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STATS: Fernandinho v Paulinho in Brazil's engine room

All stats and graphics are courtesy of leading statistics website Squawka. Learn more about Squaw...
Newstalk
Newstalk

14.27 24 Jun 2014


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STATS: Fernandinho v Paulinho...

STATS: Fernandinho v Paulinho in Brazil's engine room

Newstalk
Newstalk

14.27 24 Jun 2014


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All stats and graphics are courtesy of leading statistics website Squawka. Learn more about Squawka and the free app by clicking here. You can also find more stats from the World Cup and from the world's top club competitions.

So Brazil have made it through to the last-16 and know they will face a very tough challenge against Chile.

And even though they ran out 4 - 1 winners against Cameroon last night, they were only impressive in glimmers, with Neymar at the centre of most of their good work.

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As this Squawka graphic shows, the Selecao attempted almost 60 long balls against a limited Cameroon side...

While part of this is down to Luiz Felipe Scolari's philosophy with this current crop, it just goes to show the lack of trust and creativity in Brazil's functional midfield.

Last night, Big Phil stuck to his tried and trusted XI with the ineffectual Tottenham midfielder Paulinho in situ. However, despite creating two chances in the opening half, Manchester City's more dynamic Fernandinho replaced the former Corinthians man at half-time.

While Fernandinho did notch Brazil's fourth goal, what else did he add in comparison to the much-criticized Paulinho?

Squawka's passing map shows that Fernandinho completed 96 per cent of his passes (compared to 83 per cent for Paulinho). But it also shows that he got on the ball more often in advanced positions which helped contribute to his goal.

Paulinho passed the ball about a dozen times in the first half as Brazil went long, but Fernandinho managed about double that tally in the same space of time. Brazil's overall pass success rate was also marginally more successful in the second '45 in comparison to the first. 

With Chile on the horizon, it will now be interesting to see who Scolari puts his faith in.


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