World Cup 2018 team preview: Brazil is as battle-tested and machine-like as ever
Our authors say: The Selecao were required to win the Hexacampeao – their 6th World Cup title – on home soil four years back. You may recall seven reasons why that didn't exactly go to design. In any case, the devils of Belo Horizonte have been exorcized, and Brazil was the main South American group to journey through capability.
Basics
World Cup appearance: 21st
Best World Cup finish: Champion (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
2014 finish: Lost in the semifinals to Germany
Qualifying: Finished first in South America
Schedule: Switzerland (Sunday, June 17, 2 p.m., FS1), Costa Rica (Friday, June 22, 8 a.m., FS1), Serbia (Wednesday, June 27, 2 p.m., Fox/FS1)
Squad
Manager: Tite
Captain: Rotation
Top players: Neymar (F), Marcelo (D), Casemiro (M), Gabriel Jesus (F), Joao Miranda (D)
Full 23-man squad
Basics
World Cup appearance: 21st
Best World Cup finish: Champion (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
2014 finish: Lost in the semifinals to Germany
Qualifying: Finished first in South America
Schedule: Switzerland (Sunday, June 17, 2 p.m., FS1), Costa Rica (Friday, June 22, 8 a.m., FS1), Serbia (Wednesday, June 27, 2 p.m., Fox/FS1)
Squad
Manager: Tite
Captain: Rotation
Top players: Neymar (F), Marcelo (D), Casemiro (M), Gabriel Jesus (F), Joao Miranda (D)
Full 23-man squad
Breakdown
Why they’ll win games: Brazil cleared through CONMEBOL qualifying like no group has since 2000-01 Argentina. Tite has assembled a machine, with world-class ability fitting cozily into a characterized framework. That machine has scored 42 objectives and permitted five in the course of recent years, generally against World Cup resistance. The guard, tied down by Miranda, can appear to be impermeable now and again. Furthermore, dissimilar to the 2014 Selecao, this cycle isn't completely dependent on Neymar. The stunning winger is just one eye-getting bit of an excellent assaulting riddle.
Why they’ll lose games: Tite has been tinkering a bit. That isn't naturally terrible. In any case, it is somewhat interesting, given how reliably amazing his group was all through qualifying. What's more, there have been a couple of disastrous hindrances lately. Dani Alves, Brazil's beginning ideal back, will miss the World Cup because of damage. Neymar's cracked metatarsal ought to be completely mended come mid-June, yet there's a doomsday situation where re-damage transforms Brazil's 2018 crusade into 2014 once more.
How they’ll play: Barely any groups have ever hitched assaulting energy with cautious strength like the Brazilians do. Casemiro will sit before the back four and behind two more assault disapproved of focal midfielders. His quality gives assurance and security at the back, particularly experiencing significant change. It likewise gives the front five, and even the ever-anxious fullbacks, opportunity to do their thing going ahead.
Projected lineup (4-1-4-1): Alisson; Fagner, Marquinhos, Joao Miranda, Marcelo; Casemiro; Willian, Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar; Gabriel Jesus.
With Alves out, either Fagner or Danilo could begin at appropriate back. At focus back, Thiago Silva began in two March friendlies, however the spot was Marquinhos' all through qualifying. In midfield, Renato Augusto was additionally an installation all through 2016 and 2017, with either Coutinho or Willian on the right. Be that as it may, Coutinho could play focal, with Willian wide appropriate, against substandard gathering enemies.
Rooting Guide
What makes them unique: Since Tite assumed control, 16 unique players have worn the chief's armband for Brazil. The pivot arrangement started as a smart ploy to abstain from stripping Neymar – who had gotten feedback in the part – of the captaincy. Presently it's a one of a kind, emblematic method for cultivating shared obligation all through the squad.
