Carlos Sanchez was the best player on that pitch. The sheer amount of tackles and interceptions he made was incredible. He kept himself in good positions but his focus on stopping Neymar and taking him out was amazing. Of course myself and the world want to see Neymar be the truth, but if a player is willing to stand up and stop him (legally) I applaud that even more.
Neymar played well. Very well, in my view. Not many will agree, but when you are the only player on that high level surrounded by nothing but mortar and sand, I give you extra points. But Colombia were prepared and when they went deservedly ahead, they defended like mad. In the later part of the second half, you could see the tired legs and that is where Brazil's counters were creating really good chances. And there will not be a greater miss than Firmino's.
Ospina with a rare mistake, the ball bobbled over to Firmino who had an open goal about twenty yards away. Somehow, he did not even get it on target, but let it fly higher than R. Kelly. But the performance and problem was not about that miss...it was much bigger than that. Colombia somehow were playing like the Brazil of old (minus Failcao) and Brazil were playing like Italy. As Colombia threw men forward, Brazil soaked up the pressure and countered with only a few players, with Neymar being the one to orchestrate the attacks.
Dunga needs to realise that Brazil are not Italy, and will not be able to shut out the attacking teams in this South America. I mean, the tactic makes a lot of sense based on how offensive these teams are. Ha, but, my goodness, I did not realise how horrendous and disgraceful this Brazilian team were. This is how they were exposed by a Colombian team who are still growing and should have really closed the deal on this match...but again...Failcao.
At the moment, it seems Neymar is only out for the one game, which is great for the tournament. There is the other problem, which is Brazil having to play Venezuela with no Neymar. I really don't know how they will function because it is offensive how reliant a whole Brazil is on one man. I expect them to win and players like Coutinho and Firmino to raise their game. That is what I hope...who knows what will happen with these jokers if there is no Neymar. Last time he wasn't there....seven men left and only one returned.
Colombia are dark horses. If they can drop Falcao and put faith in Bacca and Martinez or play the lone-striker move with Bacca banned, then they have a chance. With Falcao, Colombia will have ZERO threat up front.
James Jeremiah Rodriguez....the stage is yours....
HH
Sent from the Hut
