It won’t be unfair if this World Cup is said to be hampered by injuries. Before the start of the biggest competition in football, players like Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Dortmund's Marco Reus gone missing for their respective teams. And now when the World Cup is reaching its climax, injuries continue to pour forth as the latest victim of the injury factor- - - Brazil - - - may fell short to the prize due to injury to their star player Neymar. However in addition to this injury, there are many other factors that might hold the host nation backward from reaching to the top of tier.
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Here are some of the reasons why Brazil might fell well short of the World Cup:-
Leaking goals:
Since the start of the World Cup, Brazil has kept just 1 clean sheet in 5 matches they have played so far. Although they have won all but 1 match of them, there is always a danger that there is a void in between the host nation’s defense. With players like Thiago Silva and David Luiz in their ranks, a better defending record was expected from the 5 time world Champions. But with a star player like Dani Alves out of form and Luiz Felipe Scolari forced to play () year old Maicon instead, there would always be a danger lurking back in Brazil’s defense.
Thiago Silva out:
Captain, Leader, Legend you name it and the PSG man is playing all three roles for Brazil in the defense. In the companionship of highly emotional David Luiz and Marcello, the PSG man is the binding factor for the Brazilian side. When his header went down as a 1st goal for Brazil against the Colombian side, 200million people in Brazil breathed a continued sigh of relief. However due to an unforced error against the Colombian goalkeeper trying to block an effort to release the ball early, the Brazilian skipper is out of the Semifinal against Germany due to accumulation of too many yellow cards. His presence will surely be missed by the Brazilian side.
Home Pressure:
Playing at home comes with a pressure that can get the better of you and a sample of that pressure was visible in the penalty shootouts against Chile where Brazil grabbed on to the skin of their teeth. Of all the big teams, they are the only won that hasn’t won the title on their own soil and with Neymar and Thiago Silva both out, only a strong hearted will be looking to back their claim of doing the un-precedential this summer.
Last time world cup was hosted by the Brazilian side, they were beaten in final by Uruguay.
Over dependence on Neymar:
The un-crowned king of the Brazilian nation might well look the rest of World Cup on crutches following a heavy tackle on behind by the Colombian player. While he is the top scorer for Brazil in World Cup, there are other reasons of mourning as the Barcelona striker was involved in 50% of goals that Brazil have scored.
Neymar has been directly involved in 50% of the goals that Brazil have scored this World Cup.
And with players like Hulk and Fred desperately looking out of form, Neymar’s injury might well be catastrophic for the Brazilians who were sensing glory before his un-timely injury.
Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.
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