Brazil’s World Cup draw preview

GROUP G

Brazil

Ivory Coast

North Korea

Portugal

 

Out of all the groups drawn in Cape Town, South Africa, Group G was possibly the most fascinating with three teams tipped to go a long way in the tournament. Five times World Cup winners Brazil were placed with a Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal and arguably the strongest African opposition in the Ivory Coast.

Brazil are the bookies second favourites and will be looking to win the tournament for the 6th time. Although the group will certainly be a test, the recent Confederations Cup showed us glimpse of Brazil’s potential as they walked largely untested to the title. It’s hard to look beyond Brazil for qualification really. They’re first game against North Korea should see them on the board with three points whilst Ivory Coast and Portugal will have to battle it out in a pressurised first match. Realistically, four points against the Coast and Portugal should be enough to see them through but don’t write off them beating both.

Should they win the group, Brazil will most likely play South American rivals Chile in the second round. Looking beyond that, they will most likely play the Netherlands in the quarter finals which would be a fascinating spectacle. Potentially, they could also meet England in the semi finals. However, if Brazil slip up in their group stage and finish 2nd, they are extremely likely to meet Spain in the second round which would guarantee one of the two favourites an early exit.

BRAZIL SQUAD

Following an impressive qualification campaign and Confederations Cup triumph, Brazil manager Dunga will have a very good idea of the core of his team that he will be taking to South Africa. Here is a shortlist of candidates for the plane with the players in bold being the near certainties to make the trip.

GOALKEEPERS

Julio Cesar

Doni

Gomes

Helton

DEFENDERS

Maicon

Lucio

Thiago Silva

Michel Bastos

Daniel Alves

Cris

Fabio Aurelio

Juan

Luisao

Andre Santos

Marcelo

Kleber

Alex

MIDFIELDERS

Felipe Melo

Elano

Gilberto Silva

Kaka

Josue

Lucas

Julio Baptista

Luis Ramires

Anderson

Kleberson

Ronaldinho

FORWARDS

Luis Fabiano

Nilmar

Hulk

Robinho

Adriano

Alexandre Pato

Amauri

PREDICTION

Undoubtedly, Brazil have a vast array of talented players and have a well drilled way of playing together as evident in the 2009 Confederations Cup. The backbone behind their success will be as to whether or not they can progress from their group in top spot. If they finish 2nd, a match against Spain could go either way. However, who could back against Brazil from becoming the 2010 World Champions.