FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil will attempt to end the trophy drought
Brazil scripted history in 2002 by becoming the first nation to win the World Cup five times. They defeated Germany 2-0 and became the best footballing country in the world, blessed with Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Cafu and Golden Boot winner Ronaldo "O Fenomeno" Nazario
Neymar JrLuiz Felipe Scolari's men had redeemed themselves from the dispiriting defeat against France four years before their historic 2002 win, a glorifying recreation of the 1970 World Cup.
Unfortunately, they have failed to win ever since, and a potential defeat in Qatar would extend their dry run up to 24 years and their horrifying 7-1 loss in the hands of Germany in the 2014 semifinals.
However, Kleberson, who was a part of Scolari's historic squad, believes that the team has evolved since then, thanks to the younger players. They are capable of guiding Brazil to another victory this year.
Coach Tite's process has reaped results over time and poses a threat to other teams in Qatar. Let's look at Brazil's chances ahead of the World Cup in November.
Neymar Jr leads the charge
Neymar Jr. is arguably the best player in Brazil as of now and is expected to be the headliner of the squad. "The way he plays, with passion and how he contributes on the pitch," Kleberson stated.
Despite facing competition from Champions League winners Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, or the magnificence of Raphinha or Antony, Neymar will take center stage, albeit for the last time.
Under the tutelage of Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier, Neymar rose to the top of the scoring charts with seven goals.
Now, he is tied with Messi with seven assists from seven Ligue 1 appearances. He is also the topper in the list of direct goal contributions in Europe's Big Five leagues and only three goals behind Pele (77) for the all-time national scoring record.
Vinicius Jr. has to maintain his form
Like Ronaldinho during the 2002 World Cup, Vinicius Jr. will enter the World Cup at 22. In his first appearance in the majestic event, he will be backed up by two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy with Real Madrid.
The young forward from Rio de Janeiro proved his capabilities long back. In addition, his snap back against grotesque racist remarks made by Pedro Bravo, president of the Spanish Agents Association, garnered a positive response from fans.
The crowd and the likes of Pele, Ronaldo, and Neymar stood behind their compatriot while extending their support. Vinicius Jr. is ready to bring the same fire to the World Cup.
Tite is facing selection issues
Tite has made staggering omissions in the tune-up events to the World Cup. Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho are not in the first September friendly.
The latter threw a subpar performance at Aston Villa, which justifies his absence. However, Arsenal's goal-scoring machine Jesus' exclusion raises fingers.
In response to fans' questions, Tite disclosed that the omissions allowed other players like Flamengo's Pedro, who leads scoring in Copa Libertadores, to prove their worth.
In Japan/South Korea, Scolari's side fixated on the importance of unity and pulled off a strong game against tricky opponents, conceding four goals in total and only one in the knockout stages.
Now, Brazil has top players like Alisson Becker, Casemiro, Thiago Silva, and Marquinhos, who will be critical members of the World Cup squad that screams consistency.
Despite having less time to prepare as a squad fully, the Brazilians will launch themselves with full force and vigor, hoping to reclaim the World Cup trophy.