SANTOS 3 x 1 Desportiva - analysis and comments! - AI Summary & Article | ClarifyTube

The Santos vs. Desportiva Ferroviária match concluded with a score of 3-1 in favor of Santos. The game, an exhibition match, was notably marred by pitch invasions, which the commentator described as "embarrassing" due to both the invaders and the inadequate security at Klèber Andrade Stadium in Cariacica. Despite the disruptive elements, the early finish was welcomed by the production team. The first half of the match provided interesting tactical insights, especially concerning Santos's offensive movements, though it's crucial to remember the weak opposition. The second half, however, was noted as being quite poor, with a lack of cohesion among the substitute players. Key discussions revolved around player performances, particularly the promising attacking movements in the first half and concerns about individual players like Rincón and João Schmitth. The match served as a preparatory fixture, with the tactical implications for future serious games, especially against stronger opponents like Flamengo, being a central point of analysis.

Match Summary and First Half Analysis

The friendly match between Santos and Desportiva Ferroviária ended with Santos winning 3-1. The first 45 minutes were described as "quite interesting," showcasing promising offensive movements from Santos. However, the commentator repeatedly emphasized that this performance must be viewed in the context of playing against a "very weak team." The second half of the match was deemed "a bit bad" due to a lack of cohesion among the substitute players. Despite the victory, the performance of some players in the second half raised concerns. The analysis focused heavily on the first half's tactical display, particularly the fluid exchanges and positioning of Santos's attacking players. The home team's starting lineup, likely mirroring the one to face Flamengo, featured Brázão in goal, Escobar and Souza as full-backs, Basso and Luan Perez in central defense, with Rincón, Zé Rafael, Neymar, David, Guilherme, and Barreal in midfield and attack. The commentator highlighted eight specific instances of excellent offensive movement, involving the full-backs, Zé Rafael, and the entire front line.

Tactical Movements and Comparison to Previous Games

The offensive movements observed in the first half were reminiscent of Santos's strategy against Botafogo, particularly the concept of "Neymar as a false nine," which was the subject of a previous video discussion. This tactical approach involves dynamic positioning shifts: Neymar often dropping deep, David moving from behind, Guilherme drifting centrally to create space for full-back Souza to overlap, and Escobar making frequent runs into the box. Even Zé Rafael was noted for his intelligent runs into the penalty area. The simultaneous advancement of both full-backs, coupled with Zé Rafael's involvement, created a numerical superiority in attack, leading to many players entering the area simultaneously. The commentator raised a crucial question regarding the replicability of these tactics against stronger opponents like Flamengo. While this aggressive, high-pressing style suited the friendly, it might be too risky against a team that typically forces Santos to play on the counter-attack, even at home.

Individual Player Performances

The analysis delved into specific player performances:

Brázão and Defenders

Brázão, the goalkeeper, had little to do, not needing to make any saves. Similarly, the central defenders Basso and Luan Perez were largely untested in the first half, as Santos faced no significant attacks.

Full-backs (Souza and Escobar)

Souza received high praise for his offensive contributions, including winning a penalty and nearly scoring, suggesting he might secure a starting position over Escobar due to his more attacking profile, especially when Neymar and Guilherme make inward runs. Escobar, despite playing on the right, also showed good offensive movement, indicating strong performances from both full-backs.

Midfielders (Rincón, Zé Rafael, and João Schmitth)

Rincón was extremely discreet and slow, which is worrying.

This observation aligns with concerns raised by fans. Zé Rafael was highlighted as a differentiated player with excellent positional awareness and a good understanding with Neymar, despite playing below his usual level. João Schmitth, however, had a "terrible second half" with grave errors, leading the commentator to express significant concern about his contract renewal. Pituca, while scoring a goal, was criticized for his slow decision-making, which in a more competitive match, would have been immediately punished.

Forwards (Guilherme, David, Barreal, and Neymar)

Guilherme impressed with his intelligent movement, prioritizing passes over unnecessary dribbles, which led to his goal. Barreal was "extremely discreet." David's performance was concerning, particularly a botched chip shot that led to a penalty, though his off-ball movement was praised. Neymar, despite the weak opposition, delivered a strong performance, consistently making intelligent passes and demonstrating his ability to elevate the team. His ability to find teammates with precise passes and create chances, even without constantly running, makes the team better with him on the field.

Second Half and Future Implications

The second half was largely disappointing due to the lack of cohesion among the substitute players. Players like João Schmitth and Zéivaldo (who alongside Gil were noted for not jumping for the ball, explaining their current reserve status) struggled. However, some younger players like Padula, Robson Júnior, and Lucas showed effort and promise. The commentator acknowledged the difficulty of assessing a team's true potential in such a friendly but emphasized that the first half's attacking fluidity provided a glimpse of what Santos could achieve if they manage to replicate it against stronger teams. The high price of tickets for the Flamengo game was also mentioned as a topic for future discussion. The commentator expressed hope that the observed tactical movements, though difficult to reproduce consistently against top-tier opposition, would be maintained and improved upon by the team.

Takeaways

First Half Promise: Santos displayed interesting offensive movements and cohesion in the first 45 minutes, particularly the dynamic positioning of attackers and full-backs.
Weak Opposition Context: The strong first-half performance was heavily qualified by the low quality of the opposing team, Desportiva Ferroviária.
Second Half Concerns: The second half was poor, characterized by a lack of rhythm and cohesion among substitute players, raising concerns about squad depth and potential issues in competitive matches.
Player Performance Insights: Neymar, Guilherme, and Souza showed good performances, with Souza potentially earning a starting spot. Rincón and João Schmitth's performances, however, raised concerns about their roles and decision-making.
Tactical Replicability: The fluid offensive tactics from the first half, while effective in the friendly, are unlikely to be fully replicated against stronger opponents like Flamengo due to differing game dynamics.

SANTOS 3 x 1 Desportiva - analysis and comments!