Brazil, without the magic of Neymar but with the aura of Robinho, will have to play with more abandon if they are to overcome a tough Paraguay side. Dunga’s merry-go-round of changes against Venezuela in the last game of the group phase defined his natural tendencies as a coach, the same characteristics that defined him as a player. The Brazilian trainer does not want defensive cracks opening up, preferring them to appear, if anywhere, in attack first. In the Venezuela game the arrival of David Luiz and Marquinhos for Willian and Robinho reflected his obsession with defending a 2-0 lead. In the end it finished 2-1.
Dunga has to bring instant results and this is the only way he knows how. The jogo bonito, that tired, old label hung around Brazil’s neck, has been put on the backburner even more with Dunga, yet his Brazil side has now won 12 out of 13 matches and only lost on one occasion. The road they are travelling down seems vindicated, but in all the previous encounters disputed none will prove a tougher test in the attacking third than tonight’s opponents Paraguay.
Paraguay have made no secret of their tactics: keep things tight at the back and look for glory in the penalty shootout. The fact there is no extra-time could play into their hands, and with the absence of Samudio, Ortiz and Ortigoza their defensive prowess will come even more to the fore.
In the absence of Neymar, Brazil will look to Robinho, reinstated by Dunga, to unlock the opposition defence, together with Willian and Coutinho as playmakers. In truth, with Robinho, and without Neymar, Brazil look more together and dynamic with the ball, more in line with what they need to get results in front of goal.