2018 World Cup: Brazil stand a realistic chance of winning trophy

Indian Super League Prediction

April 20 2024, 07:30 PM

Goa

Chennaiyin FC

Brazil stars Gabriel Jesus (left) and Neymar

Bengaluru, March 20: Five-time world champions Brazil will be desperate to break their winless streak when they take the field in Russia in June this year for the biggest spectacle in sport - the FIFA World Cup. Brazil are one of the favourites heading into the World Cup, which begins on June 14 and goes on till July 15. However, the South Americans, who have won the World Cup a record five times, have not been able to cross the hurdle since their 2002 win in Korea/Japan.

As the teams head out for the international break this week, it presents Brazil coach Tite the perfect opportunity to test his squad against Russia and Germany.

But are Brazil really ready to go the stretch in Russia? Given the squad depth they have, they are definitely the team to look out for.

Alisson's weekly moment of fun #ASRoma 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/w3V68oXsdc
— Alex McGovern (@AlexMcGovern11) March 18, 2018

Goalkeeping

AS Roma goalkeeper Alisson is expected to wear the gloves for Brazil in the World Cup ahead of Manchester City's Ederson. Alisson has been in tremendous form, maintaining 13 clean sheets in 29 Serie A appearances for Roma. The competition for the goalkeeper slot is so intense that Manchester City's Ederson Moraes, who is the first-choice for Pep Guardiola for the Premier League leaders, has to be benched.

DANI ALVES:

"Football is losing that spark that made me desire to be a football player years ago. Today, everything is focused on business and sincerely every time I take the field it is less pleasing to me. Thank God my kids don't love this sport!" pic.twitter.com/aP5STA1OIn
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) March 13, 2018

Defence

The Brazilian defence is compact. Joao Miranda and Marquinhos are the two chosen centre-backs in the starting line up of Brazil, while Thiago Silva and Jemerson will serve as the back-up options in the central defence for Brazil. Marcelo, arguably the best left-back in the world right now, has been creating many opportunties for Real Madrid in the La Liga. Juventus' Alex Sandro and Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis can fill in for Marcelo if unavailable. Paris Saint-Germain's Dani Alves will be in Marcelo's opposite flank. In the presence of all these experienced players, the Brazilian defence is definitely looking solid this time.

📽 | Coutinho and Paulinho have joined up with #Brazil. pic.twitter.com/faChkur7SS
— keith cozart (@UltraAutistic) March 19, 2018

Midfield

There are a bunch of good midfielders in the Brazilian squad, a good headache to have for Tite. Renato Augusto, Casemiro and Paulinho are the three men in the midfield for Brazil, according to Tite, who has already decided his Playing XI. Manchester City's defensive midfielder Fernandinho will be there in the bench to help the team when needed.

Neymar Jr Amazing skills and dribbles with Paris-saint german pic.twitter.com/GMH6t3hpf9
— TrendTimesNig (@trendtimesnig) March 18, 2018

Attacking

World's most expensive player Neymar, currently injured, will be back just in time for the World Cup. Unlike the 2014 World Cup at home, Brazil are not overly dependent on Neymar. Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City and Philippe Coutinho of Barcelona have shown they are reliable hands and will mostly start for Brazil along with Neymar. Willian, Roberto Firmino, Douglas Costa and Taison provide options in the bench.

Brazilian manager Tite mostly prefers to play with a 4-3-3 formation. But he also has a option to play more attacking football with a 4-2-4 formation when needed.

With so many stars in the squad, Brazil surely have a realistic chance of lifting the World Cup this year.