The World Cup football tournament was first held in Uruguay in 1930 with 13 teams under three confederations. The first tournament title was won by the host Uruguay. After that, there have been changes in the structure of the event in the last 92 years. The number of teams has increased. In terms of scope and popularity, World Cup Football is called The Greatest Show on Earth. In the previous 21 seasons, World Cup football has given 8 champion teams so far. Out of which 6 teams have won multiple titles. So it can be said that the fight for the title in the World Cup is basically limited to a few teams.
Five-time world champion Brazil. Their name is first in the list of favorites in every World Cup. They are on the list of hot favorites in this World Cup as well. Teams like Argentina, France, England, Germany or Spain are also getting the title of favorites in the title fight in Qatar as always. Despite never winning the World Cup, teams like Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal are also in the favorites list. Let's take a look at the teams' potential at the World Cup, taking into consideration their squad strength, performance, history.
Qatar World Cup Hot Favorites Who:
In the eyes of most football scholars, former players or current players, the three biggest contenders for the World Cup in Qatar are five-time world champions Brazil and two-time World Cup winners Argentina and France. Despite injury problems and the defending champions' poor results in recent World Cups, France are considered big contenders for the title. Many believe that the champions will be cut by the hands of the Blues.
Reasons why Brazil can win the World Cup:
Five-time champions Brazil last won the title in 2002 at the Korea-Japan World Cup. In the last two decades, the Selecao has repeatedly failed in the World Cup despite being very successful in the Copa America or the Confederations Cup. Even though 20 years have passed since Ronaldo-Rivaldo's title celebration, the champions of the highest league have never played in the final. The team played the quarter-finals three times in four seasons and played the semi-finals once.
Brazil are said to be the biggest contenders for the title mainly because of their excellent squad. The yellow jersey holders have not had such a great squad in any of the recent tournaments. After over-reliance on Neymar for the past decade, Brazil is now a star-studded team. Arguably Brazil's best defense of the season with Vinicius Junior, Rafinha, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, Anthony, Rodrigo. Their attack is so strong that even tried-and-tested stars like Roberto Firmino-Coutinho have not found a place in the squad.
Brazil's midfield is also quite strong. Casemiro, Fabinho, Bruno Guimires, Fred, are all key players in the club's midfield. In defense there are generational midfielders like Thiago Silva, legends like Dani Alves, performers like Marquinhos and Bremer. Alisson and Ederson are the best of the time in front of the goal post. But despite all this, Neymar is the soul of this Brazil. He is the solution to this team's puzzle. He has to shine to win the World Cup.
Neymar, however, is in great form. This time he is playing football more focused than last year. Along with that, fitness also speaks for it. All in all, Neymar is on the list of 'players to watch' for this World Cup.
Brazil's form is also going well. After the loss against Argentina in the last Copa final, coach Tite's disciples have not lost any match. Is at the top of the FIFA ranking.
Despite the criticism of Brazil coach Tite, his success as a tactician is enviable. The team has won 57 out of 76 matches played under him. 14 draws and only 5 losses. The winning rate is 75 percent!
In order to win the title, they have to make up some places. Brazil's first concern is their defense. Thiago Silva is still one of the best defenders in the world but he is 38 years old. At this age it is difficult to play equally well in every match. A lot will depend on how he fares against Europe's dynamic attacking ranks, especially with tired legs after the mid-tournament build-up. Among the rest, Marquinhos or Eder Milita are also the first choice. But they also make enough mistakes.
One of Brazil's football pride is their fullbacks. However, there is a serious lack of quality offensive fullbacks in the Brazilian team. Due to which 39-year-old Dani Alvez returned to the team. That could disrupt Brazil's traditional attacking football.
There are also concerns about the midfield. There is a lack of creative players in the midfield. However, to overcome this deficiency, Neymar can be played as an attacking midfielder.
Thiet's plan could also be a boomerang for Brazil. A lack of planning in his starting XI, substitutions or lack of confidence in youth could have a negative impact on Brazil's game.
In order to win the title, they have to make up some places. Brazil's first concern is their defense. Thiago Silva is still one of the best defenders in the world but he is 38 years old. At this age it is difficult to play equally well in every match. A lot will depend on how he fares against Europe's dynamic attacking ranks, especially with tired legs after the mid-tournament build-up. Among the rest, Marquinhos or Eder Milita are also the first choice. But they also make enough mistakes.
One of Brazil's football pride is their fullbacks. However, there is a serious lack of quality offensive fullbacks in the Brazilian team. Due to which 39-year-old Dani Alvez returned to the team. That could disrupt Brazil's traditional attacking football.
There are also concerns about the midfield. There is a lack of creative players in the midfield. However, to overcome this deficiency, Neymar can be played as an attacking midfielder.
Thiet's plan could also be a boomerang for Brazil. A lack of planning in his starting XI, substitutions or lack of confidence in youth could have a negative impact on Brazil's game.
However, the possibility of breaking dreams is not low. In the 2002 World Cup, the golden generation of Portugal was eliminated from the group stage. Despite being a star-studded team, Portugal plays an overly Ronaldo-based football. And Ronaldo's recent form could be a hindrance to their title dreams.
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