Can Felipe Scolari do it for Brazil again at the 2014 World Cup?

Brazil are one of the leading hopefuls at the 2014 World Cup, given their special status as the host nation. They are certainly approaching the momentous occasion with purpose as they appointed Luiz Felipe Scolari to take them to World Cup glory. The much-respected coach has achieved the feat with Brazil before in 2002 when they beat Germany in the finals. The most loved footballing team of the world will bear the burden of expectations going into the biggest competition of the world.

The Confederations Cup will be a key tournament before the World Cup as it will give Scolari a chance to assess the balance of his side against quality oppositions. Brazil will have to face Italy (Runners-up at Euro), Japan (Asian Cup Champions), and of course Mexico (CONCACAF Gold Cup winners). Brazil have not participated in the World Cup Qualifiers due to their automatic qualification as the host nation and hence this will be quality, competitive match-time for his group of players. Scolari will need to define clear roles for his players and give a good account of himself, since he has been coming under considerable fire from the national media.

Inspite of recent performances leaving doubts over their chances of success, with Brazil winning only 2 games in 6 under Scolari, their recent draw with England gave glimpses of the magic within the team. They boast of a capable squad as of now and are only going to improve. Luiz Felipe Scolari was brought onto the scene after Brazil cut ties with Menezes after a disappointing loss to Mexico at the London Olympics. Scolari has the ultimate task of lifting the Brazil squad to the  task of winning the World Cup at home and in doing so, buck the disastrous trend of Brazil’s drop in FIFA rankings.

In order to achieve the high expectations that the country has from the team, Scolari has characteristically invested his faith in the young talent available to him. Brazil look particularly good in defence with Thiago Silva’s commanding presence in central defence. David Luiz, although considered to be a bit unpredictable in his defensive performances, has been consistent and reliable in the national colours. He has the ability to start attacks from the back and that is something that impresses Scolari. His stint at Chelsea has given him confidence and experience. Around them Brazil are likely to have the experience of Daniel Alves.

The potential of Brazil’s strike force is known to the world, with Neymar being in the spotlight for his recently completed move to Barcelona. The World Cup will be the stage for the spectacular forward to stamp his name on the face of International football. Only then will he be spoken of in the same league as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He will have the able support of Hulk and Leandro Damiao. However, the midfield remains an area where things still remain a bit uncertain. Scolari has been employing a style with Brazil that is typical and reminiscent of the 2002 squad, showing no belief in box-to-box midfielders but banking upon tacklers and out-and-out forwards. Oscar has had a decent season with Chelsea and his performances with Brazil have been promising but a lot will depend on how he develops in the run up to the World Cup. Will Brazil have to regress and call one of its veterans for experience?

The question that Brazil will continuously be asking of themselves will be whether they can stand up to the likes of Germany, Spain and Italy at the World Cup. That is the standard they have to achieve and what one can see now only remains in the realm of promise. Spain are heading to the Confederations Cup with a strong squad as they hope to fill the only gap in their trophy cabinet. Brazil would want to test themselves against Del Bosque’s top side.

Former Brazil defender Cris was optimistic about his team’s chances. He said, “This team have worked together for a while now, and Luiz Felipe Scolari is putting together a strong group of players. We are not yet ready to win the World Cup, but we are definitely seeing signs of progress.” The world has its eyes on Brazil, and the nation expects. On home soil, Scolari’s team will want to give their country the glory they thirst for.