Brazil – Tactical Analysis: FIFA WC 2022

Brazil are a force to be reckoned with in this World Cup, with Alisson between the sticks, Vincius Jr. spearheading the attack, and an experienced Thiago Silva captaining the team.

The Seleção got off to a strong start, defeating two strong European sides in Serbia and Switzerland. However, a draw in the last match was denied by a late, extra-time goal by Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar. Regardless, Brazil remain a strong contender for winning the World Cup.

Vincent Aboubakar is the first player to score against Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.

And he got second yellow card for taking his shirt off. 🙃#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2EJXv1e2LT

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 2, 2022

Brazil are ranked as the most likely team to reach the finals by Opta Analyst, and the statistics support their claim to the trophy this year. So, how does Tite put his team together, and how have the Brazilians been so lethal in front of goal while remaining solid in defence?

Opta Analyst highest % chance of making the World Cup Final

🇧🇷 32.18% – Brazil
🇫🇷 25.11% – France

Mbappé vs Neymar. 🤤

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 27, 2022

Tactics

In Possession

In possession, Brazil play in a 4-3-3 shape. Tite organises his team to spread the opposition’s defence and isolate Brazil’s talented wide players. Such a tactical set-up is clearly effective, as Brazil’s wide players, Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, have the highest Shot Creating Actions (SCA) with ten each.

To accomplish this, the two wingers are instructed to remain on the touchline while Richarlison makes darts behind the opposing defensive line. This movement stretches the opponent’s defensive line horizontally and vertically, allowing Brazil to create numerous chances.

Seleção Canarinho are comfortable playing a patient, possession-based style of football. With an excellent ball-playing goalkeeper in Alisson, the centre-backs, most often Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, are given the freedom to spread wide to form a build-up triangle.

Ahead of them, Casemiro and Paqueta form a double pivot to move the ball smoothly from midfield. Due to Neymar’s injury, Casemiro can now play as a lone pivot, with Paqueta and Fred playing box-to-box.

In particular, Marquinhos is instrumental to the team’s build-up and provides progressive ability through his ball-playing and ball-carrying skills.

Marquinhos vs. Switzerland

Successful Passes: 94
Expected Threat: 0.15
Progression via pass: 6.34
Progression via carry: 4.93 pic.twitter.com/MAs6O9p1tO

— markstats bot (@markstatsbot) November 28, 2022

They are, however, not the most dangerous through the middle. Instead, they are the most dangerous down the left flank, where Alex Sandro and Vinicius Jr. form a lethal duo.

Brazil have a potent front three in Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., and Richarlison. Vinicius Jr. has been a key player, the Craque as the Brazilians call it, leading the team in SCA and GCA. He penetrates defences with his deft dribbling and pinpoint passes, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Out of Possession

Brazil have one of the most secure defences in the tournament, conceding only ten goals in 33 games since their World Cup Qualifiers. The Seleção defend in a 4-1-4-1 mid-block, and rely on pressing traps to regain possession and break on the counter.

The team’s target is to close all passing lanes through the middle, directing the ball to the opposing fullback. When the ball is passed to the opposing fullback, Brazil employs a man-to-man press, with the nearest man rapidly closing down the ball. This strategy eliminates all other options for the ball carrier, forcing them to play the ball long or to a Brazilian player.

Brazil at the 2022 World Cup:

◉ 2 games
◉ 2 clean sheets
◉ 2 wins

◎ 11 shots faced
◎ 0 shots on target faced
◎ 0 goals conceded

Alisson has not had to make a save. 🏖#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RlDuGtxPkp

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 28, 2022

Such a system is terrifying for the opposition, as Brazil have rapid forwards capable of transitioning quickly and bearing down on the opponent’s goal. When looking at Brazil’s defensive statistics, this becomes clear. Raphinha is second only to Casemiro in terms of tackles and interceptions, while Vinicius Jr. also boasts a respectable number.

Conclusion

Brazil are a fantastic team, both offensively and defensively. It will come as no surprise if the Seleção reach the finals or even win the World Cup. They have a powerful side, pieced together by a master tactician in Tite.

Brazil will face South Korea on Monday. Despite being the obvious underdogs – the Taegeuk Warriors, led by Cho Gue Sung and Son Heung Min, may spring some surprises if Brazil become complacent.

Brazil still have a long way to go before reaching the World Cup final. However, if they keep playing at this level and dominate their opposition, they could go all the way and win the World Cup trophy in Qatar.

Also read: Best Players Of The Group Stages – Ranked: FIFA WC 2022