Football
Reuters 18y

Soccer-World-Brazil v France tactics

FRANKFURT, June 30 - Brazil play 4-4-2, a
formation they have used in every match since Carlos Alberto
Parreira took over as coach at the start of 2003.

Parreira, preparing for Saturday's quarter-final with
France, likes to keep things simple and rarely changes his team,
invariably making his first substitution in the 70th minute.

France coach Raymond Domenech is expected to opt for his
preferred 4-2-3-1 formation with Zinedine Zidane orchestrating
play in midfield and Thierry Henry on his own up front.

BRAZIL

Defence

Lucio, who managed to go through Brazil's first four games
without committing a foul, and Juan form the heart of the
defence with Cafu and Roberto Carlos on the flanks.

The full backs, with a combined age of 69, usually like to
get forward but so far they have been less adventurous than
usual. Parreira replaced them with the more sprightly Cicinho
and Gilberto for the group game against Japan, when the Brazil
attack looked livelier in a 4-1 victory.

Midfield

One player, either Emerson or Gilberto Silva, does most of
the dirty work in midfield and protects the back four with Ze
Roberto helping out.

Ronaldinho, who plays much deeper than for Barcelona, and
Kaka play attacking roles. Ronaldinho usually attacks down the
left and Kaka along the right, although this can change. Kaka's
pace, strenght and vision make him the lungs of the midfield.

Forwards

Brazil field Ronaldo and one other player in attack. Adriano
has started three of the four games but has given some plodding
performances despite scoring two goals. Robinho was a breath of
fresh air against Japan but was injured for the Ghana match.

FRANCE

Defence:

Domenech started pairing William Gallas with Lilian Thuram
in the centre of defence in the build-up to the tournament.
Gallas, who had peviously been made to play at left back,
adapted in no time and the new formula works perfectly.

Right back Willy Sagnol likes to get forward. Eric Abidal,
on the left, is a little more cautious.

France's tight, flat back four has satisfied Domenech so far
but will be really tested by Brazil's unpredictable forwards.

Midfield:

Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele play in front of the
defence, covering plenty of ground. Zidane sticks to his
playmaker's role with Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda acting
as wingers, often switching sides.

Forwards:

Domenech is likely to go for a single striker in Henry, who
was repeatedly caught offside in France's 3-1 win over Spain in
the second round. David Trezeguet has been used mostly as a late
substitute so far and is expected to play that role again.

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