FIFA World Cup Qualifier 2022: How Brazil dominated Chile – tactical analysis

Brazil hosted Chile in the second-to-last matchday of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier 2022. Tite’s Seleção is still undefeated with an impressive 13 wins from 16 matches. With their spot in the 2022 World Cup already guaranteed, Tite is looking to make the final adjustments to his squad. On the other hand, Chile are virtually out of the 2022 World Cup after Thursday’s loss to Brazil as the golden generation of Vidal, Sanchez, and others come to an end.

Brazil dominated Chile with an impressive performance all around. Tite made a couple of interesting tactical tweaks for this match as he looks to define his squad for the 2022 World Cup. For the first time in a few years, both Gabriel Jesus and Firmino were not called up to the national team. The lack of centre-forwards in form forced Tite to adopt slightly different tactics. Additionally, the recent performances of Vini Jr. and Antony earned them spots in the starting line-up. These and other factors slightly changed Brazil’s organisational structure.

In this tactical analysis, we will examine Brazil’s tactics in their impressive 4-0 win over Chile. More specifically, we will look at Tite’s latest tactical tweaks as well as how the Seleção look ahead of the World Cup.

Lineups

Tite’s Brazil lined up in a 4-2-3-1, which constantly changed according to the phases and situations of the game. Alisson started in goal behind Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, and Guilherme Arana. Fred sat alongside Casemiro while Paquetá played slightly higher. Antony and Vini Jr. were on the wings while Neymar played upfront.

On the other hand, Chile lined up in a 3-5-2. The experienced Bravo played in goal behind Díaz, Medel, and Roco. Flamengo’s Isla was the right wing-back while Suazo played on the left. Baeza was the single pivot behind Vidal and Aránguiz. The front two consisted of Sánchez and Vargas.

Brazils pressing

One of the reasons Brazil is coming very strong into the 2022 World Cup is their defensive record. In 2021, they only conceded 0.31 goals per 90. That is two clean sheets every three matches. Tite has been able to transform Brazil’s defensive structure into one of the best in the world. Rather than a purely attacking team as they have been historically, they now enter matches with a bit more pragmatism. This is not to say, however, that they have lost their entertaining attacking nature.

Tite’s solid defensive structure was once again on display against Chile. In this analysis, we will break it down into two parts. First, their defensive behaviour in the opposition half – both out of possession and in transition. Secondly, their defensive behaviour in their own half.

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