International Friendly Matches: Brazil's Coaching Conundrum, Germany's Defensive Woes

As the international friendly match week continues, Brazil's new head coach, Doriival Júnior, is set to make his debut. Despite being appointed as the official head coach, his extensive coaching resume reveals a pattern of brief tenures, averaging less than a season per team. This raises doubts about his longevity compared to his predecessor, interim coach Diniz. Meanwhile, Germany, following their World Cup exit, has played 11 friendlies without a clean sheet in their last 10, leaving their defense alarmingly porous. These two nations face different challenges as they prepare for significant matches.

England vs. Brazil - Samba Squad's New Leader?

In 2024, England will play their first match at Wembley Stadium against the five-time World Cup champions, Brazil. This fixture is highly anticipated due to the star-studded lineups of both teams. England’s direct qualification for the 2024 UEFA European Championship was expected, but their double victory over defending champions Italy in the qualifiers was a pleasant surprise. After a narrow 2-1 away win, England’s confidence soared, culminating in a 3-1 home victory. These wins were the national team's highlights in 2023.

Four players have earned their first call-ups for the national team during this international break. The most notable among them is Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who has had a stellar season in the Premier League with 27 appearances, 9 goals, and 6 assists, both career highs. He is almost certain to make his international debut in this friendly match.

After suffering their first home defeat in World Cup qualifiers in November, Brazil’s interim coach Diniz stepped down. His dual role as a club and national team coach proved too demanding for the prestigious Brazilian team. His successor, the 61-year-old Doriival Júnior, brings a wealth of experience, having managed 26 teams over 22 years, resulting in an average tenure of less than a year per team. This statistic suggests that despite being officially appointed, his stint might not last long.

The two teams have not faced each other in a major international tournament since the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, with most of their friendly matches ending in draws. This game is primarily a warm-up and a ticket-seller, likely seeing both teams playing at a fraction of their full potential.

France vs. Germany - Germany’s Leaky Defense

Like the previous matchup, this game also marks the 2024 debut for both France and Germany. Despite being grouped with strong teams like the Netherlands in the European Championship qualifiers, France remained unbeaten and defeated the Netherlands twice. The Roosters maintained a 100% win rate until the final round, where they had already secured the top spot in their group and rotated key players like Mbappé and Maignan, resulting in a draw against Greece. Another standout performance was their 14-0 home win against Gibraltar, showing that it's not only Germany that can be ruthless against weaker teams. This win brought France’s total goals in the qualifiers to 29, second only to Portugal.

Host nation Germany, having been eliminated in the group stage of the last World Cup, has not played an official match since then. This has made them overly concerned with friendly match results, leading to the dismissal of former coach Flick after a loss to Japan. Julian Nagelsmann, who took over, has not managed to significantly improve the team’s performance. Germany has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 friendlies and has won only 3 of 11 friendlies since the World Cup.

France and Germany have faced each other in the last two European Championships, with France keeping clean sheets on both occasions. In their Nations League encounters, France has also had the upper hand. Germany's only recent success was in a friendly last year. This upcoming match is intended as a warm-up, with both sides likely playing at a reduced intensity.

Brazil's Coaching Carousel: A Perplexing Standard?

Brazil’s coaching decisions have been perplexing. The appointment of Doriival Júnior, with his history of short tenures, raises questions about the selection criteria. His extensive experience is undeniable, but the lack of stability in his previous roles casts doubt on his ability to lead Brazil in the long term. The decision to appoint a coach with such a transient history suggests a deeper issue within the Brazilian Football Confederation’s strategy.

Diniz’s tenure as interim coach highlighted the challenges of managing dual roles. His inability to balance club and national team responsibilities led to Brazil’s subpar performances and his eventual resignation. The transition to Doriival Júnior indicates a desire for a fresh start, but the underlying issue of finding a coach who can provide both stability and success remains unresolved.

Germany's Defensive Struggles: When Will the Clean Sheets Return?

Germany's post-World Cup performance has been disappointing, particularly their defensive record. The inability to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 friendlies underscores a critical weakness. Former coach Flick’s tenure ended abruptly following a defeat to Japan, a clear sign of the high expectations and pressures surrounding the national team. Nagelsmann's arrival has not brought the anticipated defensive solidity.

The friendly match against France will be a significant test for Germany's defense. With key players like Ayman Hussein expected to return, France’s attack will be formidable. Germany must find a way to tighten their defense and prevent the lapses that have plagued them in recent matches. Achieving a clean sheet against a strong team like France would be a significant morale booster and a step in the right direction.

England’s New Faces: A Spotlight on Anthony Gordon

England’s friendly against Brazil offers an opportunity for new players to showcase their talents on the international stage. Anthony Gordon, in particular, has garnered attention with his impressive performances for Newcastle United. His inclusion in the national squad is a testament to his development and potential.

Gordon’s debut will be closely watched, as it represents a new chapter in his career. The friendly match environment allows for experimentation and integration of new players, which is crucial for the team's long-term success. England’s strategic focus will be on balancing the introduction of new talent with maintaining their competitive edge.

The Tactical Approaches: Balancing Act for All Teams

As the international break continues, the tactical approaches of Brazil, Germany, England, and France will be under scrutiny. For Brazil, the focus will be on how Doriival Júnior integrates his extensive but unstable experience into a cohesive strategy. Germany's priority will be to address their defensive frailties and regain confidence.

England will aim to utilize the friendly to blend experienced players with emerging talents like Anthony Gordon. France, while maintaining their strong form, will use the match to fine-tune their tactics and ensure readiness for upcoming competitions.

The international friendlies provide a platform for teams to experiment, adapt, and prepare for more competitive fixtures. The performances in these matches, while not always indicative of future success, offer valuable insights into the teams’ strategies and areas for improvement. As the matches unfold, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing the developments and implications for the future of these national teams.