The statistics are almost incredible: Serbia (2-0) then Switzerland (1-0), the first two opponents of the Seleçao, did not target the slightest shot on Alisson's cage, which allowed the Brazil to quietly qualify and rotate its squad in its third match against Cameroon on Friday (1-0 loss).

Against the Cameroonians, behind a very reworked defense, the substitute goalkeeper Ederson put on the gloves, with nice parades, but a goal conceded at the end of the match.

This does not prevent Brazil from being the best defense in the competition at this stage with only 1 goal conceded, tied with five other teams.

On the other hand, more worryingly, the Seleçao is dragging itself in the soft underbelly of the classification of the best attacks with only three goals scored, far from the nine goals of Spain and England.

"We have a very balanced team," coach Tite warned at the start of the tournament.

"We conceded few goals in qualifying and I don't plan to fill the pitch with defenders. The key is to find the balance."

“Our team defends very well”

Pending the return to competition of his master to play Neymar, convalescent and hoped for Monday against South Korea, the Brazilian selection has a number of alternatives in attack, from Vinicius to Richarlison, from Rodrygo to Raphinha.

Aerial outing of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson against Serbia, at the World Cup, on November 24, 2022 at the Lusail stadium in Doha © ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP

But it is perhaps on his defense that Brazil can build, suggests Claudio Taffarel, goalkeeper of the Auriver selection of world champions in 1994, a team which was also solid behind.

"Our team defends very well", rejoiced Tuesday the one who is now the coach of the goalkeepers of the Seleçao.

"It's not only the fact of our defenders, our full-backs, our midfielders, the attackers also contribute to it. It's very positive. When you don't concede chances, you show your strength."

Monday, against the South Koreans at the 974 stadium, Alisson Becker should regain his place as N.1 and the solidity of a defensive axis built around the hinge Marquinhos-Thiago Silva and the sentry Casemiro, who saved him from to be involved in the first two matches.

"I know that sometimes a goalkeeper gets bored, wants to participate, but (Alisson) is ready," smiled Taffarel.

"I saw him very focused, very attentive to the game. It's another form of participating in the game, by communicating, by accompanying an action at 100%."

The Liverpool goalkeeper (30), voted best goalkeeper in the world by Fifa in 2019, nevertheless knows that he will have more work to do with the start of the knockout phase, where goalkeepers take on increased importance, especially in case penalty shootout.

Which side?

"For us who are on the sidelines, it's better that he is not overstretched," jokes Claudio Taffarel.

This solidity comes from afar: Brazil was the best defense in the South American qualifiers (5 goals conceded in 17 matches) despite their fiery attack (40 goals scored)...

There remains a question mark: which side will be able to line up Tite on Monday?

Its incumbents Danilo (ankle) and Alex Sandro (thigh) have been in the infirmary for the past few days, veteran Dani Alves (39) no longer gives all the defensive guarantees and replacement Alex Telles (knee), is out injured and in tears on Friday.

The Brazilian selection also confirmed on Saturday that the latter, as well as Gabriel Jesus, also injured in a knee, were forfeited for the rest of the tournament.

Renewing Eder Militao, central defender of Real Madrid accustomed to helping out on the right, is an option, as well as playing on the left the right-hander Danilo, who has resumed training with the ball and should be fit Monday.

The main thing for Brazil is to continue to be hermetic.

And to give as little work as possible to Alisson, goalkeeper for the moment idle.

© 2022 AFP