5 reasons why Brazil are favorites to win Copa America 2024
Brazil are in desperate need of a resurrection, and Copa America 2024 provides that opportunity. The losses to Argentina and Croatia in the Copa America 2021 final and the World Cup 2022 quarterfinals, respectively, have made the team desperate for redemption. At present, the five-time World Cup winners don't seem to be in a good state.
However, the Selecao will always be one of the footballing powerhouses and there are several why they are one of the favorites to win Copa America 2024. While the attacking depth of the team is unmatched, head coach dDorival Junio wasted no time to make some tough calls and revamp the Brazillian lineup for the upcoming tournament.
Five reasons why Brazil are favorites to win Copa America 2024
Here are five reasons why the Selecao are the favorites to win Copa America 2024 ahead of teams like Argentina and Uruguay.
#5 Brazil's history in the competition
Brazil have won the continental competition nine times and are the third most successful team in Copa America behind Argentina and Uruguay (with 15 each).
The Selecao would be desperate to tap into their history and find some inspiration from their form between 1997 and 2007, when they won four out of the five Copa Americas. They last won the competition in 2019.
Brazil would want to restore the past glory and finally put the doubters to sleep by winning Copa America 2024 ahead of juggernauts like Argentina and Uruguay.
#4 Favorable group stage draw
The Selecao have been pitted in Group D of Copa America 2024 alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica. Brazil are favorites to come out on top at the end of the group stages.
Colombia are the second-highest-ranked side in the group at 12, while Brazil are fifth. Meanwhile, Paraguay and Costa Rica sit at 56th and 52nd spots, respectively.
On paper, barring Colombia, Brazil are unlikely to be put to the test in the group stage.
#3 Vinicius and Rodrygo in red-hot form
Neymar is set to miss Copa America 2024 because of an ACL tear. However, the team should not feel his absence, owing to the presence of the Real Madrid duo.
Both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo had a great 2023-24 season for Real Madrid, winning the La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. While Vinicius can outpace any opponent defender with his speed and ability to maneuver the ball in tight spaces, Rodrygo is more of a hole player. He can drop into defensive gaps left by the opposition and open new passing channels for the midfielders.
The two will be joined by teenage prodigy Endrick, who will be looking to make an indelible mark for his national team early on in his career and seal the coveted striker's spot in the Selecao lineup.
#2 Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world
Just like the attack, Brazil's defensive lineup boasts a blend of experience and youth. Liverpool's Alisson Becker will be the man between the sticks, having been a consistent performer for both club and country for a long time.
He kept eight clean sheets for the Reds in 28 Premier League games and played a vital role in the club's third-place finish.
Alisson will be joined by youngsters like Wendell and Yan Couto and experienced campaigners such as Marquinhos and Eder Militao in the defensive lineup.
#1 Brazil's underwhelming performance in World Cup 2022
The last and the biggest reason for Brazil being one of the favorites to win Copa America 2024 is their desire to prove their mettle. The Selecao have come under scrutiny over the last few years owing to their track record of bottling international tournaments in the knockout stages.
Brazil lost in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup to Croatia despite Neymar breaking the deadlock in extra time. Before that, they lost 1-0 to Argentina in the Copa America 2021 final. The Selecao will be looking to win the continental tournament and put the critics back to sleep.