Brazil

The Road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Five-time champions Brazil emphatically sealed their place at Russia 2018 by recording 12 wins, five draws and just one defeat in their 18 qualifying matches, that solitary loss coming against Chile in their first qualifying match. Former coach Dunga was replaced as head coach in summer 2016 and current manager Tite took the reins, winning nine matches in a row to qualify in first place by a wide margin in the South American group.

Star

Brazil’s star man is Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar. The 26-year-old made a world record move €222 million ($275 million) move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, and is often called on to captain the national team, for whom he has scored more than 50 times. He is typically deployed on the left flank, but can also be utilized as a center-forward with Gabriel Jesus in an advanced role.

Manchester City striker Jesus is another one to watch. With seven goals in the qualifiers, the 20-year-old was Brazil’s top scorer in qualifying and, if not for injury, could have scored even more.

In the center, Brazil will have indispensable defensive midfielder Casemiro, of Real Madrid. His discipline allows his more creative teammates freedom to shine, and he is often partnered by Barcelona’s Paulinho. A tireless worker, Paulinho also scored six goals in qualifying.

The right wing position is normally occupied by Barcelona’s recent big-money arrival Philippe Coutinho, though he is capable of being used more centrally as a playmaker.

The Coach

Tite is fairly unknown as a coach internationally, but has been immensely successful in Brazil with Corinthians during three stints as manager, winning every domestic title as well as the Libertadores Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup – the latter a significant achievement considering the competition is usually won by the European giants.

There was widespread criticism from fans when the Brazilian football federation chose to replace playing legend Dunga, but Tite quickly proved that appointing him wasn’t a mistake. Unlike Dunga, he instilled a more attacking style of play, having a favored formation of 4-1-4-1 with a lone forward, Gabriel Jesus, and one sole defensive midfielder, Casemiro.

Past Achievements

Brazil are the only team to have competed at every World Cup, and the five-times winners have claimed tournament glory more times than any other team. Their first triumph came in 1958 in Sweden, with the team spearheaded by a 17-year-old Pele, who scored twice in the final. The football icon retained the title with Brazil in 1962 and made it three World Cups for him and his nation in 1970. Pele, who scored 12 goals at World Cup tournaments, is still the only footballer to have become world champion three times.

Brazil won the World Cup again at USA ‘94, beating Italy in a penalty shootout, and added their most recent title in Japan and South Korea in 2002, thanks to Golden Boot winner Ronaldo’s brace against Germany in the final, which took his personal tally in that tournament to eight.

Brazil’s World Cup history has not been without disappointment, however, notably when a ‘national tragedy’ unfurled when they lost in the decisive match in their home 1950 tournament against Uruguay. As hosts again in 2014 they were routed 7-1 by Germany in the semi-final, which prompted plenty of soul-searching. They will be out to avenge that humiliation in Russia.