BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
MARGAO
Instilling a sense of nonchalant confidence in their abilities to put records and history of heralded opposition to the axe, many a world-beating side has been felled in the course of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Given the recent trend, tournament record of not having lost to Mexico in their four previous meetings including a goalless draw, was a reason not to let the opposition be taken for granted for Brazil. Mexico may have not had the best of history at the quadrennial showpiece unable to go beyond the Round of 16 in their previous seven attempts. But the past is said to be a bygone at this level and given that the Mexico on their day can hurt the best in world football. Germany’s loss to Mexico in their opening engagement is not a game one could easily forget and will haunt the ousted holders for a long time to come.
Brazil withstood the early onslaught by the Mexican side. El Tri, within the first quarter had three corners and at least two ominous advances within the 18 yards of the four-time World Cup winners but the Brazil back-wall sans a fit-again Marcelo stood resolute. Neymar was barely noticed in the phase but with the approach of the half-hour mark, Brazil’s talismanic No. 10 served notice of his special talent as he seized the initiative to wrest control over the proceedings for the Green and Yellow until the lemon break.
Upon resumption, Brazil did not let go a foot off the pedal, to bulge the nets early in the second piece with Neymar producing a piece of well-planned marvel. With time running out, Mexico tried to play out in the open but Brazil were not to let go and capitalized with substitute striker, Firmino doubling the score and sealing Brazil’s passage into the quarters.
This writer met up with a few visibly happy Brazil fans from South Goa post match to elicit their thoughts on their team’s performance on the night and the way forward at The Football Dug Out (TFDO)-The Goan screening at BPS Sports Club, Margao on Monday.
Joel Lobo acknowledged that Mexico started the match well, but added that as the game went on Brazil grew in confidence. “In the second half, Brazil totally dominated and were deserving winners. Moving forward, I feel Firmino should start,” the Loutolim-resident stated.
Aliston Pereira, who came all the way for Quepem, was delighted that Firmino made an immediate impact. “I am very much happy that Firmino finally scored. The match started on a positive note for Mexico who were initially threatening their fancied opposition. Credit to Ochoa (Mexican goalkeeper) who made a couple of outstanding saves. Brazil’s defense was top class,” Fernandes stated.
Andrew Cardozo, down in Goa from London, soaked up the Brazil win at the screening as well. “It was a well-deserved victory for the Seleção. They were clearly the better team by miles. Willian was exceptional and to me, the man of the match,” Cardozo summed up is thoughts on the 90
minutes clash.
