I’ve always had a soft spot for Brazil – I’d buy the yellow and blue kit as a kid – because of all their incredible players. We are in another era of brilliant Brazilian strikers, 20 years after they last won the World Cup when Ronaldo led them to glory. They are in excellent form, having not lost since their Copa América final defeat to Argentina last July. I think they will have to face their old South American rivals again in the semi-finals and whoever gets the best of this match will be crowned champions. People keep saying how it could be Lionel Messi’s final tournament, but it could also be Neymar’s, and both will be highly motivated by the prospect of a winner’s medal. It will be interesting to see which of these two Paris Saint-Germain teammates fares better. I think Messi will win the Golden Boot, but Brazil have a slight lead over Argentina. Quick guide
Qatar: beyond football
projection This is a World Cup like no other. For the past 12 years the Guardian has been covering the issues surrounding Qatar 2022, from corruption and human rights abuses to the treatment of migrant workers and discriminatory laws. The best of our journalism is brought together on our dedicated Qatar: Beyond Football page for those who want to delve into issues beyond the pitch. The Guardian’s reporting goes well beyond what happens on the pitch. Support our investigative journalism today. Thanks for your response. Tournament football requires match-winners and Brazil have a number of them. Games are so close because of how data can be used to help build a team to be cohesive and nullify threats, but Brazil’s starters and finishers can turn any match in their favor. Tite said it will be a case of horses for lessons when it comes to selection. Brazil’s philosophy will never change, but the coach may decide for a particular game that he wants someone who can run back, more physicality than Richarlison, or he may want to press more aggressively or overload in large areas. Tite will have seen what Jesus has done since moving to Arsenal and may want to join him. For one-v-one situations on the flanks, will he turn to Vinícius or Martinelli? Whatever it takes, Tite can look at his squad and pick accordingly and he’ll be spoiled for choice. Behind this they will have a very experienced midfield and defence. Casemiro will be at his heart and everyone has seen the difference he makes to a team. Brazil will need to stop the transition, which is in the side of Casemiro, Fred or Fabinho, because the transitions will be extremely important. The central midfield combination will have a lot of work because Brazil’s defense is getting old. On the other hand, the older a player is, the more experience they have and that could be crucial. There isn’t much that Dani Alves and Thiago Silva haven’t seen and their presence could help their younger team-mates. Thiago Silva Previously Brazil were not a pressing team, but now they will press from the front because they want to win the ball as high as possible. They may need fewer defenders because Tite will know if this plan works, the ball is not going to reach the areas where the opposition can hurt them. I like that Tite is not going to change his principles and why would he have such an arsenal at his disposal? On paper, Brazil will need to beat Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in their Group G games and score to spark the campaign. If a team starts well, it’s a big boost. Everything in tournament football is anchored in momentum, helping to build confidence as each successful match passes. Dani Alves (left), training ahead of the World Cup, is now 39 but brings substantial experience to the highest stage. Photo: Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images Every team in this World Cup has a weak unit. France have lost their midfield from four years ago to injury, England’s back four looks fragile and Brazil’s defense is ageing. It will be a matter of who manages their problem better. Subscribe to Football Daily Start your evenings with the Guardian’s view of the world of football Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If England are to challenge, they will need to gather momentum. In international football I’m a big fan of experience and Gareth Southgate has gone with a great concentration in his team – 820 between them. This is his third major tournament and is the most innings he has gone with. Kyle Walker’s fitness is unknown and Harry Maguire is out for his club, meaning England’s defense will be desperate for an early morale-boosting clean sheet. Southgate also has options to play if he needs to win a game. A forward line of Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling means England will score, but it’s the other end they need to watch out for. I’d love for England to reach the final, but I’m tipping Spain to get there. At last year’s Euros, Spain were knocked out by eventual winners Italy on penalties in the semi-finals. Their young players have grown in maturity and understanding. The only problem is scoring goals. Brazil have goalscorers all over the pitch, but the same cannot be said for Luis Enrique’s side. Spain have a good chance if they can find a consistent goalscorer. England will need fans behind them. Even if they are thousands of miles away, they will feel the support. If they don’t win it, hopefully I’ll have my second team to come back to.
