Of Blondes and raised collars: Scolari must get down to business

Within a space of five days, we have learnt that that Brazil is no-where ready to host the world as a football team next year.

 Scolari yet to win a game after three matches since his Brazil return

The Selecao, featuring all their key players against both Italy and Russia have struggled to impress in both games, two top friendlies meant to test their credentials for the FIFA 2014 World Cup. 

Felipe Scolari’s men were a decent side in Geneva but surrendered a two-goal lead against a strong Italian side that actually deserved to win last weekend.

But at Stamford Bridge last night, Brazil look more like celebrity reality show housemates on a night out, enjoying the chilly serenity of Stamford Bridge after some two-week seclusion at their camp. It must have been agonising for their fans who are hoping for some spectacle in London.

But Russia, led by former England manager, Fabio Capello showed they were a b better team and thanks to a late goal orchestrated by Real Madrid left back, Marcelo, Brazil would have suffered their second defeat in England after their 2-1 loss to the Three Lions in February.

Lethargic

Scolari trusted Kaka as the linchpin in the creative role, preferring Oscar out wide, but it turned out a futile adventure albeit created Brazil’s two best chances with delicious crosses- one in each half. Kaka struggled to get in the games and couldn’t work in tandem with the talented Neymar.  Scolari was trying to exploit the intelligence of the trio of Kaka, Neymar and Oscar, playing the last two as veiled wingers, it never worked.

Kaka may have lost some confidence having played peripheral roles in the star-studded Madrid side but it is clear why Jose Mourinho prefers the younger and crafty Mesut Ozil, who has been the top creative outlet for the Spanish side under the Portuguese manager. Kaka’s class and brain remains, but looks as though his vivaciousness and speed has disserted him.

One thing we learnt under Menezes was the chemistry between Neymar and Oscar, a partnership which was blossoming really well. Scolari will be taking Brazil backward if he fails to build his team around them. His thinking could be understood: he probably feels Oscar is too young to be the creative leader of his team yet he wants to play the Chelsea man. He recalled Ronaldinho and Kaka to exploit their experience, but the two former world best players have not shown they are still the real deal to do the job.

Lost

Neymar has a huge responsibility on his shoulders and it is looking too big for him to handle so far. He had an influential game against Italy, but couldn’t impress against the organised Russians.

Dare I say we saw more of Neymar’s fanciful ever hair than his feet; perhaps the Santos man was the winner in the blonde razzmatazz with Dani Alves, who has become a shadow of himself.  Crucially for Brazil, their two central midfielders (perhaps pivot players if you like) Fernando and Hernanes-the Lazio man with flying collar, lack composure and authority to drive this team in the middle and it is looking certain that Ramires, who was injured, will walk straight back into the squad. I’ll like to see Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo again in the side. He looks more equipped to do the job.

As a member of an indifferent audience, I saw the Selecao players  look even more disorientated than the Mano Menezes’ Brazil and it appears they would need more than the next Mundial to become a team. Granted it was only Scolari’s third game in charge following his appointment in November, but he will now be under huge pressure in Brazil with winless streak (a defeat and two draws.

Long walk to glory, it seems, for Scolari. But he is experienced enough to know that, in Brazil, as far as football is concerned, the king must not dance naked.