Draw against Italy gives Brazil something to build upon

It is, of course, folly to read too much into international friendlies, particularly those that precede an important competitive game for one of the teams involved. For Brazil, though, there is no other litmus test; new (old) coach Luiz Felipe Scolari must plot a path to World Cup success using only these most untrustworthy waypoints.

There were plenty of positives to be drawn from Thursday's 2-2 draw with Italy in Geneva. The performance of Lazio midfielder Hernanes, in particular, was reassuring – not least to those convinced that his inclusion would signal a sea change for the seleção. Rather than being marooned out wide as he had been on previous outings for Brazil, Hernanes operated deep in midfield, setting the tempo with his lucid decision making and two-footed passing. The formula is fairly simple: if you can kick with both feet you often have twice as many options in crowded central areas.

Alongside him, Grêmio youngster Fernando didn't look overawed on debut. Powerful and intuitive, he has a promising future at this level, particularly if Scolari's doubts over the defensive prowess of Ramires and Paulinho persist. Filipe Luís was also quietly effective, while Júlio César took another huge step towards (re)establishing himself as Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper.

Neymar, stationed just behind Fred in attack, shone in spells and created Brazil's second goal with a shimmering run. Yet it was his pressing and positioning that drew plaudits from Scolari. "Tactically, that was one of the best performances I've ever seen from him," gushed the 64-year-old. "He was perfect."

Elsewhere, the outlook was far less positive. Daniel Alves was characteristically busy but suspect in defence, meaning that David Luiz – who captained Brazil on the night – was often called upon to pitch in as Italy attacked down the left. For all his abundant talents, Luiz is the kind of player that needs to be focusing on his own job rather than bailing out his right-back. As a result, Dante, a big hit at Bayern Munich this term, looked less assured than he did against England at Wembley.

And then there was Hulk. Not-so-incredible Hulk. The Zenit St Petersburg forward started on the right but was quickly shifted to the opposite flank as Scolari sought to counteract Christian Maggio's bounding forward runs. That ploy was partly successful but completely negated the influence of Brazil's number seven, who looks lost when unable to cut in onto his left foot. His miscontrol when well placed in the second half owed plenty to a poor pitch in Geneva but was also indicative of his general malaise. Many in Brazil remain unconvinced of his ability to perform at international level.

In some respects, Scolari can be thankful for Italy's second half reaction, which should ensure that nobody gets carried away the modest successes of the opening period. And while the seleção were second best for long periods, a draw is a foundation upon which Felipão can reasonably hope to build. It was, as Estadão columnist Artero Greco put it, "A fair result. Particularly for Brazil."

(Photo credit: Getty.)

Five questions for Brazil ahead of Italy and Russia games

Luiz Felipe Scolari's second spell in charge of the seleção began with a whimper, with his side limping to an anodyne loss to England at Wembley in February. Felipão doesn't have to wait too long for a chance to make amends, however: Brazil face Italy and Russia in the next fortnight as the Neverending Friendlies series rolls on.

Ahead of those games, I've picked out five stories to keep an eye on. Will Neymar bounce back? Can Kaká become more than a stop-gap? Will David Luiz grace us with his saintly presence? Find out in my latest Unibet column.

Will incidents prompt Brazil to tackle stadium ills?

Three incidents since the turn of the year – one of which resulted in the death of a young fan – have provided renewed cause for concern over fan behaviour and the stadium-going experience in Brazil. First came the collapse of a barrier during a Grêmio match, which left eight people requiring medical attention. Just four days later, fans reported a series of issues at the reopening of the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.

Yet these problems seem insignificant next to the death of a 14-year-old supporter during the Libertadores match between San José and Corinthians, a tragedy that raised questions over the behaviour of Brazil's torcidas organizadas (supporters' groups) and their links to clubs themselves.

In my latest piece for ESPN FC, I reflect on these incidents – and the lessons that Brazil must draw from them.

(Photo credit: EduAndrade/LatinContent/Getty Images.)

The week(end) that was - #4

It has been a fine few days for Diego Forlán, whose goalscoring exploits have played a major part in Internacional's strong start to the year. Neymar and Abel Braga had rather less enjoyable weeks, however...

Forlán's class begins to show

Diego Forlán did not enjoy the most fruitful start to his career in Brazil, struggling to make his mark in an Internacional side that had a year to forget in 2012. But the early signs are that the current campaign will be rather kinder to the Uruguayan. His fine double against Esportivo at the weekend took him to six goals for the season and earnt Inter a place in the final of the Taça Piratini – the opening stage of the Rio Grande do Sul state championship. Forlán also netted in the quarter-final against bitter rivals Grêmio.

