When we talk about World Cup winning favourites, which teams come to mind? Is the defending champion France? European Championship runner-up England? Messi's Argentina? Or C Ronaldo's Portugal? The world's first, but don't ignore it!
The world's first, five-star Brazil
In the latest edition of the World Rankings published by FIFA, Brazil overtook Belgium to top the charts. This is because the Samba Army's performance in the South American zone of the World Cup is really outstanding: 17 wins, 14 wins and 3 draws remain unbeaten, scoring the most 40 goals, conceding only 5 goals, and the performance on both ends of the attack and defense is breathtaking.
As the biggest world cup winner, the only team to participate in every World Cup, Brazil is bound to be considered one of the favourites to win the title. But it seems that it is not so optimistic.
This may be because the last time they won the World Cup was in 2002, and the last World Cup only stopped in the quarterfinals; in last year's Copa America final, they also lost to Messi's Argentina and did not qualify for the championship.
It may also be because their top star, Neymar, has been affected by injuries and other issues, and is no longer the "third man in football" after Mero, not as hot as club teammate Mbappe.
However, the Samba Legion doesn't have only one Neymar, and you should never underestimate the heart of a five-timer.
The thickness is amazing, the strength is outstanding
Looking at the World Cup round of 29, Brazil's total value reached 846 million euros, ranking third, behind England and France, and this is also the cost of their fight with the great powers for the title - amazing lineup thickness.
In the goalkeeper position, Liverpool's Alisson and Manchester City's Ederson competition is simply a luxury. In the centre-back position, there are veteran Thiago Silva pressing, as well as Marquinhos of Paris, Militao of Real Madrid, Gabriel of Arsenal, and so on. Full-backs, Danilo, Alves, Sandro, Telles, Emerson, are all giants.
In midfield, Real Madrid's Casemiro, Liverpool's Fabinho, Manchester United's Fred, Newcastle's Guimarães, Juve's Artur, to be experienced, to be comprehensive.
At the heart of the attack, Neymar is unyielding, as well as Coutinho, who has returned to the Premier League to regain his life, and Lyon's Paqueta.
In the front line, there are talents and talents: Liverpool's Firmino, Real Madrid's Venicius and Rodrigo, Manchester City's Jesus, Arsenal's Martinelli, Everton's Richalison, Leeds United's Rafinha, Ajax's Anthony, Atletico's Cunha, etc., the competition is very fierce.
Brazil's ceiling, Neymar decides
Despite the astonishing thickness of the squad, will Brazil be able to win the World Cup, or where is the ceiling of their results? Much will be decided by the number one star, Neymar.
Neymar, who is already 30 years old, has made 21 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, contributing 5 goals and 5 assists, such a performance is indeed difficult to satisfy the fans of The Greater Paris, so he will be booed at home. But in the national team, his status and role are still indispensable.
Although Brazil did not win the Copa America last year, Neymar's personal performance was still very good, with 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 games, 4 times elected the best of the game, and averaged 3.7 key passes per game, averaging 5.8 successful passes per game. In 10 world qualifier games, he recorded 8 goals and 8 assists!
It can be said that Neishao's individual combat ability and creativity are still among the top in the world, and he can break the balance of the opposing defense and create opportunities for teammates, just like Messi of the Argentine national team.
The problem, however, is that Neymar's current goalscoring efficiency is not good enough: last year's Copa America missed eight scoring opportunities, this season's Ligue 1 has also missed eight times, and the World Cup is four. So at the critical moment of the World Cup, especially the strong matchup in the knockout rounds, who will attack the city for the Samba Legion?
Fimi played like a front at Liverpool, Jesus was transformed into a winger at Manchester City and Richardson has scored just four goals in the Premier League this season. Vinicius' 14 goals in La Liga is already the most, but after all, it is the World Cup debut, how can it be played?
Therefore, Brazil's ceiling in this World Cup still depends on Neymar, especially to see if he can find the feeling of scoring goals, after all, under Tite, he has scored 25 goals, the same team top scorer!