As hosts of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil hold a distinct advantage in the fact that almost a third of the 19 tournaments which have taken place from the inaugural edition in 1930 onwards have been won by those welcoming the world.
Six national sides have triumphed on home soil in the past, with firstly Uruguay and then Italy claiming the opening two titles. England were next to lift the trophy in front of 96,000 fervent supporters at Wembley Stadium in 1966, the Three Lions’ one and only World Cup final victory. West Germany in ’74 were followed hot on their heels by Argentina in ’78, prior to a 20-year wait before the last occurrence at France ’98.
Additionally, thirteen World Cup-winning teams have prevailed on their own continental patch, with a further two won by South American sides in the familiar surroundings of the Central American sub-continent. Meanwhile, A Seleção beat all-comers during USA ’94, which isn’t completely alien territory for those born and bred in Latin America.
In stark contrast, a solitary squad has managed to buck the trend of failing away from their European continentin the shape of the extraordinary Spaniards in 2010. That recent anomaly offers scant hope to those travelling to Brazil, as it simply confirms the journey to a World Cup final many miles from your own backyard is a mighty difficult road to negotiate.
It’s eminently true that Brazil’s class of 2014 aren’t quite up to the same standard as previous versions and huge expectation has been placed upon former Santos starlet Neymar Jr. to produce the magic required to assist Scolari’s side in their quest for an unprecedented sixth World Cup. However, they possess several talented individuals to supplement the much-heralded Barcelona forward’s significant contribution to the team, so much so that seasoned campaigners Kaka and Robinho weren’t even included on the standby list.
Their projected starting line-up is undoubtedly strong enough to win the tournament, assuming they avoid injuries and suspensions. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar is an experienced performer, while a defence made up of Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Marcelo excites in an attacking sense, but remains slightly vulnerable when under the cosh.
Ramires and Fernandinho could take up the two defensive midfield positions, screening and covering when David Luiz or the marauding wing-backs surge forwards. Ahead of them should be Willian on the right, Paulinho in the centre and Neymar wide-left, who will be encouraged to link-up with the main striker leading the line in the form of Zenit hit-man Hulk.
Group A won’t hold any fears for the green-and-yellows, with Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon all operating at an inferior level compared to the highly-fancied hosts andsurely fighting it out for second place.
Brazil have the pedigree, talent, historical statistics and a vast nation firmly behind them and it’s hard to argue against their tag of favourites as the start of thecompetition rapidly approaches.
Twitter: @davewh1980
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