The 33-year-old has benefitted greatly from the seriousness with which Inter have treated the Gauchão. While Grêmio have been content to play reserve sides and preserve their stars for the Copa Libertadores, the Colorado have put pedal to the metal in an attempt to kickstart a year that they hope will be crowned with a major title. As a result, Forlán has enjoyed plenty of game time alongside Leandro Damião, with whom he is beginning to form a tidy partnership: the pair have bagged nine of the 12 goals scored by Dunga's first-choice XI in 2013. If they can take that form into the Brasileirão, Inter could finally mount a serious title challenge.


Lighten up, Abel

Vasco da Gama beat Fluminense on Saturday to reach the final of the first half of the Campeonato Carioca (keep up at the back!). This was less a game of two halves than one of four quarters, which played out like a Mogwai song: quiet-quiet-quiet-LOUDER-THAN-BOMBS. The game was goalless going into the closing stages, only for five goals – spread over two comebacks – to hit fans at the Engenhão like a flurry of punches. (A poor cameraman, incidentally, was probably the only one nursing actual bruises, after getting knocked to the ground by an over-jubilant Bernardo.)

In the post-match press conference Fluminense boss Abel Braga could have sounded off about his side's defending, but chose instead to hit out at Vasco substitute Dakson (yes, really) for having the impudence to back-heel the ball to a team-mate in the dying minutes. This wasn't a case of the youngster just playing to the gallery – the pass set up a promising attack – but even that would hardly be a crime. Braga, as Estadão columnist Artero Greco noted, would do well to lighten up: "There are worse things in football than a bit of showboating. Football is being infested by a wave of grumpiness."

Disciplinary worries for Neymar

It wasn't long ago that Neymar was earning praise for his philosophical attitude to being fouled, oh, seventy thousand times per match. This week, however, the striker is in the dock for his own disciplinary record. His booking against São Paulo in the clássico paulista was the 66th of his nascent career, a figure which is beginning to provide cause for concern. That the caution was (correctly) meted out for diving only confirms that, for all his abundant skill, Neymar still lacks a little of the maturity present in the very best players.

(On an unrelated note, here's a fine statistic on the commercial importance of Neymar to Santos. The average attendance at Santos' Vila Belmiro stadium when Neymar plays, since January 2012: 10,563. When he doesn't: 5,852. The Peixe have 18 months to find another way (or another starlet) to lure those fair-weather fans on a more frequent basis – or at least ensure that they cash in on them while Neymar is still around.)


Cruising on the continent

Palmeiras aside, it was a fine week for Brazilian sides in the Libertadores. São Paulo snuck past The Strongest (ahem), Corinthians beat Millonarios in an empty Pacaembu, while Fluminense went top off Group 8 with a win against Huachipato in Chile. The best performance of the lot, though, came in Argentina, where Atlético Mineiro dispatched Arsenal de Sarandí 5-2. Ronaldinho was again influential for the Galo but was barged out of the spotlight by Bernard, scorer of three goals in his first club game outside his homeland. With Brazilian sides performing so strongly, the grip of the country's recent continental hegemony could yet tighten further.


... and finally

This guy turned 60 yesterday. Parabéns, mestre!

(Photo credits: Alexandre Lops, Ari Ferreira.)

Three quick thoughts on Grêmio's win against Fluminense

Grêmio got their Copa Libertadores campaign back on track last night with a 3-0 mauling of Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro. Here are three things that stuck out...

Grêmio win the midfield battle 

Flu's usual attacking strategy is a relatively predictable one – although no less effective for that. After Wellington Nem stretches the play, full-backs Carlinhos and Bruno bomb on and dig out crosses until Fred tucks one away. Grêmio countered that tactic brilliantly at the Engenhão, using Elano and Zé Roberto almost as conventional wide midfielders to provide extra cover on the flanks. As a result, Flu's regular supply line was cut off, forcing them infield, where Jean, Edinho and Wágner (and then Deco) were dominated by Grêmio's two deep-lying midfielders. Souza and Fernando were excellent, with the latter staking his claim for a starting berth with some conviction after being left out against Huachipato.


