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FIFA World Cup

Six World Cups Without Victory: Samba Stars Brazil Can Return To The Top

By BloggerPosted on Posted in Brazil, World Cup

It was 2002 the last time Brazil won the World Cup and it is crazy when you think about the country’s heritage for developing great players. That particular side had the now retired Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo (R9) in an attacking trio. The manner in which they went about it was a joy to watch and they ripped teams apart effortlessly.

Fast forward 24 years and under Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil’s first foreign coach) who is a serial winner and has a reputation for effectively managing strong egos, fans must be quietly confident that they can finally lift the trophy once more after qualifying last summer.

Ancelotti has arrived and added pragmatism and organisation to the foundation of flair and attacking brilliance that has been the bedrock of Brazilian football for decades and, there is a considerable belief that this new approach can yield results.

Strong Spine Now Reinforces Creative Excellence

Carlo Ancelotti back to chelseaWhat Ancelotti has seemingly done is enforce more of a physical style of play (similar to the Premier League) and selected personnel that fit this bill; especially in certain positions. Indeed, the spine of the starting XI you could argue plays in England’s top flight.

With the exception of PSG centre-back, Marquinhos (a likely starter), there is Liverpool’s Alisson Becker in goal, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes partnering his Ligue 1 compatriot, any two of four from Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Chelsea’s emerging force, Andrey Santos and Manchester United’s, recently revived Casemiro, while Brentford’s Igor Thiago is making a strong case for the number nine role. You could also make a case for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro for this role as well.

While the latter is unlikely as a starter, he will definitely be in the squad and gives Brazil something different; that physical force up front that they haven’t had arguably, since Adriano.

Attacking Quality In Abundance

One thing that Ancelotti is not short of is attacking brilliance and he will have a few tough decisions to make. The seemingly next emerging and controversial superstar, Vinicius Junior is a likely pick, while fellow Real Madrid pair, Rodrygo and the talented Endrick also could be included.

Another emerging talent and having recently signed for Chelsea, Estevao is a game-changer off the bench, while Barcelona’s Raphina and Man Utd attacker, Matheus Cunha will also be major contenders.

If Ancelotti goes with a 4-2-3-1, then that is effectively eight players (including aforementioned further up), for four positions which makes for a simply stunning selection potential. After his form for Tottenham this season, Richarlison could be the one to miss out, despite his goal-scoring exploits at the last World Cup, while the Arsenal pair of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will be unlucky not to be selected.

By the time the group games are over, with Brazil set to face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, they could have possibly amassed a record World Cup goal tally and a Golden Boot winner may already, effectively be decided. Predicting a Brazil victory in the groups often feels as clinical and predictable as the favourites in the early tennis betting odds from Voltage Bet for a major open, such is the sheer gap in quality between them and their Group Stage opponents

That is the level of competition that Brazil has right now and it will be a tough decision for Ancelotti to make, who will want to ensure that other positions have enough cover.

Arguably, the central midfield pairing is essential to ensuring the team has the stability to attack, while balancing defensive responsibilities, with their full-backs generally being attack-minded. Guimaraes offers the perfect energetic box-to-box profile that can link both duties, while he can also chip in with a goal.

While many are looking at the likes’ of France, Spain, England and Argentina to lift the trophy, Brazil should not be written off.

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