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Brazil, time for Neymar?

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Brazil on top of the world is a time that people under 20 cannot experience. From disappointment to disappointment, from logical setback (Belgium 2018, France 2006) to historic defeat (Netherlands 2010) or supreme humiliation (Germany 2014) the Seleção is coming to Qatar with the same ambition as since its debut in the World Cup: the supreme title. This time, he seems more surrounded than ever, because the selection has been able to evolve and progress according to poor performance. From now on, the offensive stars will give way to a more balanced, more defensive squad as well. Because Tite, the coach since 2016, has understood the evolution of football. It is no longer possible to stack talents in attack to counter the solidity of European nations. To accompany Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, the young Éder Militão and Gabriel have emerged.

In the middle, Casemiro and Fabinho are part of the world’s gratin in their position, while Bruno Guimarães and Douglas Luiz are gaining momentum in the Premier League. But Brazil would not be Brazil without its magicians, its creators of dribbles, those who get the crowds up. Europe is currently passionate about Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Antony, Martinelli or even Raphinha. Moreover, unlike previous editions, the Canarinho arrive sure of their strength. Winners of the Copa America in 2019, unfortunate finalists in 2021, they completed the qualifying campaign for the World Cup with a faultless record: 14 wins, three draws and zero defeats. Above all, if the offensive power was there, the defensive base was just as important: only five goals conceded in 17 games. And if it was finally thanks to its rearguard that Brazil, country of attack par excellence, finally reached its ultimate goal?

The star: Neymar Jr.

Back at his best level with PSG, “Ney” finally seems to be rid of his old demons. After the failures of 2014 and 2018, the number 10 auriverde made this World Cup the objective of his season, and his start to the championship with a bang with the Parisians is proof of this. He prepared all summer to reach the top at the end of November, because he carries on his shoulders the hopes of an entire people.

La promise : Vinicius Jr

Vinicius JrCredit Photo – Icon Sport

If he has been a hit with Real Madrid for several months, “Viní” has yet to find a place in the jersey of his selection. Little in sight during his first appearances, the former Flamengo still struggles to be decisive. At 22, the Merengue will play his first World Cup, probably in the shoes of Neymar’s replacement. It is up to him to change the course of history.

Coach: Tite

A great connoisseur of Brazilian football and its clubs with more than ten experiences to his credit in the local championship, he was appointed to take over from Dunga in 2016 after the elimination in the first round of the Copa América. Since then, he has restored the coat of arms of the Seleção by winning the continental tournament in 2019, to make his team a feared selection on the international scene again.

The legend: Pelé

Who else but him? Triple world champion, a record performance that will surely remain unmatched for a long time, idol of a whole people, he is still considered the best player in the history of football. His mark is indelible and his name inevitably associated with the World Cup, he who lifted the trophy for the first time at the age of 17 in 1958. A lord among lords.

The eye of the expert: Gustavo Faldon (ESPN Brazil journalist)

“Under Tite’s leadership, Brazil play a very tactical and disciplined style of football. The defense is one of the strongest in the world, with a top goalkeeper and centre-backs, as well as Casemiro protecting them. Even though the team lacks a real ‘number 9’, Brazil are the big favorites to win the title. With Neymar’s current form, the fans are very confident, but history shows that the Seleção disappoint every time they are expected. »

to summarize

In search of a sixth star for 20 years, Brazil, record holder of the number of victories, advances with one of the strongest squads on the planet. Like its star, Neymar, who will probably perform for the last time in this tournament.

Antoine Chirat

MenLife: the everyday man’s network

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