Brazil and Dunga Set for Biggest Test Yet Against Argentina
It is one of the biggest clashes in football, one of the game's oldest rivalries. Saturday, Brazil and Argentina play out the next chapter of their great duel in Beijing as Dunga continues his Selecao revival mission.
Having won his first two outings back in the Brazil hotseat by a narrow 1-0 scoreline against Colombia and Ecuador, the new boss looks set to continue with the same foundations against his third South American opponent in as many matches.
The changes to personnel are minimal. David Luiz should return in the centre of defence, and Corinthians midfielder Elias is likely to be given a chance in national colours, as reported by Globo Esporte (link in Portuguese).
Judging by the training session held yesterday, the starting line-up should read: Jefferson; Danilo, Miranda, David Luiz, Filipe Luis; Luiz Gustavo, Elias; Willian, Oscar, Neymar, Diego Tardelli.
Famed for his pragmatism but praised for his updated playing philosophy last month, it will be fascinating to see how Dunga prepares his team for what is his biggest challenge since returning.
Argentina have an embarrassing collection of riches in attack, but their standout jewel remains Lionel Messi. In dealing with him, there is an enormous amount of pressure on the shoulders of the most experienced defender across the Brazilian back line, David Luiz.
Tomorrow is a massive test for the 27-year-old. In terms of whether he can cut it as a top-class stopper, it is almost make or break time.
Once again without his partner in crime, Thiago Silva, Luiz will be the leader the inexperienced back four look to. His immediate and most pressing brief is not to lose his head as he did the last time he faced world-class opposition, in the World Cup semi-final against Germany.
On that occasion, Brazil were undone by the slickness of the streamlined German machine. Four-time World Player of the Year Messi has the talent to rip them to shreds all by himself.
Against Ecuador, Luiz Gustavo showed his worth going forward as well as sitting as a protector in front of the defence. Tomorrow, his workload is likely to take place almost entirely in his own half.
Elias, somewhat of a surprise call-up in September, can provide the link between defence and attack. He can be the catalyst for rapid counter-attacking football, which may be the best way for Brazil to hit Argentina; hard and fast.
In for the injured Ramires, who plays with a fully charged battery for 90 minutes, Elias' ball distribution needs to be nigh-on perfect tomorrow. He needs to be Brazil's Xavi if the side's floating four are to be given the chance to attack in tandem.
And that will be the most intriguing part of the contest from a Brazilian point of view. While the defence is given a severe test, Dunga's attacking quartet is given another chance to blend and learn from playing off one another in a freestyle, floating formation.
The industriousness of Willian and Tardelli, coupled with the astuteness of Oscar, and the attacking verve of Neymar. It can be a hugely potent weapon for Brazil, if given enough time to pay off.
And, beyond the broader spectrum, there are subplots to this fixture. Will Kaka and Robinho, two survivors of the first Dunga era, be given playing time to stake their claim for a more substantial role in the coach's plans?
Robinho in particular has been in fine form since returning to Brazilian club Santos, where he first made his name. He scored a brace last week against Botafogo in the Copa do Brasil and has put some much-needed swagger back into his game.
Kaka, on his own recovery mission at Sao Paulo, has fond memories of tomorrow's opponents. The 32-year-old scored a magnificent solo effort against Argentina at the Emirates Stadium in London back in 2006.
If Dunga can get his front four producing moments like that, it will be solid proof his ideas are taking Brazil in the right direction.
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