Wenger- Brazil not yet at the level to win the World Cup
The Former Arsenal boss has given his verdict on Brazil's 2-0 win over Mexico, and on the big names that have already bowed out of the World Cup
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has given his view on Brazil’s progression to the round of sixteen, branding the Seleção not yet at the level to win the World Cup.
Brazil struggled at times against Mexico, but two second-half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino insured that five-time World Champions progressed to from the round of sixteen for the seventh consecutive World Cup.
“Brazil wins, but I am reluctant to say they will win this World Cup. Despite this win, their games raise a few questions” noted Wenger, who was joined in the beIN SPORTS Arabic studio with the World Cup trophy.
“My main concerns is their collective game. They have the individuals, who can make the difference and we see that today with Willian and Neymar.”
Despite being blessed with individual talent, the former Arsenal boss believes that the South American side are lacking one crucial element to go all the way in Russia. “There is something missing of a great team that is the cohesion, the speed of passing, the vision moving forward, it’s too slow. At the moment I am not convinced that they are of the level to win the trophy that is next to us.”
You can see a full clip of the interview via our beIN SPORTS Twitter account.
#BRA may have beaten #MEX but Arsene Wenger doesn't think they will win the #WorldCup! #beINRussia #beINFWC pic.twitter.com/TuMnqwUJFp — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 2, 2018
Wenger 68, also had his say prior to Brazil’s win on the big sides that have been already dumped out of the 2018 tournament, suggesting that it’s the “counter-attacking World Cup”
“If you look at the teams that have gone home like Germany, Spain and Argentina and you look at the numbers in terms of possession. They are all teams who take initiative.”All three sides had been labelled front-runners to lift the trophy, particularly Germany who spectacularly crashed out at the group stages.
“This is the World Cup, where the team who accepts to give the ball to the opponent and play on the counter-attack from a good defensive position have done well.”
“We can say that this is the counter-attacking World Cup because all of the teams that have taken initiative have all gone home” added Wenger. You can see the full video of the interview above.