Tottenham man also makes Brazil’s likely XI…
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Here’s the side we reckon Luis Felipe Scolari will select to start for the host team Brazil in their World Cup opener against Croatia.
It doesn’t look too shabby…
GK) Julio Cesar
Regardless of his strange club situation (the 34-year-old is still on the books at QPR – but was frozen out by Harry Redknapp), he’s still Brazil’s first-choice stopper. He nearly always plays well for his country as well, and don’t expect him to be a weak link this summer.
DR) Dani Alves
Barcelona’s barnstorming fullback does most of his good work in the opposition half, but is feisty in defence too. Ageing star Maicon will be his backup from the bench.
DC) Thiago Silva
Arguably the world’s best central defender, Silva will lead his country out this summer as they host the tournament. Anything other than victory will be seen as failure.
Click through the pages to read the rest of the side!
DC) David Luiz
Chelsea’s defender is on the verge of a monster move to PSG, which will be finalised after the World Cup. He gets the nod ahead of Bayern Munich’s Dante in the national side.
DL) Marcelo
Like Dani Alves on the other flank, Marcelo has the technical skill and attacking mindset to overlap his winger and create opportunities in the final third.
MC) Luiz Gustavo
Scolari usually prefers Gustavo to provide the platform in central midfield from which the brilliant attacking players can perform. Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Chelsea’s Ramires will likely start from the bench.
MC) Paulinho
The Tottenham man performs excellently for Brazil, and his strong Confederations Cup campaign last summer will likely see him start at the World Cup, despite shaky form at White Hart Lane.
AMR) Hulk
Phenomenally strong, Hulk loves to cut inside on his powerful left and shoot on goal. Despite his size, his skill on the ball is similarly excellent.
AMC) Oscar
Chelsea’s playmaker, Oscar also plays the pivotal creative ‘no.10’ role for his country, although teammate Neymar wears the iconic number instead!
AML) Neymar
Brazil’s Golden Boy, Neymar has the exquisite dribbling skill and penchant for genius to take this tournament by storm.
FC) Fred
Seen as a weak link by many outside of Brazil, Fred actually scored nine international goals in 10 matches in 2013. Former Premier League flop Jo will provide backup from the bench.
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