5 things Brazil need to do to win against Argentina | Copa America 2021 final

Brazil v Peru - Copa America 2021: Semifinal
Brazil v Peru - Copa America 2021: Semifinal

#3 Veteran Brazilian centre-backs to hold their own against Argentina's attack

Brazil v Peru: Final - Copa America Brazil 2019
Brazil v Peru: Final - Copa America Brazil 2019

Brazil have been excellent defensively at Copa America 2021 and they cannot afford to let their guards down now. Despite being reduced to 10-men in the 48th minute of the quarter-final against Chile, Brazil were able to hold their ground and protect their 1-0 lead.

Veteran centre-back Thiago Silva has been in great form. He has been strong with his tackling and has dominated aerial duels. Marquinhos can keep up with the quickest attackers around and is a technically proficient footballer. Eder Militao, the third-choice centre-back, has been a force to be reckoned with as well.

They've conceded just two goals in six matches so far and if they can continue to do their job well, Brazil could be continental champions again.

#2 Casemiro and Fred to do a job on Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso

Brazil v Ecuador: Group B - Copa America Brazil 2021
Brazil v Ecuador: Group B - Copa America Brazil 2021

Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have played a crucial role in taking a lot of heat off Lionel Messi. De Paul and Lo Celso have both been enterprising with the ball at their feet and have provided a creative spark from midfield.

Meanwhile, Brazil have gone with a defensive approach till now. Their full-backs Danilo and Renan Lodi have been happy to make defending their primary responsibility. Fred and Casemiro have both been adept at winning the ball back and recycling possession.

Argentina have been able to make it thus far because they've played well as a team. Lionel Messi has played his natural game because teams have not been entirely devoted to keeping him silent.

Casemiro and Fred will need to do a job on De Paul and Lo Celso and not allow them to keep things ticking in midfield. That's one way to break down Argentina.

#1 Neymar kicking on in the same vein

Brazil v Peru - Copa America Brazil 2021: Semifinal
Brazil v Peru - Copa America Brazil 2021: Semifinal

Neymar has looked every bit the world beater he is in most of Brazil's games so far at Copa America 2021. His exquisite touches and passes have added an edge to Brazil's attack and Tite will want more of the same in the showdown against Argentina.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has scored two goals and provided three assists in five games so far. He has also been able to strike up a solid partnership with attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The two have brought about a lot of fluidity in the final third for Brazil and it's a treat to watch them when they are in full flow.

Neymar's ability in and around the box is nearly unmatched and Argentina will be wary of it. For Brazil to succeed, they will need their main man to be at the top of his game.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now