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Exorcising the ghosts of the 7-1 and Willian back in the mix - five lessons from Germany 0-1 Brazil


GOALANALYSIS

More than 72,000 people attended the Olympic Stadium in Berlin to see Brazil meet Germany in what was the first clash between the two teams since the fateful 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Desperate to lay their German ghost to rest, Tite's side took a huge psychological step forward with a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Gabriel Jesus. 


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Below, Brasil Global Tour take a look at some of the major talking points from the German capital.


EXORCISING THE GHOSTS OF THE 7-1

Willian Gabriel Jesus Brasil Seleção Alemanha amistoso 27 03 2018Getty Images

Brazil looked nervy for the first 10 minutes, struggling to get out and impose themselves on their hosts, but then they regained their calm and began to play. The Selecao took the game to their opponents and started creating chances, with Philippe Coutinho and Willian driving the team forward.

After squandering a couple of fine early chances, they found the breakthrough when Willian sent in a marvellous cross for Jesus to head home from close range. Tite’s side remained calm and organised after the break and finally put the 7-1 behind them with a vital victory on the road to Russia 2018.


WILLIAN BACK IN TITE'S PLANS?

Willian I Brasil Alemanha I 27 03 18Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images

Willian came into this month as the only player to have lost his place in Tite’s starting line-up since the coach’s September 2016 arrival. After two starts and two strong showings, however, the Chelsea midfielder may well have regained his place in the side.

He impressed against both Russia and Germany, setting up the only goal in Berlin as he continued his fantastic form he’s displayed at club level for Chelsea. With Tite still keen to see Coutinho in a central midfield role, it appears former mainstay Renato Augusto could now be the one fighting for a place in the first XI.


COUTINHO, LEADING FROM THE FRONT

ONLY GERMANY Ilkay Gündogan Philippe Coutinho Deutschland Brasilien 27032018Imago

Philippe Coutinho has struggled to make a serious impact on games in central midfield but, with Neymar absent through injury, the Barcelona man played from the left on Tuesday and put in an impressive performance.

At a press conference on Monday, Dani Alves said the former Liverpool man was now at the same level as Neymar. On Tuesday he backed up that view by demanding possession and showing a willingness to lead Brazil’s attacking play. 


COMMANDER FERNANDINHO

Fernandinho Germany Brazil 27032018 FriendlyLucas Figueiredo/CBF/Divulgação

Tite has found a settled and balanced midfield trio since his arrival, utilising Casemiro behind the shuttling Paulinho and cerebral Renato Augusto. On Tuesday, however, the coach was desperate to add some strength and an extra layer of caution to the midfield, so brought in Fernandinho for Augusto.

The Manchester City star showed himself to be a commanding presence in the middle of the park, looking comfortable a little further forward than he’s used to. With Renato on the brink, Fernandinho, like Willian, is now chasing a starting role at the World Cup.


GABRIEL JESUS, HIT MAN

Gabriel Jesus I Brasil Alemanha I 27 03 18Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images

It may not have been his most impressive performance during a short and quite remarkable international career, but Gabriel Jesus once again proved he can make the difference by grabbing the only goal of the game.

In constant communication with the coach on the sidelines, the Man City forward pressed from the front and worked tirelessly throughout. The 20-year-old is the top scorer under Tite, with nine goals in just 15 appearances for his county, moving to ahead of Neymar and Paulinho since the current boss took over.