Brazilians emerge as real title threat

– Brazil are full of confidence ahead of today’s World Cup draw in Russia – and it’s not all just about Neymar (right).

Coming back after the mother of all humiliations in that 7-1 defeat to Germany while hosting the tournament in 2014, Brazil are once more among the top contenders.

The Selecao were the first team to qualify for next year’s showpiece, wrapping up South American qualifying as runaway leaders with 10 points more than second-placed Uruguay.

They have a fiery attack, a solid defence and in Tite a coach who in a short time has managed to lift the team from its meltdown and restore the faith of the fans.

When he took over in June 2016, Tite inherited a team that may have a history of five world championships, but under his predecessor Dunga had slipped to sixth in the regional qualification. Brazil risked not qualifying.

But under Tite’s guidance, the team turned around, rediscovering its beautiful game and getting the individual stars to work more as part of the collective.

Of the 12 remaining qualification matches, Brazil won 10 and drew two, scoring 30 goals and conceding just three.

The former Corinthians coach didn’t have to make many changes to the team sheet to achieve this remarkable revival.

At the heart of the 11 are the explosive trio of Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City) as centre-forward, flanked by Neymar (PSG) and Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), although the three are encouraged to roam. – AFP