Brazil vs. France: 6 Things We Learned

On Sunday night, Brazil put a lacklustre France to the sword with a much needed 3-0 win in Porto Alegre, with just one week until the start of the Confederations Cup.

While the score line was somewhat flattering to Brazil, who were poor themselves for long periods of the game, it is a result that could do wonders for their confidence ahead of coming challenges.

The result, though, says much for the attitude of the French side, who quickly lost any motivation they may have shown in the early stages. Once Brazil had taken the lead, there appeared to be little determination to seek a comeback.

Let's, then, take a look at six things that can be learned from the international friendly.

Oscar Is the Key to Brazilian Success

Amid all the discussions surrounding the future of Neymar over the past year, as well as the hype of Lucas Moura's big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain, Oscar's performances for Brazil have gone somewhat under the radar.

The Chelsea man, though, has consistently been the Selecao's best performer over the past 12 months, eclipsing Brazil's two higher-profile young prospects.

That is the way Oscar likes it. He is now a world champion at the Under-20 level, an Olympic silver medalist and a Europa League winner, but he remains happy to hand the limelight to others.

Away from the media focus that accompanies Neymar in particular, the former Sao Paulo and Internacional playmaker is excelling and will be hugely important to Brazil's hopes of success over the coming years.

France Lack Top-Class Creative Talent

France, at times, looked truly lifeless in attacking areas at the Gremio Arena. Considering that those players who missed out did not include any really potent creative forces, it will be a worry for Didier Deschamps.

Dimitri Payet and Mathieu Valbuena were the two men chosen to play on either side of centre-forward Karim Benzema on this occasion, but whether either is truly top-class is open for debate.

Both players have had fine seasons in Ligue 1 this campaign, but compared to the attacking talent France have boasted in previous years, they represent a considerable drop in quality.

Substitute Clement Grenier of Lyon is another who fits into a similar category. At 22, he has potential, but is someway short of the talent offered by players in a similar position for rival countries.

Some would advocate Manchester City's Samir Nasri, but whether he is consistent enough at the highest level is also open for debate.

Hernanes Should Start for the Selecao

While France had visibly wilted by the time Hernanes entered proceedings in the 81st minute, it was clear for the first hour that the Brazilian midfield was lacking a player to control proceedings from deep.

Both Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho are good players, but they are yet to thoroughly convince as a partnership at the base of the Brazilian midfield. Neither player has the passing ability to set the tempo for the team's play from the position.

That is where Hernanes, who has been continually in and out of the Brazil lineup over recent years, can come in. The Lazio man has the ability to receive and spread the ball while under pressure, and could play an important role for the Selecao.

He must, though, be used in conjunction with an out-and-out holding midfielder, meaning that either Luiz Gustavo or youngster Fernando would be ideal candidates to play alongside him.

Neymar Is Putting Too Much Pressure on Himself

It was difficult to watch Neymar at times on Sunday evening, as the young striker was visibly frustrated with his inability to find form.

It has been awhile now since the young star was at his best, and he is clearly struggling to deal with the pressure being heaped on his shoulders. The worst thing is, he is adding greatly to his own pressure.

Neymar's response to things not going to plan is to attempt to do more. It is an instinctive reaction that he will have had since childhood. The difference is that opponents are better now, and at times trying to do too much can make matters worse.

The new Barcelona star will soon see his confidence come flooding back with a couple of good performances, but he first needs to simplify matters. Talent is not an issue.

For now, his biggest tormentors are in his own head.

Mathieu Debuchy Is Risking His International Place

For a player of his experience and standing, Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy was far below the levels expected of him on Sunday night.

While he did a good job in general of shackling Neymar, he was too often rash with his tackling on the young star and could have been punished by the referee on another occasion.

Then, to make matters worse, he celebrated Neymar's eventual departure from the pitch with the completely unnecessary conceding of a penalty kick for a clumsy foul on left-back Marcelo.

Debuchy can be an excellent player, but it was a performance that Deschamps can not afford to accept from such a senior player. He must demand better, and if Debuchy cannot balance his aggression in the tackle, then Deschamps must look at other alternatives for the position.

Brazil's No. 9 Issue Is Far from Solved

Until the game with France, Fluminense striker Fred had scored in all five Brazil internationals in which he had featured this year. Despite the goals, though, there have remained doubts as to his suitability for the No. 9 role.

Luiz Felipe Scolari, though, is limited in his options for the position. Leandro Damiao has been out of form and will now miss the Confederations Cup through injury, while the third choice is recent call up Jo—formerly of Manchester City and Everton.

All three players have the potential to be match winners, but none of them are currently playing at the level Brazil have come to expect of an international centre-forward.

Jo, who is in great form for Atletico Mineiro, offers greater movement and closer control than Fred, but he is largely untested at this level.

Fred, then, will retain the shirt, but the feeling remains that it is largely by default at this point.