Who will lead Brazil’s quest for star number six?

Photo of Huynh Nguyen Huynh NguyenNovember 8, 2022
Who will lead Brazil’s quest for star number six?

Few sides in world football capture the imagination quite like the Brazil national team. There is something about those yellow shirts and blue shorts that mesmerize a global audience and allow individual allegiances to be put aside as the philosophy of the ‘joga bonito’ is universally embraced.

The Samba stars of South America ‘play beautifully’ better than just about anybody else, with it easy to get behind a sporting philosophy that places as much emphasis on style as it does substance. Winning may be everything, but there is a lot to be said for crossing that line on a regular basis with a touch of swagger.

Celebrations

Brazil have perfected that art down the years, allowing them to conquer the world on five occasions, but it has been 20 years since the wildest of celebrations were last thrown on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and beyond.

The intention is to put that right in 2022, with information regarding World Cup betting offers suggesting that the Selecao will take some stopping in Qatar. They top plenty of markets relating to ultimate glory, sitting at around +400 to emerge victorious, with many of the promotions on offer before and during FIFA’s flagship event weighted very much in their favor.

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Brazil have been placed in Group G this time around – alongside Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon – but who will be leading their charge toward the knockout rounds and opening up a potential path to the final?

Alisson

Goalkeepers, particularly in a squad loaded with creative talent, may not be the most exciting performers in any given World Cup blockbuster, but their value to the collective cause should not be underestimated. Any successful side must be built on the sturdiest of foundations, and that process starts between the sticks.

Brazil have two elite operators at their disposal, which should help to keep everyone on their toes, with Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson currently edging out domestic rival Ederson of Manchester City when it comes to filling the No.1 spot. His reflexes and command of a penalty area make him one of the best around.

Casemiro

Working down the spine of Brazil’s star-studded team and midfield steel will prove as important to their quest for global glory as the flicks and tricks of those operating in the final third of the field. In Casemiro, they can call upon a man who is arguably the finest exponent of a vital holding role in the world game.

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A five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, a classy operator now plying his trade at Manchester United is renowned for his ability to break up play with boundless energy that allows those around him to flourish.

Neymar

While frustrating opponents is important, somebody is required to carve them open as goals will forever win games. Neymar has shouldered the weight of expectation in Brazil for longer than he probably cares to remember, with a modern-day heir to Pele, Jairzinho and Ronaldinho taking on the role of talismanic captain.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is happy to accept that responsibility and, the odd bout of theatrics aside, is undoubtedly capable of tying rivals up in knots with his quick feet, eye for goal and penchant for the spectacular.

Deliver

With all of the pieces required to complete an intricate puzzle seemingly in place, with enough talent at Tite’s disposal to fill two entirely different starting XIs, the question now is can Brazil deliver and add a sixth star to those iconic golden shirts?

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Photo of Huynh Nguyen Huynh NguyenNovember 8, 2022
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