Brazil's 4-2-3-1 was tailor-made to exploit Senegal's high defensive line with Vinícius Júnior's pace in behind, and it worked to devastating effect in the first half. The double pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães gave Paquetá and Neymar the license to roam, creating numerical superiority in the zones between Senegal's midfield and defence. Senegal's equaliser was a turning point that forced Brazil to reassess — Dorival Júnior's side had to be more measured in the second half, and it was individual genius rather than systemic pressure that ultimately won it. Mané's influence grew as the game wore on, and had Iliman Ndiaye been introduced earlier, Senegal might have found a second. Brazil's set-piece delivery — particularly Neymar's dead-ball quality — proved the decisive edge in a tight, high-stakes knockout encounter.

• Vinícius Júnior completed 7 dribbles — the most of any player on the pitch — and created 3 chances.
• Neymar's 81st-minute free-kick was his 80th international goal, drawing him level with Ronaldo's all-time Brazil record.
• Sadio Mané's penalty was his 5th World Cup goal, making him Senegal's all-time top scorer at the tournament.
• Brazil's xG of 2.31 vs Senegal's 1.14 reflects the Seleção's sustained territorial dominance.
• Édouard Mendy made 5 saves — without him, Brazil's winning margin would have been far greater.
• Casemiro won 9 of 11 duels in midfield, providing the defensive platform for Brazil's attacking brilliance.
• Senegal's 4-3-3 mid-block held firm for 57 minutes — the longest any team had kept Brazil off the scoresheet in this tournament.