After their World Cup nightmare, the Brazilians started a new era;  a new manager( Dunga) ,young players to replace some old dinosaurs and of course the not so new, but still young, Barcelona’s gem Neymar. Would that be a surprise giving the MOTM Award to that brilliant winger ?

Brazil came to the hated stadium of St Denis(Stade de France)undefeated: six wins out of six, scored 14, conceded once, seeking a victory to erase that 3-0  defeat at the World Cup Final, back in 1998.Some of their  former opponents( Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Marcel Desailly, Patrick Viera) were on the pitch, not to play, but receive an award for their 100th Cap with Les Bleus.

France began the game without some key players( Lloris, Pogba, Cabaye) and that did help their opponents. Les Bleus started well, scoring on a set piece(Varane, 21st) but soon after that, the Brazilians showed their worth, scoring three times (40th 53rd 69th) There’s no doubt that the best team won, but who was the best or the worst? Here’s the players ratings :

Neymar : 8/10 MOTM

The best  man on the pitch; his talent enchanted the public, French or not. Such a pleasure to watch him play( maybe not for his opponents) for he’s so quick with the ball, a nightmare for the French defenders. A beautiful goal pushed with force in a small angle, job well done !

Jefferson : 7/10

Good, solid game for the Brazilian custodian; good in the airs, but also quick on his feet to parry  Sissoko’s and Griezmann headers.( 59th 63rd)

Danilo : 5/10

Average, at the least; good in defense, but lacked precision and speed to conclude his gesture.

Thiago Silva : 7/10

The Parisian  was very good, yesterday. Solid, calm, always in position to hurt the  French, good on air and excellent in-game vision.

Miranda : 4,5/10

Not as good, as his teammates; lost his duel against Varane and was frequently beaten in the air.

Filipe Luis : 5,5/10

Some good work with the ball in defense ; stopped  many times Sagna’s intrusions.

Luis Gustavo : 6,5/10

He pressed well, scored on a set piece (70th) and was solid, in defense. Subbed by Fernandinho (89th)

Elias:  6/10

He pressed well and helped the team by controlling the midfield ; good defending against the french counters. Good efforts.

Willian : 7,5/10

Good game from Chelsea’s winger; he was a constant threat for the french side and  shined frequently showing off his technical skills. Also, he assisted Neymar for Brazil’s second goal. Subbed by Costa (83rd)

Oscar : 7/10

Solid game; he didn’t spare his efforts to help the team, good in defending and precious in attack; scored a beauty (40th)Subbed by Souza (85th)

Firmino : 6/10

The Brazilian attacker, didn’t score, but he sure tried to… (10th 29th) He also assisted Oscar for the equalizer. Subbed by Luiz Adriano (87th)

Neymar : see MOTH 

Here’s the game’s Highlights :

Categories: Analysis, opinion

Tags: Brazil, Equipe de France, EURO 2016, Friendlies Euro 2016