Life’s good for the Brazilian national football team, for the Canarinho are already qualified for next year’s World Cup in Russia, despite having four games left in the CONMEBOL qualifying group. And perhaps that’s why the likes of Neymar, Marcelo, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves can afford to indulge in some dressing-room frolic:
Rejuvenated since Tite took over in June, Brazil have gone from strength to strength under the 56-year-old and have effectively ensured they will top the South American qualifying group.
They are in 1st place with 33 points from 14 games, with second-placed Colombia a considerable eight points behind.
This international break sees them host Ecuador on September 1 before travelling to Colombia on September 5 and while Brazil can afford to take it easy, neither of their opponents have that luxury, considering their qualification hopes are on the line and hence, will go all out.