The hosts arrive at the Maracana as favourites after finding their form but may have to make some slight changes to overcome their World Cup 2014 slayers
Brazil once again host Germany on home soil going in search of an unprecedented prize.
In 2014 the five-time world champions were attempting to win their first world title on home soil.
On Saturday they go in search of their first ever Olympic gold medal in football.
The Selecao head into the Rio 2016 Olympic final at the Maracana as narrow favourites. The nation's 200 million expect captain Neymar to lead his side to gold in what, for the locals, will be the event of August’s games.
But a talented Germany are more than capable of causing an upset. And they have history here. A night so rare and infamous it is now simply known as ‘the 7-1’.
There will be no repeat of that scoreline, but Rogerio Micale will certainly have thought back to that night in Belo Horizonte as he prepares his players for the biggest night of their international careers.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side were overcome by the emotion of the occasion at the World Cup. They had stumbled into the semi-finals, riding a wave of optimism which made its first ripples at the previous year’s Confederations Cup.
Micale’s side, however, came into this tournament against a very different backdrop. Two desperately disappointing Copa America campaigns and early struggles in World Cup qualifying had left opinion polls revealing interest in the Selecao was at an all-time low.
They struggled at first, slumping to two consecutive goalless draws in their opening two matches and were booed and jeered by a Brasilia crowd. The introduction of Luan (perhaps Brazil’s best performer at the game so far) and a switch to a 4-2-4 changed everything.
The Gremio man’s increased movement offered passing lanes that hadn’t previously existed. He released Neymar, created space for Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol, and linked up with playmaker Renato Augusto, who had formerly struggled to find anyone to help him penetrate.
Three wins and 12 goals later, the fans are now back on side. Scolari was extremely reluctant to drift from his Plan A at the World Cup. Micale is more flexible and arrived in Rio with his team ready to operate in a number of different systems.
And he may well need to drift a little from the gameplan that brought about his side’s Olympic resurgence.
Against Germany Scolari’s were blown away. Chasing shadows from the outset they were completely overwhelmed in midfield, time and again failing to track the multiple runners dashing through their defence in one brutal counter-attack after another.
Micale will have to be aware of the Germans’ ability to win the ball high and spring forward at pace. With Walace the lone specialist defensive midfielder in his side, he may require a tactical tweak to safeguard his team against those devastating transitions.
Full-backs Zeca and Douglas Costa have pushed very high since the change to a 4-2-4 for Brazil’s third and final group game brought a complete change in fortunes for the hosts.
But they may be asked to take their foot of the gas at the Maracana. Time and again this month, Brazil have left central-defensive duo Marquinhos and Rodrigo Caio to fend for themselves.
They have both been in excellent form, dominating opposition attackers throughout the tournament, as inferior opposition have been unable to capitalise on an exposed Brazilian defence.
Germany will be more ruthless. Serge Gnabry, Max Meyer and Julian Brandt will pose a threat considerably more dangerous than any Micale’s side has faced thus far.
A talented Germany midfield is also likely to enjoy much more possession than the Selecao’s previous opponents, and will certainly press more readily. Moreover, Brazil goalkeeper Weverton has looked very anxious, despite not having been tested yet. How he will deal with being forced to play a more active role may well be cause for concern.
Walace has been excellent since replacing the suspended Thiago Maia in the third game, retaining his place in the side ever since – but he has struggled at times with his passing and Micale may be tempted to reintroduce Maia in order to reduce the risk of losing the ball in dangerous central areas.
Luan may have to drop deeper than usual to ensure Brazil aren’t outnumbered in midfield. And wining that battle will be key to Brazil’s success further forward. The dynamic, interchanging front-three risk being cut off from the game should Renato Augusto and his midfield partner not be able to get on the ball and dictate the play.
Another 7-1 is unthinkable. But Brazil may well have to be a little more cautious in order to avoid a second major defeat at home in two years.
..... - Goal