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Scolari’s tactical quandary

TERESOPOLIS — Luiz Felipe Scolari is contemplating adding another central defender to Brazil’s line-up against Colombia in the World Cup quarter-finals in Fortaleza tomorrow (Saturday morning, Singapore time), going back to the formation that earned his team the 2002 title.

Hernanes (left) or Paulinho (centre) could replace the suspended Gustavo if Scolari keeps the current formation. Photo: Getty Images

Hernanes (left) or Paulinho (centre) could replace the suspended Gustavo if Scolari keeps the current formation. Photo: Getty Images

TERESOPOLIS — Luiz Felipe Scolari is contemplating adding another central defender to Brazil’s line-up against Colombia in the World Cup quarter-finals in Fortaleza tomorrow (Saturday morning, Singapore time), going back to the formation that earned his team the 2002 title.

The Brazil coach has to make at least one change because midfielder Luiz Gustavo is suspended, and says that he has a couple of options to replace him.

“I have two options, either playing the same way we have been playing, just adding another player in the same sector, or I can change the entire scheme,” Scolari said. “Then I can play like I played in the 2002 World Cup, with three central defenders, freeing up the full-backs.”

Brazil played poorly in a second-round match against Chile that went to a penalty shootout last week, narrowly escaping elimination.

The team had already struggled in the group stage, with what many felt was a fortunate 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening match before they were held to a goalless draw by Mexico.

Brazil’s most convincing performance came in a 4-1 win over already eliminated Cameroon in the third and final Group A match.

Brazil currently play in a 4-2-3-1 scheme, with two defensive midfielders protecting the defence.

Scolari used a 3-5-2 system when they claimed their fifth World Cup title in 2002, with the full-backs Roberto Carlos and Cafu allowed to attack more often.

“We will see how it goes in the next few days before the match,” Scolari, 65, said.

“We have to evaluate the condition of the players, see if there are any physical problems, if they can practise. We will see how the training sessions go and then we can make a decision.”

If Scolari keeps the current formation, he could replace Gustavo with Ramires, Hernanes or Paulinho, who was a starter in the first three matches before being replaced by Fernandinho.

If he adds another defender, the likely replacements would be Bayern Munich’s Dante or Henrique of Italian side Napoli.

“We don’t know what the coach is going to do yet, but we know that Luiz has been playing well and he is very important for this team,” Brazil midfielder Ramires said.

“The defenders are used to having him in the midfield and the team is more stable when he plays.”

Gustavo is suspended for the match against Colombia because he received his second yellow card of the tournament after a hard tackle in the match against Chile.

Scolari will have all other players available. The Brazilian confederation said Neymar is recovering well from a right knee injury sustained against the Chileans and is practising normally. AP

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