No matter which team you support, one thing is clear: Brazil’s run at Copa America 2024 was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of international football. This was supposed to be a tournament where Brazil, with their rich history and immense talent pool, reasserted their dominance. Instead, it turned into a sobering experience that laid bare several issues plaguing the Seleção.
I have always loved watching Brazil play. Their flair, creativity, and the sheer joy they bring to the game make them perennial favorites, not just for Brazilian fans but for football lovers worldwide. So, it was with great anticipation that I watched them take on Uruguay in the quarterfinals, only to see them crash out in a penalty shootout. The match, held at Allegiant Stadium, was a tense, scrappy affair that ended 0-0 after regular time, and Uruguay triumphed 4-2 in the shootout. It was a microcosm of Brazil’s problems throughout the tournament: an inability to convert possession into goals, tactical inflexibility, and a palpable psychological burden.
From the outset of Copa America 2024, Brazil’s campaign was marred by inconsistency. They kicked off their group stage with a disappointing goalless draw against Costa Rica. This was followed by a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, a game that gave fans hope that Brazil had found their rhythm. However, their final group stage match against Colombia ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, leaving them second in Group D. This inconsistency hinted at deeper issues within the team, which became glaringly apparent as the tournament progressed.
One of the biggest problems for Brazil was their finishing.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they struggled to put the ball in the net. Apart from the four goals against Paraguay, they managed just one goal in their other three matches combined. This lack of clinical finishing haunted them throughout the competition. Watching them miss chance after chance was agonizing, a stark contrast to the Brazilian teams of old who were known for their deadly efficiency in front of goal.
Tactically, Brazil in Copa America 2024 seemed lost at times. Coach Dorival Júnior‘s strategies were often questioned.
His decision to field Vinícius Júnior in a largely inconsequential group match against Colombia, leading to Vinícius’ suspension for the quarterfinal, was particularly baffling. This decision deprived Brazil of one of their most potent attacking weapons when they needed him most.
Dorival’s approach was overly reliant on counter-attacks and long balls, bypassing the midfield and making their play predictable and easier for opponents to defend against. It felt like watching a team with immense potential being shackled by a lack of tactical coherence.
Adding to their woes was the psychological burden carried by the players. Brazil’s illustrious history in football, with five World Cup titles, creates immense pressure. Every tournament is approached with the expectation of victory, and anything less is seen as a failure. This pressure seemed to weigh heavily on the team. They appeared nervous and hesitant, a far cry from the confident and expressive Brazilian teams of the past. The players, particularly the younger ones like Endrick, were visibly affected by this weight of expectation.
Ronaldinho‘s controversial comments about the team, initially perceived as harsh criticism but later revealed to be part of a marketing campaign, only added to the drama. His remarks about the team lacking respected leaders and being filled with mediocre players struck a nerve. Even though it was later clarified that these comments were part of a campaign to inspire support for the team, the damage was done. It highlighted the fragile state of the team and the intense scrutiny they are under.
The absence of veteran leaders like Neymar Jr. and Casemiro further exposed the team’s inexperience. The young squad struggled to handle the pressures of a major tournament.
Watching them, I couldn’t help but think that they needed someone on the field who could calm the nerves, provide guidance, and lead by example. This lack of leadership was glaring in crucial moments, particularly in the high-pressure environment of a knockout match.
Dorival Junior, despite his extensive experience in Brazilian club football, seemed out of his depth at the international level. His lack of international tournament experience showed in his tactical inflexibility and poor in-game management. He spent too much time on the touchline ranting about refereeing decisions rather than making necessary tactical adjustments. His inability to set a calm emotional tone for the team was a significant shortcoming. An uptight coach makes for an uptight team, and this was evident in Brazil’s performances.
The match against Uruguay was a perfect example of Brazil’s tactical and psychological issues. As the game dragged on without a goal, the tension was palpable. Brazil had chances but failed to convert, and their frustration grew. The sight of Andreas Pereira rolling on the ground, trying to get an Uruguayan player sent off, rather than focusing on winning the game, was a sad reflection of the team’s state of mind. They needed composure and focus, but instead, there was desperation and petulance.
Uruguay, on the other hand, played with discipline and determination. Even after going down to ten men, they managed to hold Brazil at bay and took their chances in the penalty shootout. It was a lesson in resilience and tactical discipline, something Brazil sorely lacked. Watching the shootout, I couldn’t help but feel that Brazil’s fate was sealed the moment the match went to penalties. The nerves, the pressure, it all seemed too much for them.
Despite the disappointment of Brazil in Copa America 2024, there are some positives to take away. The team remained unbeaten in regulation time and showed some improvement from previous performances. They have a talented group of young players who, with the right guidance and support, can develop into a formidable team. However, this will require stability in management and a clear long-term strategy. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) needs to back Dorival Junior, giving him the time and resources to build a cohesive team. Constant changes in management and a lack of a consistent strategic direction have hindered Brazil’s progress in recent years.
Looking forward, Brazil must address these underlying issues to regain their competitive edge. They need to develop a more versatile and creative tactical approach. Over-reliance on counter-attacks and long balls won’t cut it at the highest level. The midfield needs to be more involved in building play and creating chances. Players like Bruno Guimarães have the potential to dominate the midfield, but they need to be given the right role and support.
Moreover, the psychological aspect cannot be overlooked. The team needs to find a way to handle the immense pressure and expectations.
This is where experienced leaders and a calm, composed coaching approach are crucial. Dorival Junior needs to set a positive and calm emotional tone for the team. His experience in Brazilian club football can be invaluable, but he needs to adapt to the demands of international tournaments.
With the right support and a clear strategy, Brazil can rebuild and aim for success in future tournaments, particularly the 2026 World Cup. It’s a tough road ahead, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching football, it’s that Brazil has the talent and potential to bounce back stronger. They just need to find the right balance and direction.