Brazil aim to please home support

 

By David Lee Wheatley

 

Scolari on a mission

 

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil set out as they mean to go on by comprehensively defeating reigning European and world champions Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup, effectively a warm-up tournament for the real thing next summer.

The Spanish swept all before them going right back to their Euro 2008 victory, until they came up against the collective will of the hosts. No European nation has won a World Cup on South American soil and the suggestion arising from Brazil’s 3-0 demolition of Spain is there won’t be any change to that scenario this time around.

Luis Felipe Scolari returned to the head coach role with the national team in November last year in a bid to recreate the spirit he conjured during his last tenure in charge of the side. Big Phil’s last spell at the helm yielded the World Cup triumph of 2002 and hopes are high he can repeat the feat in his homeland next summer.

Brazil’s recent record is impressive with seven wins, four draws and just one defeat (in Scolari’s first game back versus England) since February.

Established stars alongside some lesser-known names came to the fore during the Confederations Cup, not least attacking midfielder Paulinho, the subject of strong transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Captain Thiago Silva marshals the back-line alongside Chelsea’s ball-playing centre-back David Luiz, while Real Madrid star Marcelo provides pace and endeavour on the left side of the defence.

Youth is the focus in midfield with starlets Oscar, Lucas Moura and Bernard all making their mark.

Powerful forwards Hulk and Fred flank the audacious Neymar, who seems destined for greatness after a multi-million pound move to Barcelona at the end of last season. Another Tottenham target Leandro Damiao provides an exciting alternative should any of those three lose form.

Reports of Spain’s demise as the dominant force in world football appear premature, especially considering the abundant ability within their ranks, but there’s no doubting that Brazil are benefitting from the harmonious spirit within the camp being fostered by former Portugal boss Scolari. His blend of youth and experience has already paid dividends with the defence of their Confederations Cup title and he’ll be doubly determined to add another World Cup win at the iconic Maracana stadium come 13^th July 2014.

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