The former midfielder lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and is backing the current crop to emulate that star-studded team.
Gilberto believes Brazil have plenty of ability at their disposal but has warned the relatively young squad that they still have much to prove.
“They’re good. I don’t like to compare because from 2002 we won and it’s very hard when you put a champion team alongside another team that still has something to prove,” the former Arsenal star told Sport360.
“What I can say is that they’re a very good team. They play very nice football, they look strong and sharp and I hope they do well in Russia.
“Maybe they’re lucky and win it. That’s my expectation. I’ll be there cheering them and I hope everything goes well but it’s not going to be easy.”
During that triumph in 2002, Gilberto operated as part of a double pivot alongside Kleberson. The pair played in behind a fierce attacking triumvirate of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, compensating for their uninhibited attacking play by bringing stability to the side.
The 41-year-old stresses the importance of striking the right balance for the current Brazil side as well.
“They’re strong up front and that’s very good. Not only the first XI but they’ve got very good replacements on the bench. The guys up front are important when you have good balance.
“You see the guys in the middle such as Casemiro, in partnership with Paulinho, Renato Augusto – last month Fred played as well. And at the back Miranda, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva; whoever plays at the back and Marcelo.
“You must have a good balance. From what I see now, they got a good balance, from the goalkeeper to the men up front. I hope everything works well because the pressure is massive.”
Gilberto Silva (r) won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002.
Tite took over as head coach in the summer of 2016 following the team’s disappointing performance at the Copa America under Dunga.
Gilberto has since been impressed by the impact the 56-year-old has had on the team, particularly crediting him for bringing back the attacking brand of football that Brazil have traditionally been associated with and pride themselves on.
“His influence on the team has been massive. The way he works with the players, the way he’s set up the style and system of playing. It’s good because he brought back our style,” he added.
“Everyone wants to see Brazil playing nice football – dribbling, scoring goals and getting the results. I hope they do the same in the competition. The impact of him is very good, very important because he knows how to manage the people around him and the players to get the best out of them.”
And when Brazil do get into their stride and play with the kind of swagger befitting of genuine World Cup contenders, it’s often their talisman Neymar who is central to it all.
The nationwide concern for the superstar during his spell on the sidelines was then digestible given his importance to their success. Neymar has however returned to action in some style, producing excellent performances in Brazil’s warm-up games.
Concerns that the Paris Saint-Germain forward lacking in sharpness in Russia were quickly dispelled.
It’s not only his ability on the ball that Gilberto hopes will come to the fore for Brazil in its fullest effect at the tournament but also the part he plays as a leader.
Neymar spent three months out injured.
“I hope everything goes right for him and also for Brazil because we need him to help and lead the team,” Gilberto said.
He is also hoping to see Brazil and Germany meet in the final of this summer’s competition which would be a repeat of the showpiece event back in 2002.
However, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of a wildcard going far in the tournament and while he refrained from picking out any dark horses, a youthful looking Belgium side has certainly caught his eye.
“You never know. Football is unpredictable. Many people talk about Brazil, Spain, France, Germany and maybe Portugal (as favourites).
“It will be nice to have a surprise but let’s see, only time will tell. We have a very young generation from Belgium and there is a lot of expectation from them as well.”
Gilberto was speaking at the Russian festival Matryoshka in Dubai last month.
