Are Brazil the strongest side in contention to lift the FIFA World Cup 2018?

A simple perspective about Brazil’s current strength and their chances in the FIFA World Cup 2018 would be to state the following simply.

“They are the strongest side to life the World Cup”. But to dwell more on their chances, critics might argue, “This is Brazil’s greatest chance to win the World Cup but 31 teams stand in their way.”

You worry less for current forms and what any tournament offers- in regards to difficulties and challenges, possibilities and probabilities- when a Brazil, led by their favourite Neymar takes to the field. But you realise instantly that a bevvy of strong talents from all parts of the world is waiting to clinch the exact same glory as Brazil.

But that told, all eyes are on Neymar and what he can possibly do to enable Brazil to add a sixth World Cup crown to their prodigious trophy cabinet. At the same time, you realise that among the strongest teams in front of Brazil is Germany. Can they make it any easy for a ferociously talented side? The most important thing of reckoning for Brazil is that a healthier Neymar is on the field. After being sidelined for a period marred by strain and injury, he’s fit right in time for the FIFA World Cup 2018.

But is Neymar’s task going to be any easy?

The critics suggest that the starry-pack pretty much has everything needed to lift the prized trophy. And in here’s a referencing point.

Where the history of the side goes, Brazil have a load of wealth having competed in Football’s tournament of epic proportions. They’ve made it to every single World Cup each time it has been held. To up their ante further, they have lifted the World Cup on 5 separate occasions. A mammoth side, renowned for their talent, having made 21 world cup appearances places them at the highest-possible bracket of teams competing in for the mesmeric glory.

But even as in Neymar, they have a formidable force and arguably, their greatest newspaper headline material, there might be a thought or two in their minds as the mega moment of the start approaches. What they possibly cannot ignore is that Neymar was sidelined for much of his season at Paris St.-Germain following a foot fracture. Even as he’s fit now, can the relative newness of having only just recovered weigh in on his mind? How hard will it be for him to outstretch himself since he’s the main man to watch?

The math seemingly simple is rather an onerous one. It means that in order for Brazil to escape the maddening fury of lifting the crown ahead of 31 other teams, Neymar- a clinical and creative performer- will have to deliver his very best. Else, there seems, little chance.

Who’s the other key player for Brazil to watch?

Roberto Firmino, that’s perhaps the simplest one. Ever since the attacking mid-fielder, prominent winger arrived from Hoffenheim to Liverpool, his sport has undergone a lift. Perhaps what may interest him in the least would be a lack of superstar status back at home, in Brazil where crowds can lose their voice in their united chant for Neymar.

So far, the national coach of the side- Tite- is gung-ho about Roberto Firmino. But that told, what sort of a role will this versatile footballer get in Russia?

But that’s fine. When you have an exceptionally-talented bloke, then the ‘second fiddle’ part may also become interesting. There’ll be the experienced Gabriele Jesus for a company and the trio of Neymar-Jesus-Firmino is expected to carve out something special in Brazil’s favour.

Overall feeling regarding Brazil

The fan sentiment, often more than just being some drab rabble-rouser is sacrosanct in uplifting the greatest sport on the earth. And everyone is of the view that alongside, Germany, Brazil are the strongest team to pick up their 6th World Cup. Few occasions would be as momentous as the one in Russia where Brazil will play certainly for their first time ever in the showstopping FIFA event.

What is the Team Roaster 

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians).

Defenders: Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Geromel (Gremio), Danilo (Manchester City), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Fagner (Corinthians).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Willian (Chelsea), Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk).

Forwards: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Douglas Costa (Juventus), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk).

Will team sentiment and crowd support being at their strongest in years, this could well be the time where Brazil leave others gasping for their breaths.