Full Coverage: World Cup 2014
Spain, the reigning world champions then, had been beaten by a young and hungry Brazilian side and while the scoreline - 3-0 - was emphatic enough, it was also the manner of the performance that makes the observers keep going back to the episode.
Spain never seemed to have recovered from that pasting and bowed out in the first round here. But while that was not surprising as an ageing generation was on the wane, how much has Brazil, one that promised the world so much last summer, gained from it?
Was it the real thing or, just a mirage?
At the halfway mark of the World Cup in their backyard, Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil cannot escape the growing scrutiny of his Selecao's manner of play. The debate over whether they are being true to their famed Brazilian ethos or is the much-loved father figure of 'Felipao' just an impostor to the idea, is rapidly gaining ground.
Ahead of their quarterfinal against Colombia it is these questions and doubts that swirl in the Brazilian air.
Usually, at the World Cup, Brazil make light of a potentially tough encounter.
While the going against Chile - usually the side at the receiving end of Brazil's prowess - proved alarmingly tough, many believe that the special treatment is being reserved for Colombia. But how it will come is also proving the greatest fear.
As indications go, the current Brazil side seems unable to lift itself from its dire, functional nature to a loftier idea.
They are incapable of it because many point out that Scolari's team is simply not designed that way. Probably the only difference between this side and Dunga's nakedly forceful side of 2010 is the presence of Neymar in the current scheme. At least Dunga had a settled defence back then. So limited is this team that many feel Brazil have a shot at the title simply because they are playing at home.
Nothing highlights this better than the question of the influence and role of Luiz Gustavo and Oscar in the team, an aspect that has divided the set of supporters - the artisans from the artistes, Futebol Forca and Futebol Arte. While Scolari gushes over the impact that Gustavo - a defensive pivot in his midfield - has had in Brazil's performances, often bringing him into conversations even when he is not being spoken about, it is the neglect for the quiet Oscar, often stranded wide on the right, that speaks of the coach's philosophy.
That could change on Friday, as Gustavo is now out of the clash with Colombia after picking his second yellow card in the last game.
Scolari was quick to axe an uncertain Paulinho, la beled the weak link after the Spurs playmaker showed a tentativeness in the group games. He replaced him with Fernandinho, who came on with much promise and drive against Cameroon.
He was the answer all of Brazil had been looking for and somehow, Scolari had stumbled upon him. Yet, when the creative push was really needed against Chile, Scolari replaced with another defence-minded midfielder Ramirez.
Scolari's critics are quick to point out to the embarrassingly bare cupboard that is the Brazilian midfield.
Chief among them is Tostao, who in a recent interview to Spanish paper 'El Pais' said that Brazil were in dire need of a ball-player. "We have no midfield. We might need a Xavi or Alonso in his prime," felt the 67-year-old, who was voted the best player of the 1970 World Cup, a tournament that set the bar for Brazil in terms of beauty, style and winning-ness. "I don't see a midfielder who passes, organizes and distributes. They mark a lot but they don't play forward," pointed out Tostao.
In the current set-up, the versatile Oscar can be used in the middle to dictate play, with Fernandinho doing the mopping up job alongside, but with such a key position filled in by a defensive screen, it is clear that Scolari is more keen to rely on play from the wings and enable Neymar to push the game with his fantastic momentum.
It has worked so far and Brazil have been lucky with the draw. But what if Colombia turn the tables on them.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Neymar,Luiz Felipe Scolari,James Rodriguez,FIFA World Cup 2014,Brazil vs Colombia
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