Many reckon World Cup 2022 is Brazil’s year and, without doubt, there is a compelling argument which says the Selecao can see off the likes of Argentina, France and Spain to come out on top in the Qatar showcase.
In his sixth year as Brazil head coach, Tite has produced stability, gradual improvement and balance in his squad, and now he has a group of players as good as any on the planet. Brazil have superstars, from the last line of defence to the goal scorers, and any team which goes further than the Samba Boys will have their hands on the trophy.
But it isn’t easy to see that happening (though France may beg to differ).
The five times World Cup winners are in Group G along with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon and as the highest-ranked team in the world, the World Cup 2022 betting odds have Brazil as hot favourites to win that group.
Switzerland, ranked 15th by FIFA may be a tough nut to crack but I fully expect Brazil to emerge from the group stage unruffled. Should Tite’s team come top in Group G as expected then they will likely face Portugal or Uruguay in the Round of 16, whichever team finished second in Group H, and that’s not a bad draw to take them through to the last eight.
The tournament is effectively being played in a neutral country, away from South America or Europe, so the French and Spanish won’t be helped there and it will come down to which nation has the best players, assuming enough of them perform, and Tite has plenty to choose from.
Best keepers in the world
By some fluke of nature the Selecao have produced two goalkeepers who lay claim to being the best of the current crop of shot-stoppers. Ederson and Alisson were snapped up by the Premier League’s most successful teams, Manchester City and Liverpool, and it is difficult to choose between them. Alisson has had the edge in Tite’s eyes, winning 57 caps to Ederson’s 18, but both are exceptional keepers, with superb command of the penalty area and brilliant reflexes.
Arguably Ederson is better with his feet and can launch an attack with a well-aimed delivery, and he also possesses a superb flat throw, while Alisson was named the best goalkeeper at the 2019 Copa America as Brazil triumphed.
For decades the Selecao have been renowned for champagne football and creative beauty but now they have the best keepers too!
A perfect blend of youth and experience
Tite has his leaders on the pitch who can guide some of the most exciting young talents through any tough times which may arise. Chelsea’s Thiago Silva and PSG’s Marquinhos are in the centre of defence with 180 caps between them, while Casemiro, at 30 years of age, is still one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. Then you can pick any number of exciting young stars to name-check, but Vinicius Junior at 22 and Gabriel Martinelli at 21 will make some pretty special World Cup 2022 highlights for sure. Vinicius has already nailed down a place at Real Madrid alongside Karim Benzema and has led the line brilliantly in the Frenchman’s absence. And over in England, Arsenal’s Martinelli is being talked about as the league’s next megastar; his quick feet and incredible skills are a joy to watch…unless you are a Tottenham Hotspur fan!
Star quality
There is no shortage of Brazil players who can light up the World Cup in Qatar and a few who will be in contention for a place in the team of the tournament; no more so than strikers Neymar and Gabriel Jesus.
PSG star Neymar’s off-field problems have reached a conclusion after the Spanish state prosecutor dropped charges of the player’s involvement in irregularities following his transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013. And a happy Neymar is one of the most dangerous attacking players on the planet, as his record of 75 goals in 121 internationals and 80 in 106 games for Paris Saint-Germain clearly show. If he is at his best, then he could even win the player of the tournament award; he can be infuriating one minute and astounding the next…there is never a quiet moment with Neymar. His co-striker Jesus has become an even better player since his move from Manchester City to Arsenal in the summer. He always showed great potential at the Etihad but Jesus is at home in North London and producing some scintillating football. Arsenal are top of the Premier League and the relationship between Jesus and Martinelli is one of the factors which is getting fans at the Emirates off their feet, as well as bringing the SBOTOP odds on the 2022/23 title heading to the Emirates to around 4.00.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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