Team Profile – Brazil

The Seleção enter every World Cup as one of the favourites, and as the hosts of the 2014 tournament, the pressure and expectations have never been higher. On the back of their impressive 2013 Confederation’s Cup where they ran route against World Champions Spain, Brazil are expected to do no less than win their sixth World Cup.

However, this tournament will by no means be a walk in the park for Brazil just because it’s on home soil, as there are still a lot of problems that this side faces going into this tournament. The Brazilian defence is traditionally, a Brazilian defence. With Centre-backs Thiago Silva and David Luiz both prone to the occasional brain freeze, on the flanks, Dani Alves and Marcelo are arguably the best attacking duo in their respective positions, however they’re quite easily caught out as they both like to push quite far up the pitch too. If we look at the Brazilian strikers, well, it’s a bit of a mess. With Diego Costa opting to play for Spain, the likes of Fred, Jo and Hulk are hardly going to leave World Class defenders quaking in their boots. It’s not all bad news for Brazil though, as their midfield is right up there with the very best in the competition, boasting names like Fernandinho, Oscar, Paulinho, and Gustavo amongst others, which is set to give Scolari his fair share of late nights figuring out what to do with them all.

Overall, this side definitely isn’t the most talented Brazilian side we’ve ever seen by any stretch, but it’s the way they play that could potentially take them all the way to lifting that 6th FIFA World Cup trophy. The high-tempo, high pressing style of play will provide headaches for any side and is proven in being able to disrupt the very best sides in the world. And of course, being the home nation, having the backing of the fans. The Seleção are on the verge of doing what no other team has dreamt of, and are very well set up to do so.

Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Since Scolari took over in November 2012, Brazil has only lost 2 out of their last 20 games. ‘Big Phil’ is no stranger to success as it was he who fittingly lead Brazil to glory in the 2002 World Cup. If Scolari does go on to win, he’ll be the first manager to win two World Cup’s since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo (1934,1938).

Star Player: Neymar
At just 22 years of age, and on the back of a stellar Confederation’s Cup performance, the pressure is on Barcelona’s big money signing to guide Brazil to victory. And he’s proven that he has the ability to do so once he puts on yellow and green shirt, scoring 30 goals and assisting 20 times in just 47 international games. Neymar’s trickery and unrivalled pace strike fear into the heart of defenders, and if Brazil are to win, with the deficiencies they possess up front, Neymar will have to play a big part in the tournament.

Players to watch:
Oscar: Another one of Brazil’s up and coming young talents, Oscar has all the qualities of an exquisite playmaker. His ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces and still having the ability to find a pass have drawn him comparisons to Mesut Ozil and fellow countryman Kaka.

Dani Alves: The Brazilian right-back. However, it’s not what Dani Alves does on the defensive end that has him on the radar of opposition teams, it’s what he does going forward. The blistering pace combined with his dynamic passing and crossing ability make Dani Alves a nightmare for any side.

The Draw: Without disrespecting Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon, Brazil’s group stage should be fairly comfortable for them and bar any major disaster, they should top their group. However, from the round of 16 onwards, it couldn’t get much worse for Brazil. If all goes as it should, they’ll set up a round of 16 clash with either Netherlands or Chile, a Quarter-Finals clash with either Italy, Uruguay or England, and then a semi finals clash with champs Spain. If they can get through that, they’re most likely going to meet Germany or Argentina in the final.

Prediction: Semi-Final exit at the hands of Spain. I’m predicting Spain to defeat the Brazilian’s on home soil, in a huge upset victory that will send shock waves through Brazil.

From The Stands Fact: Did you know that Brazil are the only nation to qualify for every World Cup and have the most consecutive wins in World Cups too?

Previous World Cup best performance: Take your pick, these guys have won it all, 5 times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002).