Copa America Group D Round 2: Can Brazil Rely on a Shadow Striker Strategy? Colombia's Cohesive Power

The second round of Group D matches in the Copa America continues on the morning of June 29th. Brazil's tactical experiment in the first game, using Vinicius Junior as a central striker, backfired as he often found himself static, merely watching his teammates take shots. This strategy is unlikely to be repeated. On the other hand, Colombia, known for their disciplined and creative play, possess the strength to potentially reach the semifinals.

Paraguay vs. Brazil – Real Madrid’s Twin Stars Lost in the National Team

In their first match, Paraguay couldn't overturn Colombia's lead, ultimately losing 1-2. Despite the threats posed by Premier League wingers Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso on the flanks, Paraguay struggled due to the lack of support from other attacking players, managing to pull one goal back after being 0-2 down at halftime. Coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto might consider placing Almiron and Enciso on the same side to leverage their Premier League experience and chemistry. Paraguay's record is daunting, having lost all 18 of their past games when conceding first, making the outcome almost inevitable once Colombia scored.

Real Madrid's recent Champions League triumph justified Brazil coach Tite's decision to heavily rely on the club's Brazilian stars. However, he didn't replicate Real Madrid's use of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. At Real Madrid, Vinicius thrives on the left wing, where his agility and speed allow him to accelerate quickly, perfectly receiving long balls from the right-back position to create breakthroughs. Tite's unconventional approach saw Vinicius playing as a central striker, a role he is visibly uncomfortable in, often left standing in the middle while his teammates passed the ball around and took shots. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, better suited for central roles, was placed on the left wing. Switching their positions might make Brazil's attack more threatening. In the final 20 minutes, Tite brought on Endrick, who is set to join Real Madrid, but the young forward showed he needs more experience at the international level.

The last four Copa America encounters between Brazil and Paraguay have all ended in draws. Currently, Brazil is in one of their worst forms in history. If Paraguay focuses on defense, breaking through could be challenging for Brazil. Fortunately, Paraguay needs to attack to advance, which could allow Brazil to capitalize on counterattacks, showcasing some of their potential, while Paraguay’s Premier League wingers could contribute effectively to their efforts.

Colombia vs. Costa Rica – James Rodriguez’s Return to Form

Colombia now boasts players from Europe’s top leagues across all lines, and their high level of cohesion has turned them into a formidable force in South American football. They are the only unbeaten team in the South American World Cup qualifiers. In their first match against Paraguay, the standout player was not Liverpool’s winger Luis Diaz, but James Rodriguez, who has returned to South American football. James provided two exquisite crosses from the left and right sides of the opponent’s penalty area in the first half, setting up Colombia's early lead. However, after taking the lead, Colombia struggled to control the game, allowing Paraguay to mount dangerous counterattacks and score in the 69th minute due to a defensive error by center-back Davinson Sanchez. Despite limited players in the box, Sanchez failed to mark Enciso adequately. Following this setback, Colombia played more proactively and maintained their lead until the final whistle.

Costa Rica, in their first match, employed a defensive 5-3-2 formation, successfully holding off Brazil’s attacks to secure a 0-0 draw. Costa Rica’s key strategy was to limit Brazil’s advances to outside their penalty area, forcing them to rely on long-range shots. Brazil’s midfield, led by Lucas Paqueta, lacked the capability to break through, keeping Costa Rica's goal well-protected. While Colombian players might not match Brazil's individual brilliance, their team cohesion and attack potency are superior. James Rodriguez is expected to unlock two-thirds of Colombia's potential, while Costa Rica may struggle to make a significant impact.

Tactical Insights and Key Players

Brazil’s main challenge lies in finding the right tactical setup. Vinicius Junior needs to return to his natural left-wing position, where he can utilize his speed and dribbling skills. Rodrygo should take the central role, where his heading ability and positioning can be more effective. Brazil must also integrate their midfield better to support their forward line, ensuring a more cohesive attack.

Paraguay must improve their defensive organization and prevent early goals, which have historically doomed their chances. Almiron and Enciso, if positioned on the same side, can create significant problems for Brazil’s defense with their combined speed and technical skills.

Colombia’s strength lies in their well-coordinated team play. James Rodriguez’s vision and passing will be crucial in breaking down Costa Rica’s defensive setup. Colombia’s midfield must control the tempo and provide consistent support to their forwards, maintaining pressure on Costa Rica’s backline.

Costa Rica’s strategy will likely involve deep defending and counterattacks. They need to maintain their defensive discipline and look for opportunities to exploit Colombia’s occasional lapses in concentration. Their midfield must be alert and ready to transition quickly from defense to attack.

Broader Implications

The results of these matches will have significant implications for the teams involved. Brazil needs a win to restore confidence and maintain their position in the group. A victory against Paraguay would boost their morale and provide much-needed momentum for the following rounds.

For Paraguay, earning points against Brazil would be a massive boost to their qualification hopes. They need to find consistency and avoid early concessions to stay competitive in the group.

Colombia aims to secure their place at the top of the group and build on their strong start. A win against Costa Rica would reinforce their status as group favorites and enhance their confidence for the knockout stages.

Costa Rica’s primary goal is to secure a defensive point and look for opportunities to counterattack effectively. Holding off Colombia would keep their qualification hopes alive and set them up for a decisive final group match.

As Copa America progresses, tactical adjustments, player performances, and managerial decisions will be crucial in determining the outcomes. Each match offers an opportunity for teams to gain an advantage, making these fixtures pivotal in the quest for advancement and success in the tournament.