* Luiz Gustavo is in the destroyer role. A lot of teams are shying away from a pure destroyer defensive midfielder as they try to get extra passers into the team to improve build up play. I thought L.Gustavo did a great job shielding the backline and is capable of sliding back into a back 3 when Marcelo and Dani Alves go forward which is very important for team's balance.
Which, to be fair (and as you said before), is because Brazil lacks creativity in midfield. It's not like this was a deliberate tactical decision by Scolari, but more out of necessity, as he needs Marcelo and Alves going forward.
It's interesting when you contrast it with Loew's statement, who said offensive full-backs won't be as important in this particular WC, and in fact plans to field 4 natural CBs to protect the box.
Mexico was impressive, btw. Judging by today's performance, they have a good chance to make it past the group stage.
