FIFA Confederation Cup Preview: Brazil

Team: Brazil

Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari

Last Confederation Cup Win: 2009 (Third time.)

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense), Jefferson (Botafogo).
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Jean (Fluminense), Filipe Luis (Atletico de Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), David Luiz (Chelsea), Rever (Atletico Mineiro), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain).

Midfielders: Paulinho (Corinthians), Fernando (Gremio), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Hernanes (Lazio), Oscar (Chelsea), Lucas (Paris Saint-Germain), Jadson (Sao Paulo).

Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Fred (Fluminense), Hulk (Zenit), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Bernard (Atletico Mineiro).

Team Overview:

Julio Cesar: QPR’s Julio Cesar has made 26 appearances for QPR last season but was unable to prevent them sliding out of the Barclays Premier League. Yet, with his experience, he stands out as the most likely to be the first choice goalkeeper for Brazil. He was also the one who started against France wherein Brazil triumphed 3-0.

Thiago Silva: The ball playing defender is easily one of the best central defenders in world football now. Thiago Silva is a player with wonderful technique and composure, and reads the game impressively. His performances will be worth looking out for. “Personally I do not like conceding goals. I would rather win 1-0 win in a game full of goals,” said the former Milan player. “The way we play requires a lot of balance. Keeping the team is compressed one of our goals.”

Dante Santos: For once, the Brazilian team doesn’t lack depth in their defence, and it is still a matter of debate who will eventually hold the defensive line along with Thiago Silva. The 29 year old Dante has enjoyed quite a good season with his club this year. Known for his composure and prowess in the air, Dante posses the ability to push forward and create opportunities. He has been rock-solid throughout the season in the centre of Bayern’s defence, displaying impeccable tackling accuracy and an ability to calmly play the ball out of defensive situations. Although David Luiz was the one to start against France, the Chelsea man was guilty of number of reckless challenges, something that Scolari would have taken note of.