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Predicted Brazil Lineup To Play Against Netherlands: Luiz, Marcelo Benched & Chelsea’s Willian Starts

Possible Brazil lineup vs Netherlands

A dead rubber for Brazil sees the humiliated home nation take on another beaten finalists Holland for the third place playoff in Brasilia. Can the Selecao finish with a smile or will the Dutch pile further misery and rub salts in the wounds of the hosts? We here at Soccersouls provide the strongest possible Brazil lineup to play against Netherlands.

Goalkeeper:

Julio Cesar had a devastating game against the Germans, which saw the European side pummel five goals in the first half and hand the home side an absolute humiliation. Coach Luis Felipe Scolari later claimed that it was nothing short of the worst day of his life and wants to finish the tournament on a high from the game they didn’t want to play at the outset of the showpiece event. Scolari might finally hand reserve shot stopper Jefferson his first game of the World Cup in what seems to be an inconsequential dead rubber.

Defenders:

Dani Alves fight finally take over from Roma’s Maicon or Napoli’s Henrique could also be given a look at. Captain Thiago Silva’s absence was felt in the semi final and the PSG defender should start along side Dante with David Luiz facing the axe. Real Madrid’s Marcelo too can be given the task to warm the bench for a change with Maxwell having his first start of the tournament. The Selecao are battered, outfoxed, outwitted and outplayed and more than anything else are mentally crushed, but the home side should give the vociferous home crowd something to cheer about in their last game of the tournament.

Midfield:

Luis Gustavo might be replaced by Paulinho while Manchester City’s Fernandinho forging a partnership with the Tottenham player as the double pivot. With Neymar sidelined, Bernard did have a good game on his own against the Germans and should retain his place while Hulk must be dropped in favour of Chelsea’ Willian. Oscar will look to feature in a more central role and his immense versatility means he can switch flanks with Willian or Bernard whenever required.  The Selecao midfield must look to put the Dutch midfield under pressure keeping the ball and switching possession to attack in the blink of an eye.

Strikeforce:

Fred’s contribution is worthwhile mentionable and the home side’s supporters jeered the striker when he was taken off in the semi final after yet another lackluster performance. Neymar’s absence has hit Brazil at the wrong time and it is expected that Jo should lead the line against the Oranje completing the 4-2-3-1 setup. Brazil’s attacking 4-3-3 system needed to be cautious when off possession against the Germans but the South Americans showed how to lose a match within the first half hour if their ball retention is poor.

Brazil - World Cup - Football tactics and formations