Barcos and Vargas begin to click

New boys Hernán Barcos and Eduardo Vargas failed to click in Grêmio's Libertadores opener, but there were signs last night that this could prove a potent partnership. Barcos, who is far more accomplished technically than some give him credit for, was busy throughout, dropping deep to hold up possession and bring midfielders into play. Vargas, meanwhile, used his electric pace to drag defenders wide, and was rewarded for his efforts with a well-taken goal in the second period. With Welliton still to come into the side, the Porto Alegre side won't be short on firepower this year.


Dead balls: dead important

Grêmio's delivery from corners and free-kicks was exceptional throughout, with Zé Roberto and Elano using all of their experience to trouble the Fluminense defence. The latter came close to a gol olímpico just minutes before whipping in a devastating in-swinging cross that Bruno turned into his own net. Flu, by contrast, offered relatively little from dead-ball situations, with Wágner, Rafael Sóbis and Deco routinely seeing their deliveries cleared by the first man. Given that his side normally prides itself on doing the basics so well, Abel Braga will surely be seething.

(Photo credit: Cleber Mendes.)

The week(end) that was - #3

Join me as I look back upon a fine week of Libertadores and state championship action...

Romarinho punishes Palmeiras. Again

Corinthians forward Romarinho is fast establishing himself as a big game player par excellence. The 22-year-old came off the bench to earn his side a point in the clássico against Palmeiras, slotting home from the edge of the area following Alexandre Pato's square pass. It was his fourth goal in three games against the Verdão – a record that, coupled with his crucial goal in the 2012 Copa Libertadores final, has already earnt him cult status among the Corinthians faithful.


Malandragem não tem fim 

Atlético Mineiro's opener against São Paulo in the Libertadores last week appeared to be the result of sloppiness on the part of the Tricolor defence. Ronaldinho Gaúcho found himself in acres of space at a throw-in and took full advantage, biding his time before squaring for Jô to bundle home. But replays showed Ronaldinho surreptitiously wondering over to share a water bottle with Rogério Ceni in the build-up to the goal, prompting some to claim that this was a premeditated ploy.

Galo coach Cuca naturally denied the allegations ("It wasn't planned; it just happened. I'm just glad we made the most of it!") but either way, it was a potent example of malandragem from Ronaldinho, whose percussive passing was at the centre of a fine Atlético performance. The playmaker's seleção days may be numbered, but he is still more than capable of bossing matches at this level.


Fla flying high on a budget

Flamengo scrapped their way to a 1-0 win over Botafogo on Sunday – their sixth victory in seven matches since the turn of the year. The budgetary constraints imposed by new president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello seem to have engendered a greater sense of team spirit at Gávea, with none of the ego-massaging that defined previous regimes. Dorival Júnior's side looks robust at the back and peddles a nifty line in heart-stopping counter-attacks, utilising the pace of young Rafinha to full effect on the flanks. With striker Hernane continuing to plunder goals (his shinned effort at the Engenhão was his eighth of the season), Fla fans have plenty reasons to be cheerful.

Stranger danger

Grêmio's last-minute pre-Libertadores shopping spree was as thrilling as it was surprising. The Porto Alegre side boasted a settled squad and an experienced coach in Vanderlei Luxemburgo, but few had earmarked them as continental contenders in 2013. But the signings of Hernán Barcos (Palmeiras), Edu Vargas (Napoli) and Welliton (Spartak Moscow) made everyone sit up and take notice; in a matter of days Grêmio had assembled one of South America's most fearsome attacks, and were suddenly being spoken of as major players in this season's competition.

But the Tricolor started their campaign with a whimper, falling to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Huachipato last week. The problem was immediately visible: Grêmio played like a bunch of strangers – which, of course, is exactly what they are. Things will doubtlessly improve over time, but time is in short supply: Luxa and his charges travel to Rio to face reigning Brazilian champions Fluminense this week. If they lose that, they might need every last bit of their newly-acquired firepower to reach the knockout stages.

A version of this article was published by The Guardian.

Copa Libertadores preview

And so it begins. The Copa Libertadores got underway last night with the thrilling draw between Nacional and Barcelona, before Emelec and Universidad de Chile picked up home wins. The Brazilian challenge begins this evening, when Atlético-MG host São Paulo (big game klaxon) and Fluminense travel to Venezuela to face Caracas. Here's my take on how Brazil's six contenders shape up this year...

