Brazil are heading into the World Cup without the usual swagger of heavy favorites and the pressure is on Carlo Ancelotti to turn things around fast. The Italian coach has had to deal with plenty of outside noise and even gave in by adding Neymar to the squad just to calm the fans down even though the star man has not been at his sharpest lately. In their last warm up match the Selecao fell 1-2 to France and the display was nothing to write home about so everyone is watching closely to see if the big names can click in time for the big stage.
Team Form
Over the past few months Brazil have looked shaky in defense and have not been scoring freely which is not the usual story for a side with so much talent. Ancelotti has been trying to build a more solid unit but the results have been mixed and the team still lacks that ruthless edge going forward. Panama on the other hand are just happy to be at the tournament and see this game as a chance to test themselves against the big boys without any real pressure to win.
- Brazil have won only two of their last five matches
- Panama managed a surprise draw against Brazil in a friendly a few years back
- Neymar has started just three games since returning from injury
- Panama kept a clean sheet in their final qualifier but struggled against stronger attacks
Tactical Analysis
Brazil will likely flood the midfield with creative types and look to stretch Panama wide with quick wing play while relying on Neymar to create moments of magic in the final third. The Central Americans are expected to sit deep in a compact shape and hit on the break whenever they can steal possession which could lead to some open spaces for the Brazilians to exploit. Strengths for Brazil include their pace on the flanks and set piece threat while Panama will lean on their organization and fighting spirit to frustrate the favorites for as long as possible.
Weaknesses are clear with Brazil still missing that clinical finish in front of goal and Panama lacking the quality to keep the ball under pressure which often leads to tired legs late in games. Both sides have shown they can concede from sloppy defending so expect plenty of transitions and chances on the counter.
Betting Proposal
Given the gap in quality and the way Brazil need to impress in these warm ups the game should open up with plenty of goals flying in. Panama have already shown they can nick a goal against this opposition and Brazil will push hard for a statement win which points to an entertaining high scoring affair.
The types favor over 3.5 goals at odds of 2.17
