in central areas, forcing the opposition to abandon their shape to deal with the numerical superiority.
Defensive Organization
Defensively, Dorival emphasizes a compact shape and disciplined pressing. His teams defend as a unit, with the forwards and midfielders contributing to the press. This collective effort starts from the front, where the striker and the attacking midfielders are the first line of defense. They harass the opposition’s defenders, forcing hurried clearances and mistakes. This could be another tough matchup for Tim Ream or CCV in terms of the pressure they will face.
The full-backs, while often involved in attacking play, are disciplined in tracking back to maintain defensive solidity. It’s common to see them tuck inside to form a back four when under sustained pressure. This ensures that there’s always enough cover in central areas, reducing the risk of conceding from quick counters.
The double pivot in midfield provides a shield for the backline, intercepting passes and breaking up opposition plays early. One of the pivot players is usually more defensively inclined, positioning himself to break up attacks and provide an outlet for quick transitions. The other is slightly more adventurous, helping to initiate attacks with incisive passes and forward runs.
Midfield Dynamics
In midfield, Dorival's strategy revolves around controlling the tempo and dominating possession. The double pivot consists of one more defensive-minded player usually Casemiro but currently is either Wolves’ João Gomes or Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães and another who can transition quickly into attack. This balance allows for a seamless shift from defense to offense, maintaining fluidity in play.
Dorival also emphasizes verticality in his midfield play. Quick, incisive passes break opposition lines and create opportunities for the attacking trio. The central attacking midfielder, often a playmaker, is crucial in linking up play and finding pockets of space to exploit. This player is given the freedom to roam, drifting between the lines to receive the ball and create chances.
Attacking Philosophy
Brazil under Dorival is a potent attacking force. The wide players, typically wingers or inverted forwards, provide width and stretch the opposition defense. The lone striker, supported by the central attacking midfielder and the wingers, is often tasked with both scoring and creating opportunities.
Dorival encourages creativity and individual brilliance in the final third. Players are given the freedom to express themselves, take on defenders, and attempt audacious moves. This philosophy taps into the rich vein of talent within Brazilian football, allowing players to showcase their skills while adhering to a cohesive tactical framework.
The attacking philosophy isn’t just about flair, though. There’s a well-thought-out structure behind it. The wingers, for instance, are not just there to hug the touchline. They frequently cut inside, opening up space for overlapping full-backs. This movement creates multiple attacking lanes, making it difficult for the opposition to defend against.
Transition Play
Transitions are a key aspect of Dorival's tactics. When winning the ball, the team transitions rapidly to exploit the opponent's disorganization. Quick, direct passes are aimed at catching the opposition off-guard, creating high-quality scoring opportunities.
Conversely, during defensive transitions, Dorival's teams are instructed to press immediately to regain possession. This counter-pressing strategy disrupts the opponent's build-up play and minimizes the time they have to exploit Brazil's transitional phase. The moment possession is lost, players swarm the ball carrier, reducing their time and space, and often forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.
Set-Pieces
Set-pieces are another area where Dorival has made significant improvements. Both offensively and defensively, set-pieces are meticulously planned. Attacking set-pieces involve creative routines designed to disorient the opposition and create clear chances. You might see well-rehearsed movements, decoy runs, and innovative delivery techniques that catch defenders off guard.
Defensively, strict marking schemes and disciplined positioning ensure resilience against set-piece threats. Dorival's teams often use a mix of zonal and man-to-man marking, depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. Players are drilled to be vigilant and reactive, ensuring they can deal with second balls and unexpected situations. As you can see, there are not a lot of gaps in Brazil’s current squad.
How will this Brazil team set up against a wounded USA?
Tactical Overview
USMNT Under Gregg Berhalter
Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT has evolved into a team characterized by a possession-based style, high pressing, and fluid attacking movements. Berhalter typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, which can morph into a 3-2-5 in possession, with the full-backs pushing high and the wingers tucking inside.
Brazil Under Dorival Júnior
Dorival Júnior’s Brazil is a blend of traditional Brazilian flair and modern tactical discipline. His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizes a solid defensive structure, quick transitions, and creativity in the final third. Dorival's team is known for its adaptability, often switching to a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 diamond based on the opponent.
Key Tactical Battles
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