Are Brazil Worthy Favourites to win the 2018 World Cup?

Brazil are one of the better fancied nations when you look at the World Cup 2018 betting, and it’s not hard to see why. The 2014 hosts will be looking to right the wrongs of that 7-1 defeat to Germany and go all the way to lifting the trophy on July 15th in Moscow.

Everything is going to plan for Brazil except one thing. Their star man Neymar is currently side-lined with an injury picked up playing for PSG in February. He is expected to be back in-time to take his place in the Brazil line-up for their opening match on June 17th, but whether he is fully fit remains to be seen.

The 26-year-old recently posted a picture on Instagram of himself relaxing with his foot in a protective boot. The whole world is hoping Neymar makes it to the tournament, and punters who have backed Brazil to lift the trophy are also holding their breath.

 

Brazil’s Potential Path to the World Cup Final

Seleção Canarinha, as the Brazil team are affectionately known at home, have picked up a favourable draw in Group E. They play Switzerland first in what should be the trickiest of their three ties, before matches against Costa Rica and then Serbia. It is hard to predict anything but Brazil topping the group and that sets them up for a potentially easy run to the last four.

In the last 16 Brazil are likely to play the runners-up of Group F. This could be any one of Mexico, Sweden or South Korea – if Germany win that group as expected.

The quarter finals are where the bigger nations start to clash, and Brazil will likely play the winners of World Cup Group G (England’s group) or runners up in Group H. Again, there is a bit of guess work in predicting this, but Brazil will fancy their chances against all the likely opponents, probably Belgium, England or their South American rivals Colombia.

The semi-finals are where Brazil could hit a serious test and France are their most likely opponents, if they win their group and make it through the earlier knock-out rounds. There is also a chance that Portugal or Spain could upset the French and make it to the last four.

Brazil’s potential final opponents are probably going to be one of Spain, Argentina or Germany and from there it is all down to the performance on the night. Could Brazil get the ultimate revenge on Germany and beat them in the 2018 World Cup final?

 

Brazil’s Starting 11 for the World Cup

There are a few areas where Brazil look particularly strong ahead of the tournament, and some where they will be praying for no injuries or suspensions. Starting at the top of the pitch, they look well catered for with Gabriel Jesus and Firmino both battling for the centre forward role. The Brazil manager took the strange step of naming his World Cup starting 11 back in February and Jesus got the nod, with Neymar and Coutinho supporting the Manchester City striker.

Renato Augusto and Casimero are likely to play in a midfield three with Paulinho – leaving Fernandinho on the bench. This midfield trio will be a key to both supporting the front three and providing protection for the back four – something that was sorely missed during that 7-1 defeat to Germany at the last World Cup.

Marcelo picks himself at left back and Dani Alves looks set to bow out of World Cup tournaments with a starting berth at right back. These two will be allowed to venture forward at every opportunity and provide support to Coutinho and Neymar. The centre back positions are to be filled by two of Thiago Silva, Miranda and Marquinhos with either Allison or Eduardo between the sticks.

Some of the players missing out on this Brazil starting 11 are Firmino, Willian, Oscar, Douglas Costa, Danilo, David Luiz, Filipe Luis and Lucas Moura.

[inline_advert ad=”2″]

 

Brazil are in Sparking Form

The five-time World Cup winners were the first nation to qualify for Russia 2018 and they go into the tournament in fantastic form. Recent friendly wins against Russia and Germany have only boosted confidence even more in the camp. Since losing the 2014 World Cup third placed play-off to the Netherlands, Brazil have only been beaten three times in 45 matches and they’ve lost just once since the 2016 Copa America. They won the South American World Cup qualifying by 10 points, losing just once and scoring 41 goals in their 18 matches.

 

Will Brazil win the 2018 World Cup?

All things seem positive for Brazil ahead of this World Cup and as long as Neymar’s recovery goes as planned, it is hard to see anybody stopping them from going all the way in Russia. The top European nations will see Brazil as the main threats from around the World but even the likes of France and Germany might find it difficult to compete with what looks like the most balanced Brazilian squad of recent years. The World Cup betting tips from Thatsagoal.com are already pointing towards Brazil lifting the trophy in Moscow and it would be the perfect remedy for the four years of pain since that 6-1 defeat to Germany on home soil.

[inline_advert ad=”1″]

Relevant news