Are Brazil good enough to win their sixth World Cup?

By Hariharan

Brazil are hot favourites to lift their sixth World Cup trophy in South Africa.

Can Robinho make a difference for Brazil?

Will Kaka reproduce the form that showered him with awards in 2007?

Will Brazil thrill or grind their way to victory?

Here’s a preview of Brazil going into the World Cup that will kick off on June 11th.

World Cup Pedigree
Five-time world champions Brazil have a knack for performing at the World Cup. They have reached the final seven times in the competition.

Qualification
Although Brazil emerged top of the group, the qualification process was no walk in the park. Bolivia and Paraguay proved tough opponents, and were the only two teams to defeat Brazil in the qualifiers. Brazil also chalked up the most number of draws and they only topped the group by a single point.

Achievement in 2006 World Cup
Brazil did not get past the quarter-finals in the 2006 World Cup, going down 0-1 to France.

Brazil picked up maximum points in the group stage, recording victories over Australia, Croatia, and Japan.

Brazil then cruised to the quarter-finals, beating Ghana 3-0 in the second round.

However, Brazil’s world cup journey came to a halt in the quarter-finals courtesy of a Thierry Henry goal for France.

Coach
Despite having no prior coaching experience at a professional level, former Brazilian defensive midfielder Dunga was called up to coach Brazil after an unsuccessful 2006 World Cup campaign.

Dunga, who led Brazil to victory in the Copa America in 2007 and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009, believes in defensive solidity as a starting point for his team — a most un-Brazilian trait.

Captain
Inter Milan defender Lucio will be playing in his third World Cup this year. He won the 2002 World Cup where he played every minute of it. A natural defender, the 32-year-old will add the necessary experience and maturity to the team.

Players to Watch
Daniel Alves, Lucio, Juan, Maicon — While Brazil are known for their attacking flair, the Brazilian backline looks impressive going into the World Cup.

Center-backs Lucio and Juan, who both play in the Serie A, have a good understanding with each other. Left-back Maicon’s link up play with Inter Milan teammate Lucio will be intriguing to watch. Barcelona right-back, Daniel Alves, will provide the added width and pace to the Brazilian attack.

Robinho — Returning to his previous club Santos FC on loan from Manchester City, Robinho will be key in bringing out the Brazilian flavour in attack. Although not the top scorer, Robinho was integral in Santos FC’s victory in the Campeonato Paulista.

Kaka — The heartbeat of the Brazilian attacks, Kaka will be expected to create and control the rhythm of the game. Known for his ability to create goals out of nothing, the creative playmaker will be closely watched at the world cup by his new Real Madrid manager Jose Morinho.

Team Strengths
The Brazilian attack is one that is always feared by most opposing defenses but this World Cup, Brazil may become known for their defensive capabilities with their rock-solid back five.

The fortified defense makes Brazil a force to reckon with, as they now look strong in all departments.

Team Weaknesses
Dunga dropped the talented but erratic Ronaldinho. If things don’t go their way, critics will call into question his team selection. It will be interesting to see how Dunga manages in a crisis as he has never managed top-level football before.

Overall Squad Strength
The final 23-man squad consists of a pool of talent that is widely dispersed over Europe and Brazil.

Eight players ply their trade in the Italian Serie A, with seven of those players hailing from the top three clubs, Inter Milan, AS Roma, and AC Milan. La Liga stars — Kaka, Daniel Alves, Luis Fabiano, and Nilmar — are also in the squad.

Two favourite players — Ronaldinho and Adriano — did not make the final squad.

Probable Starting 11
Julio Cesar (GK), Lucio (Captain), Juan, Maicon, Daniel Alves, Gilberto Silva, Julio Baptista, Blumer Elano, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

1st Round Predictions
Brazil are placed in Group G, tipped as the group of death, alongside Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea. With Didier Drogba out with a fractured arm, the threat of Ivory Coast is reduced, leaving Portugal their main threat. Brazil should top the group and go through to the round of 16.

Ed’s note: Red Sports will be covering the World Cup daily and so join us each day to share your opinions about the night’s action.

For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

Group G	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
BRAZIL	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	7
PORTUGAL	3	1	2	0	7	0	+7	5
IVORY COAST	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	4
NORTH KOREA	3	0	0	3	1	12	-11	0

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For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

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