The Samba boys have won the World Cup a record five times, and with the team they have this time, they can easily add a sixth title. They will be led by their talisman Neymar who will be looking for salvation after his horrible injury against Columbia in the quarter-final of 2014 World Cup.
Brazil have a very well balanced side with no real weaknesses. They have plenty of options in attack with their Captain Fantastic Neymar, Man City sensation Gabriel Jesus, Willian and Roberto Firmino. They have three excellent defensive midfielders in Real Madrid’s Casemiro, Barcelona star Paulinho and PL winner Fernandinho with Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho playing the attacking midfielder role. Miranda, Thiago Silva and Marcelo form a solid defensive line with Roma’s Alisson expected to start ahead of Man city star Ederson between the sticks.
Brazil is in Group E alongside Keylor Navas’s Costa Rica, Switzerland and Serbia. They should easily top the group and overcome Mexico in the round of 16. The real challenge starts from quarter-final onwards as they are expected to face a very balanced Belgium side followed by France in the semi-final and reigning champions Germany in the final.
If Brazil want to lift the cup, Neymar needs to remain fit throughout the tournament something he couldn’t do in 2014. Their first choice right-back Dani Alves has been ruled out of the tournament with Danilo expected to start in his position. Danilo is prone to errors and could prove to be the weak link in an otherwise solid defence. Brazil could face Germany in the final, if they can hold their nerves and forget about the nightmare of 2014, they could finally ad another title to their already glorious trophy cabinet.
23-man final squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians).
Defenders: Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Geromel (Gremio), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians), Danilo (Manchester City), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Willian (Chelsea), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk).
Forwards: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Firmino (Liverpool), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk), Douglas Costa (Juventus).
Key players
Neymar, PSG
The Brazilian is a once in a generation player and is a future ballon d’or winner. After his mega money transfer last season, he is officially the most expensive player in the history of football. He was signed by PSG for a whopping 222 million Euros.
He was genuinely missed in the humiliating 1-7 defeat against Germany. He will be hoping to turn the tables around this time as he is expected to start on the left-wing with Gabriel Jesus and Willian expected to join him to form a formidable front three.
Casemiro, Real Madrid
Casemiro has become an indispensable part of a Real Madrid side that has gone on to win three consecutive Champions League titles. He partners Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at Madrid.
Casemiro will join Paulinho/Fernandinho and Coutinho to form a balanced midfield. His break-up play and last-ditch tackles will be the key to success for Brazil as both Neymar and Willian will be lurking on the wings to start a counter.
Thiago Silva, PSG
Even at 33, Thiago Silva remains one of the best defenders around with his long passes and aerial ability. Just like Neymar, he missed the semi-final against Germany and Brazil went on to concede seven goals, which shows how crucial he is for Brazil’s defence.
He will be given the responsibility to lead Brazil’s defence along with Miranda. He has to be solid in defence otherwise a repeat of 7-1 loss could happen anytime.
Surprise package
Gabriel Jesus, Manchester City
Jesus, 20, was painting the streets of Brazil in 2014 and this time he will be in the Playing 11 alongside Neymar. The Man City striker has indeed come a long way and will be hoping to replicate his club form for his country.
Jesus will playing the biggest tournament of his career as he will lead Brazil’s forward line. He will have to perform because an in-form Roberto Firmino will be waiting for his chance but with the quality he has, expect to score aplenty.
Fixtures
Sunday, June 17: vs Switzerland, 11:30 PM
Friday, June 22: vs Costa Rica, 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 27: vs Serbia, 11:30 PM
Prediction
Expect them to easily top the group and scrape through the knockouts against Mexico, Belgium and France. They will face Germany in the final where they can win, only if they hold their nerves.