Redemption is the feeling that dominates for Brazil after another home World Cup turned into a time of utter devastation.
The 7-1 semi-final humiliation to eventual winners Germany four years ago at Estadio Mineirao was meant to create scars that would last a generation.
A ‘Mineirazo’ to match 1950’s devastating ‘Maracanazo’ (The Maracano Blow) when Uruguay claimed final victory in Rio de Janeiro.
History appeared to be repeating itself when the record five-time winners found themselves down in sixth during CONMEBOL qualifying, with a third of the campaign gone. Out went Dunga – for a second time – during June 2016 and in came the inspirational Tite. They haven’t looked back since.
A ceaseless run of 10 wins and two draws followed to seal their flight to Russia with four games remaining. When this form is allied with recent friendly victories against the likes of the Germans, plus the ascension of the magical Neymar, it is clear to see why the Canarinha are expected to take flight this summer.
A dazzling array of talent will take to the field against Switzerland on June 17 when Group E kicks off in
Rostov-on-Don.
Emerging Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and €160 million Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho were not involved in 2014.
Tite’s midfield general from Corinthians, Paulinho, is reborn alongside the latter at Camp Nou. Vitally, such
players now operate in a 4-3-3 formation that has been honed to perfection by the new boss. He’s also instilled the swagger of old, but with a healthy dose of pragmatism to get the job done through the likes of Real Madrid midfield battler Casemiro and outstanding Internazionale centre-back Miranda.
Paris Saint-Germain’s €222m forward Neymar is unquestionably the first among equals – his form is intrinsic to genuine hopes of success. But whereas injury during the previous tournament sent Brazil into a tailspin, a sublime support cast is in place to prevent national panic despite his recent recovery from a fractured metatarsal.
Live up to his exalted billing and he will join 2002 champion Ronaldo on the rung just below the ineffable Pele in the nation’s passionate affections. But Neymar’s petulance taps into concerns about the side’s temperament.
It is up to the intelligent Tite to make sure a wonderfully gifted group does not implode against the competition’s finest.
Defensive doubts about rampaging Marcelo and whomever replaces the injured Dani Alves – potentially Corinthians’ Fagner – must also be assuaged.
After the Swiss test, Brazil wind up against Costa Rica in Saint Petersburg on June 22 and Serbia in Moscow on June 27.
A gentle start that could be a springboard to cathartic success after the horrors of World Cup 2014.
KEY PLAYER
Neymar
A nation took a collective breath in February when the PSG forward suffered serious injury. Yet, Neymar should be rested and raring to go in Russia. His array of skills are unmatched in world football, while more than 50 international goals aged 26 points to his fearsome ability.
COACH
Tite
Tite was happy to bide his time for this job. After domestic, continental and world titles were claimed at Corinthians, he took time off to carry out an in-depth study of elite European football. Brazil are benefiting now from a cerebral and popular figure.
CAPTAIN
Miranda
Tite’s revolving policy with the captain’s armband makes prediction difficult. But if it goes to 33-year-old Miranda, it’ll be worn by one of the game’s best centre-backs. Miranda is a pure defender, his skills honed by Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
YOUNG STAR
Gabriel Jesus
In 2014, head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari could only turn to journeymen such as Fred and Jo. No wonder Brazil floundered. For this edition, a 21-year-old to potentially follow in the hallowed footsteps of Pele, Bebeto and Ronaldo is in place.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
– 7, goals scored by Gabriel Jesus in qualifying – one more than Neymar.
– 20, games played by Cafu at World Cups – a Brazilian record.
– 67.3, win percentage for Brazil during 104 matches at the World Cup.
FIFA Rating
86 DEF 85 MID 87 ATT
World Cups competed at
21 (First in 1930)
World Cup record
P104, W70, D17, L17
Best finish
Champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 & 2002)
Qualification record
P18, W12, D5, L1
World ranking
02
SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Alisson (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians).
Defenders
Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain), Pedro Geromel (Gremio), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians), Danilo (Manchester City), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders
Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing
Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Willian (Chelsea) Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Forwards
Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk),
Douglas Costa (Juventus).
VERDICT
The combination of Tite and Neymar looks to be a winning ticket. Easy group means they can grow into the tournament – a fearsome prospect
