With another opportunity to secure a sixth World Cup coming up, Brazil has selected a strong squad that should see them perform well. Find out what Last Word on Football thinks of the South American side’s chances going into the World Cup in Qatar.
Brazil World Cup Preview
Brazil Key Player
Neymar is one of the key players for The Selecao. He has been in the limelight for the majority of his career, and in the last World Cup drew a lot of criticism for his reaction to fouls. In the years since, Neymar’s role has evolved in the Brazilian national team, into a more creative outlet. No longer is he the winger that draws an incredible amount of fouls, but rather an intriguing forward with the skill to split defences wide open.
Brazil Tactics
In the last few months, the five-time World Cup winners have played in something of a flexible 4-2-4. As previously mentioned, Neymar has shifted inside from the wing, becoming an incredibly creative number ten with a fluid front three in front of him, whilst electing to join attacks when necessary.
The defence has plenty of support from Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta, so there is little risk of getting caught out on the counter. From back to front, Brazil are a solid and vibrant side that works incredibly aggressively at the top of the pitch and looks to shut opponents out with an effective press before they reach the back line.
Brazil’s Unexpected Star
The five-time champions have a lot of skill out on the wings, and that’s where their player with the highest potential comes in. Raphinha spent two years of his career at Leeds United, not only learning to play in wider positions when he has a lot of space but in incredibly tight areas to force chances. This versatility makes the Barcelona forward an incredible asset to his side.
The only question is, can he do it in Qatar. Raphinha has scored five goals and assisted a further four in his eleven matches for the South Americans, and if he keeps this form up throughout the tournament he has the opportunity to break through as one of the biggest stars on the planet.
Brazil World Cup Prediction
Without a doubt, this side is a strong candidate to make the final and take the trophy home to Brasilia. Watching Brazil shows a real unity in their football, with creativity and flair throughout the pitch. A group stage of Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon should be something of a breeze, and only a disaster akin to the hammering against Germany in 2014 could ruin their chances on current form.
Last Word on Football recognise Qatar’s human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
