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Five-time World Cup winners Brazil enter the 2022 edition as favourites of the competition yet again. But unlike previous recent tournaments, this might actually be the season when the Selecao can take a commanding position at the top of the list of teams with the most World Cup trophies. But a lot of their performance will depend on their youngsters, something their head coach Tite has in abundance.
Heading into Qatar, many of the Brazilian players are in the best possible form that they can be in. For the first time since 2022, the Brazilian squad look formidable with depth and quality. Ranging from the pace and flair of Gabriel Martinelli, Antony and Vinicius Junior, to the solidity of Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro in the middle and the experience of Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, and Dani Alves at the back, this team are ready to dominate the mega event, at least on paper.
Fixtures: Brazil vs Serbia: November 24, Brazil vs Switzerland: November 28, Brazil vs Cameroon: December 2
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton.
Defenders: Dani Alves, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Bremer, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva.
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta.
Attackers: Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Pedro, Raphinha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.
Neymar has worthy back-ups
The focus will definitely be on Neymar, who could not replicate his form from the 2014 World Cup prior to his injury. But unlike that tournament, the Selecao have some incredible backup options should Tite's side find themselves in a similar position. Especially in Vinicius and Martinelli, Brazil have two of the most exciting wingers in European football.
Martinelli's five goals for Arsenal in 14 games are already one less than his six goals in the entirety of the 2021-22 season. The same can be said about Vinicius, a Champions League and two-time La Liga winner at age 22. Given Neymar's subpar form at the club level for Paris St Germain, Tite has the liberty to bring on different match-winners for his team.
Completely revamped midfield
Except for Casemiro, Brazil have a completely new midfield contingent. A lot will fall on the shoulders of the Manchester United pivot and Liverpool's Fabinho, but the attacking flair of Lucas Paqueta and the strength and skill of Bruno Guimaraes is sure to make up for the lack of Philippe Coutinho and the retired Fernandinho.
Guimaraes and Paqueta were teammates at Olympique Lyon before the duo joined Premier League teams West Ham United and Newcastle United respectively. It will not be surprising if Tite prefers to use the two of them as number 8's, with Fabinho or Casemiro the only pivot for the side.
Can Thiago Silva end WC career with trophy?
Much like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, at 38, might be playing his last World Cup. Still a solid member of the backline for both club and country, Silva will be joined by his former teammate at PSG, Marquinhos. But their weakness are in the fullback positions.
It will be interesting to see whether Dani Alves will play ahead of Eder Militao in the right-back position or Alex Telles in the left-back. But if Tite does manage to solve their fullback crisis, then Brazil will definitely be the team to beat.
