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World Cup 2014: Brazil Aim For A SWorld Cup
Dylan Russell profiles the host nation and one of the favourites to lift the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil.
ROAD TO RIO
Being
the host nation meant that no qualification was needed for Phil
Scolari’s men. Brazil knew that with the expectations higher than ever,
they had to appoint a manager that could really get them firing on all
cylinders from the start as a team rather than individuals. No one knows
A Seleção quite like Phil Scolari and from past experiences he
knows more than anyone that individuals win you matches, but teams win
you trophies.
In the Confederations
Cup last year, it was already clear the effect Scolari was having within
the squad, with some astonishing performances from players like Neymar
and some uncharacteristically stout defending from David Luiz. Brazil
swept Spain aside in the final 3-0 with consummate ease. The stage had
been set perfectly for the World Cup which was to come in the following
year, as hype began to build.
THE GROUP
Brazil’s
group is a bit of an anomaly. The three others that join them in their
group are all capable of world beating performances, but at the same
time are just as likely to produce an absolute stinker of a performance.
One thing is for sure though, this isn’t the easiest group the hosts
could have gotten. Brazil can’t and won’t take any of their opponents
lightly. Failure in the group stage would have a devastating effect
throughout the country and spark something close to a war, with the
government having blown all their money on this tournament instead of
funding healthcare and education.
THE KEY MEN
The experienced heads in the Brazil squad will be equally as important as the young guns if they want to go all the way.
FRED
Showed
his quality in Confederations Cup with his presence making him a
nuisance for defences. The 33 times capped striker, who has 17
International goals to his name, may not strike fear into the heart of
the best in the world but his clinical finishing makes him a weapon that
all managers will try to nullify.
NEYMAR
The
weight on this young man’s shoulders could not be greater as we head
into the first game against Croatia. Since his teens he has been hailed
as the new star of Brazilian football and as Efe Ambrose will tell you,
when this guy is on form there are very few if any defenders in the
world that could handle him. Playing in a more central role than he
takes up at Barcelona, he managed to score 4 goals in 5 games, one of
which was a stunning first time volley with his weak foot.
It is fair to say that although the defence of A Seleção isn’t exactly shabby, it’s in the attacking third where this tournament will be either won or lost.
THE STARTING XI
Phil Scolari has a main set of players that he likes and he doesn’t often sway too far from his favoured 4-2-3-1
which has given him so much success in the past. You won’t really see
him change much unless he is forced to through injury or suspension.
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