Brazil are not the outright favourites to win this World Cup, but they are among the leading contenders. The general expectation is that they will comfortably progress from what appears to be a manageable group featuring Morocco, Scotland and minnows Haiti, but still need to prove themselves against the elite European sides.
The burden of making the difference will fall largely on Vinícius Jr. However, the Real Madrid star’s performances for the national team have never quite matched his club form, and Brazil need that to change. The same applies to Raphinha, the other marquee name in attack.
One concern is the lack of world-class full-backs. Brazil no longer possess players in the mould of Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves, or Marcelo, and veterans Danilo and Alex Sandro look likely to be pressed into service once again.
And what of Neymar? Having battled age, recurring injuries, and the responsibility of carrying an underperforming Santos side, he benefitted from injuries to Estevao and Rodrygo to make the final squad. Another fitness setback may see him miss the opening group games, but the most expensive player in history will still hope to make an impact at the age of 34.
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