Palmeiras

Coach: Gilson Kleina
Key players: Henrique, Souza, Wesley
Group 2 opponents: Libertad (PAR), Tigre (ARG), Sporting Cristal (PER)

Libertadores champions in 1999, the Verdão face an uphill task to make their mark on this year's edition. Having won the Brazilian Cup midway through 2012, Palmeiras' season fell apart, culminating in their relegation from Série A in November. A number of key players have since left, meaning that the squad, despite some shrewd budget signings (Ayrton, Kléber, Léo Gago), lacks that air of class. A protracted flirtation with Juan Román Riquelme threatened to change that, but negotiations came to nought – probably a good thing, given the potential cost of bringing the Argentine to São Paulo. If Palmeiras progress to the latter stages of the competition, coach Gilson Kleina will go down as a miracle worker.

Atlético Mineiro

Coach: Cuca
Key players: Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Réver, Diego Tardelli
Group 3 opponents: São Paulo, Arsenal de Sarandí (ARG), The Strongest (BOL)

The surprise package of last season's Campeonato Brasileiro, the Galo embark on their first Libertadores campaign since 2000. They certainly boast the attacking talent to trouble any side; Ronaldinho Gaúcho is still a force to be reckoned with at this level, busy youngster Bernard and beanpole striker Jô provide ample support, and the returning Diego Tardelli will plunder plenty of goals. Crucial to their chances could be home advantage: the club has elected to snub the newly-renovated Mineirão in favour of the Estádio Independência, whose cramped, steep stands tend to create a more intimate – and intimidating – atmosphere.


São Paulo

Coach: Ney Franco
Key players: Lúcio, Luís Fabiano, Jádson
Group 3 opponents: Atlético Mineiro, Arsenal de Sarandí (ARG), The Strongest (BOL)

Winners of the Copa Sul-Americana in 2012, São Paulo look well placed to make the step up to the continent's premier competition this year. Theirs is a squad replete with experience: former seleção captain Lúcio join fellow veterans Rogério Ceni and Luís Fabiano to form a formidable spine. In midfield, a rejuvenated Denílson has formed a promising partnership with Wellington, allowing Jádson to focus on creative duties. Yet there are concerns for coach Ney Franco. The departure of Lucas has left the attack lopsided, whilst Paulo Henrique Ganso appears to be a square peg in a formation of round holes. The failure to sign another attacker – such as Edu Vargas, who was poached by Grêmio – could come back to haunt the Tricolor.

Corinthians

Coach: Tite
Key players: Paulinho, Paolo Guerrero, Cássio
Group 5 opponents: Millonarios (COL), San José (BOL), Tijuana (MEX)

Reigning Libertadores champions, the Timão have done what all great clubs do (and what all other clubs resent): strengthen after success. In have come Alexandre Pato, Renato Augusto and Gil – three players of unquestionable quality, although none is even guaranteed a starting place. Even more significant could be the form of Paolo Guerrero: the Peruvian has begun the year in startling form and will be relishing his opportunity to grace this competition for the first time. With coach Tite's star shining brighter than ever before, it would take a brave man to bet against Corinthians repeating their 2012 triumph.


Fluminense

Coach: Abel Braga
Key players: Fred, Wellington Nem, Diego Cavalieri
Group 8 opponents: Grêmio, Caracas (VEN), Huachipato (CHI)

The off-season passed relatively serenely at Laranjeiras, with no major transfers in or out. This, one senses, is exactly how they like it. Little has changed for the side that won the Brasileirão in 2012, meaning that the steady hand of coach Abel Braga will again be their greatest strength. Not that the Tricolor squad lacks star quality; in Fred they boast perhaps the most ruthless matador on the continent, while the zippy Wellington Nem and goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri also ooze class. Much will depend on whether players like Deco, Thiago Neves and Rafael Sóbis – undoubted talents, one and all – can stay fit and produce the goods on a regular basis.

Grêmio

Coach: Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Key players: Elano, Welliton, Hernán Barcos
Group 8 opponents: Fluminense, Caracas (VEN), Huachipato (CHI)

Until just a few weeks ago, Grêmio unlikely to make waves in this season's competition. While Vanderlei Luxemburgo could count on some solid performers – Elano, Werley and Zé Roberto were especially impressive in 2012 – the Porto Alegre side appeared to lack the sprinkling of attacking quality that separates good sides and great ones. But an astonishing transfer blitz has changed all that. In have come three forwards of the highest calibre: Hernán 'El Pirata' Barcos (Palmeiras), Edu Vargas (Napoli), Welliton (Spartak Moscow). How Luxa plans to accommodate that trio is anyone's guess, particularly given that Marcelo Moreno and Kléber are (at time of writing, at least), still at the club. Expect fireworks.