2010 World Cup Contenders: Brazil

Dunga’s Brazil are a well-oiled machine and favorites for many to lift the World Cup on July 11, 2010.

Brazil topped the South American World Cup qualifying table, sealing their passage through with a 3-1 win over Argentina in Rosario. Achieving qualification with three matches to spare was an impressive feat given that they won only three of their first eight games. It also meant the Selecao maintained their record of qualifying for every World Cup finals.

Some great Brazil sides have contested previous World Cups, and while Dunga’s outfit may not be the most pleasing on the eye, they possess a good mixture of strength, speed and skill. The counterattack proved an effective tactic in qualifying, with outstanding Inter Milan full-back Maicon a devastating force down the right.

Star man Kaka also embodies this Brazil side. He boasts superb technique but with the physical strength to fend off aggressive opponents. He orchestrates much of the play, with top scorer in qualifying, Luis Fabiano, finishing moves off.

The idea that Brazil cannot defend properly is one of soccer’s myths, and in captain Lucio they have a central defender of the highest caliber. Ably protected by defensive midfielders Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo, Brazil look a strong bet to reach the final.

Quick Facts:

• Best World Cup Result: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
• Best Copa America Result: Winners (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007)
• Record Scorer: Pele (77 goals between 1957 and 1971)
• Most Capped Player: Cafu (142 caps between 1990 and 2006)
• Coach: Dunga
• Captain: Cafu

23-man Brazil World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg)

Group Matches:

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 v North Korea
Sunday, June 20, 2010 v Ivory Coast
Friday, June 25, 2010 v Portugal

Prediction: Final

Brazil have a point to prove after a poor showing in the last World Cup that saw them knocked out at the quarter-final stage by France.

Their foundations look strong ahead of this tournament. Just 11 goals conceded in 18 qualifying matches silenced many of their defensive doubters. It is fair to say that they have one of their most solid backlines in recent years, with outstanding athletes like Lucio and Maicon giving little away.

Their group is a taxing one but man-for-man they are superior to the other three teams and capable of finishing first. From there an all-South American encounter against Chile could be on the cards.

Kaka is a Zinedine Zidane-type figure and the Frenchman was the focal point as he led France to World Cup glory in 1998. It is also possible to see this most gifted of playmakers carrying his nation all the way to the final where it is more than likely that they could meet Spain.

To find out more about the tournament, visit the World Cup section.