Analysis of the Match Against Brazil
According to our source, the confrontation against Brazil can serve as a benchmark in preparation for high-stakes matches at the World Cup, as well as the African Cup of Nations (CAN) from the second round onwards. The team had a successful defensive and offensive performance.
A Honorable Performance
La Presse — "The national team's performance against Brazil was honorable. We played a great tactical game. Technically, and unlike our previous big matches, we successfully executed our offensive transitions, which allowed us to score a goal. We could have added another goal from these transitions. Our game was organized and committed. Physically, all the players were good. Overall, the performance and result are very honorable.
Comparison with Previous Friendly Matches
Compared to the two previous friendly matches against Mauritania and Jordan, it's essential to recognize that the context was different. We faced Brazil in a situation where we had to defend in large numbers, especially in our last 20 meters, while trying to be as quick as possible in transitions, which we managed to do. Against Mauritania and Jordan, we had possession of the ball, and our opponents opted for a low block. There is a huge difference between the confrontations against Mauritania and Jordan and the match against Brazil, in terms of motivation.
Facing a Top-Level Opponent
Facing Brazil, with their array of stars in excellent conditions, in a full stadium, and on a high-quality pitch, is a completely different experience from playing against opponents who are more manageable on paper and on a poor pitch like the one at the Radès stadium. Against Brazil, we defended well, both individually and collectively. Our full-backs provided good coverage, and lining up three central defenders helped us a lot. Each time, one of the central defenders could provide coverage without creating an imbalance in the axis. The midfielders also made significant efforts to help in one-on-one duels.
Defensive Performance
Frankly, there is not much to criticize on the defensive side, unlike the match against Jordan, where we conceded two goals due to minor errors. And against top-level players, succeeding in a defensive phase, conceding only one goal, we can say that we played the match we needed to. Whenever we had possession of the ball, we didn't lose it quickly. In short, we were good tactically, and we mitigated the Brazilian attackers' enthusiasm. Our attackers went all out in the actions that presented themselves to them.
A Reference Match
Finally, I would say that this confrontation against Brazil is a reference match. A match of such caliber can only help us against the big teams. At the World Cup, in particular, because there will likely be a high-caliber team in our group. Similarly, at the CAN, where this match can serve as a benchmark, once we've passed the first round.
