Why Brazil Are the Dark Horses Nobody Wants to Draw

Twenty-four years. That is how long Brazil have waited. The five-time champions, the home of samba football, the country where the sport is a religion — and they have not lifted the trophy since 2002.

The pressure is suffocating. And it might be exactly what sets them free.

A New Generation

This is not the Brazil of Ronaldinho or Ronaldo. This is Endrick, the 19-year-old who has already shown at Real Madrid that the biggest stages do not intimidate him. This is Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and a front line that defences across Europe have spent two seasons struggling to contain.

Head coach Dorival Júnior has simplified the system. No more tinkering. A 4-2-3-1 with defensive discipline and the licence for the forwards to express themselves in the final third.

The Weak Point

Brazil's Achilles heel is the same as it has been for a decade: central defence under pressure. When opponents press high and win the ball in dangerous positions, the backline can be stretched.

Any team with a clinical striker and the tactical discipline to force mistakes at the back has a chance against them.

Group A Looks

Brazil are in a group with Switzerland, Serbia, and Nigeria. They should advance comfortably. But it is the knockout rounds where we will find out if this generation has what it takes.

Verdict

If the front three click — and the draw hands them a winnable quarter-final path — Brazil win this tournament. They have the talent. They have the motivation. And after 24 years, they have the hunger.

Prediction: Semi-finals, minimum.