Richarlison Misses Out as Brazil Squeak into Round of 16

Richarlison's omission from Brazil's World Cup squad is still being felt, as the team narrowly defeated Japan in the Round of 32 on June 29.

Brazil's victory over Japan was marked by a lack of penetration in the first half, with the team struggling to create scoring opportunities.

The Japanese defence sat deep, but Brazil failed to exploit the space in behind, instead opting to play the ball at their feet.

A player like Richarlison, who is adept at occupying central defenders and making sacrificial runs, would have been perfect for this game.

He would have enabled space for midfielders and 10s to play off, and his presence would have asked awkward questions of the Japanese defence.

As Brazil progress to the Round of 16, they will need to find a figurehead and greater selflessness in the final third against smart defences.

The team's midfield problems are plentiful, and the lack of synergy between players was evident in the game against Japan.

Carlo Ancelotti may need to lean on Igor Thiago, who has not played since his disappointing outing against Morocco, to provide a physical presence up front.

Thiago's profile will be handy against bigger defences, and his ability to ask awkward questions of stringent backlines will be crucial in the tournament.

Richarlison's experience and big game know-how would have been valuable assets for Brazil, but his absence means the team must find alternative solutions.

The renewed verticality and loftier heights in Brazil's passing range aided their attack, but the team still needs to find a way to break down stubborn defences.

The game against Japan saw Brazil cross the ball seven times in the second half, compared to twice in the first period, and have eight shots in the penalty area.

The team's ability to adapt and find different ways to attack will be key in the tournament, and Richarlison's absence will continue to be felt.

As Brazil prepare for their next game, they will need to find a way to replace Richarlison's physical presence and experience, and Igor Thiago may be the answer.

The tournament is heating up, and Brazil will need to find a way to overcome their midfield problems and break down stubborn defences if they are to succeed.

The absence of Richarlison is still being felt, but Brazil must move on and find alternative solutions if they are to progress in the tournament.