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Brazil came into the World Cup as the most successful nation in its history, favourites to win, and FIFA’s top-ranked side.
Their squad is full of quality and head coach Tite also appears to have instilled a strong sense of camaraderie within the side.
All eyes will be on Neymar, who still remains his nation’s biggest star in what will be his third World Cup. With past experiences in the tournament overshadowed by heartache and controversy, the Paris Saint-Germain forward — who was involved in 16 goals during qualifying — will be desperate to have his name etched in the history books.
Tite’s side are 29 games unbeaten in World Cup qualifiers with thirteen clean sheets in 17 matches, as well as an average of 2.5 goals scored per game.
One selection dilemma will be around who occupies the Number 9 position in the lineup. Since Ronaldo’s retirement in 2011, it has not been easy for Brazil’s strikers to step out of his shadow. Gabriel Jesus started all five games in Russia last time out but did not score a single goal. The Arsenal forward has earned a chance at redemption after an impressive start to life at his new club.
He will be vying for a spot against Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison, who has scored 17 goals from 24 starts, seven goals in his last six appearances for Brazil and is his country’s top scorer in 2022.
GO DEEPER
Brazil team guide: Tite’s squad has more than enough quality and depth to deliver the ‘Hex’
Brazil’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras);
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Dani Alves (Pumas), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Marquinhos (PSG), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Bremer (Juventus);
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Fred (Manchester United, Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo);
Forwards: Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Antony (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Pedro (Flamengo).
Brazil squad analysis
The five-time winners have incredible depth at their disposal this time around, with arguably the best squad heading to this World Cup. If their veteran manager Tite can continue to eke the best out of Neymar, and avoid any in-fighting, they could make it six.
For a full analysis of their chances in Qatar, click here.
Meet The Athletic’s guest writers for the World Cup
(Photo: Getty Images)
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