Opinion – Walter Casagrande Jr.: The Brazilian team the way I like it the most

This Friday, September 23, was the most amazing and special day I’ve ever had in my entire life.

He was in the Katurãma indigenous village, in São Joaquim de Bicas, next to Brumadinho (MG).

All morning, I witnessed rituals of strength, struggle and spirituality. I never imagined that on some day in my life I would have the privilege of witnessing these rituals and being treated, practically, as one of them.

But, unfortunately, I’m not. However, I am like that, a non-indigenous person who is fighting with them for the demarcation of lands, because that means their continued existence. And we will not be doing any favors because the lands belong to the native peoples.

After so much sensitivity, we had white rice, fish and a farofa made with love and care for them for lunch.

I was not alone there.

Thiago Lacerda and Maria Ribeiro understood the importance and strength of the voice of public people who are, and they went with me.

In the afternoon, I watched Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Ghana, in the team’s penultimate friendly before the Cup. Next Tuesday (27), we will have the last one, against Tunisia.

I like it when the national team plays friendlies against teams from the same school that we will face in the first round of the Cup.

We will face the selection of Cameroon, which has a similar style, a team that lets itself enjoy the game, imposes physical strength with good technique and makes the match difficult.

Regardless of whether the Ghanaian team is strong or not, Tite’s team played a safe game, with a light lineup, which is the way I like most in a football team.

The presence of Militão on the right side (the same position in which he appeared, in São Paulo, and where he also played for Porto) gave Raphinha more freedom to play in his style, starting up, trying to dribble and making the famous mano a Bro.

Of course, Neymar and Vinícius Jr. were also more comfortable, with good approach moves.

Speaking of Neymar, I thought he’s getting along very well with Vinícius. The two are looking for each other for the table, and with the presence of shirt 10 as a playmaker, in addition to being the fourth striker, everything is easier for everyone.

I say this because Neymar started the year well, but I’m not talking about goals or assists, but about focus.

I can see in him a real desire to make a great World Cup. If that really happens, Brazil has a lot more chances to win the title.

And without that nonsense of thinking that one more regretted criticizing Neymar.

I didn’t regret it, simply because when I made my criticisms, he wasn’t playing at all and he was much less focused.

He needs and deserves to have a great world championship and erase the bad impression he left in 2018.

I liked the lightness of the team having Marquinhos, who in addition to being a great defender, for me, is the true leader and captain of this team.

Then it was Richarlison’s turn to score two goals also attacking the ball.

A different kid, who doesn’t forget his origins, and who understands that in addition to playing, he needs to do more as a citizen. And does.

I liked the more creative and technical midfield without Fred and with the presence of Paquetá and Neymar.

Look, Tite, that’s it. You are on the right path, and most importantly: knowing how to make choices. I hope the Cup doesn’t make you afraid of having a more offensive, creative and technical team.

They need to be in one piece to accelerate the counterattack and do one-on-one safely and lucidly.

But we need to take it easy, folks.

We all want Brazil to win, but in my opinion, pride only gets in the way. We have to have our feet on the ground so that the players have them too.

Every day I believe a little more in this team.