After Brazil’s elimination from the Copa America quarterfinals via a penalty shootout, Brazilian fans took to social media platforms like X and INS to express their opinions. While showing support for the victims of rough tackles, Endrick and Rodrygo, a significant number of fans and media members criticized the team’s three midfielders: Gomes, Guimaraes, and Paqueta.
The Lance! sports newspaper commented, “Whether it was interception, organization, carrying the ball forward, or passing forward, Brazil’s midfield functioned incorrectly.” A Brazilian Serie A player stated, “Since the start of the Copa America, Brazil’s midfield has had an error rate far surpassing that of other strong teams.”
Some criticism was more biting, such as “What defines Brazil’s game? The absence of a midfield.” Another remark was, “I’ve been watching Brazilian football for years, and I’ve never seen such a weak and terrible midfield!”
One creative fan compared João Gomes to a “charitable thief.” This implies that although he made five tackles, seemingly stealing possession from opponents, his lack of technical skills led to numerous errors in passing, dribbling, and unforced mistakes, losing possession more often than winning it back. Thus, he appeared to be a thief but was actually a giver, a “charitable thief.”
The majority of fans’ comments pointed out that the quality and ability of Brazil’s midfield have indeed declined over the years. When Brazil last won the Copa America in 2019, their midfield consisted of players like Coutinho and Arthur from Barcelona, Casemiro from Real Madrid, Fernandinho from Manchester City, and Willian from Chelsea – all top players in world football. However, now they rely on players like Wolves’ João Gomes and AC Milan’s discarded Paqueta, or have to look to São Paulo and Palmeiras for options. The decline in midfield strength is evident and undeniable.