“He’s better than Jackson and Mudryk because he never allows Premier league defenders to rest whenever the ball is with him, he’s my favorite Arsenal player at the moment”- Chelsea star Thiago Silva names the Arsenal star he loves watching all the time
Fernando Diniz’s side couldn’t generate any attacking momentum as a Luis Diaz double saw them drop points yet again.
Brazil struggled without the creativity of Neymar, and were lost when Vinicius Jr went off injured, as they let a 1-0 lead slip against Colombia. Gabriel Martinelli’s early goal was the Selecao’s only real chance of the night, with Luis Diaz bagging twice in four minutes late to give his side a 2-1 win.
The Arsenal winger opened the scoring inside five minutes, poking an effort into the far corner after a fine piece of interplay with Vinicius. The Selecao’s momentum was slowed, though, by Vinicius’ exit, after the winger appeared to pick up a thigh issue that forced him off after 26 minutes.
The home side eventually turned things around. Diaz was at the center of it all, nodding home two headers in a four-minute stretch to put his side up 2-1. The Selecao, for their part, never carved out a clear chance. Raphinha and Rodrygo put shots narrowly wide, but Fernando Diniz’s men struggled to create and they were made to pay, dropping points in Conmebol qualifying for the third-straight contest.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (8/10):
Made numerous important saves in Ederson’s absence. Couldn’t do anything about Diaz’s goals. Could have been 4-1 without him.
Emerson (5/10):
Given a rough evening by Diaz, and didn’t offer loads on the ball either.
Marquinhos (5/10):
Outlept by Diaz for the Colombia second, and a bit shaky on the ball. Not his best night.
Gabriel (6/10):
Did all of the defensive stuff well, and was the most composed of the Selecao’s centre-backs.
Renan Lodi (4/10):
Lacked legs at right-back, and was off the pace for most of proceedings. He’s a real weak point.
Midfield
Andre (6/10):
Some of his defensive work was excellent. Made a vital block on Diaz in the first half, and put some timely tackles in.
Bruno Guimaraes (5/10):
A mixed showing. Carried the ball well at times, but didn’t cover enough ground in the middle of the park.
Rodrygo (5/10):
Really bright at times. He linked play effectively, and looked to go for goal. But he wasn’t clinical or incisive enough. Will have to step up now.
Attack
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Assisted the opener, and was at his spellbinding best for 25 minutes. Then left the game with a leg injury — a worry for Real Madrid.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Took his goal well, and was a constant threat on the wing. You’d think there will be many more Brazil goals to come.
Raphinha (4/10):
Fired narrowly wide in the second half. Not really involved, otherwise.
