Sao Paulo: Futebol is back where it belongs and the countdown starts for Brazil to wrest the copa from Spain. It’s also time for the hosts to slay the ghost of 1950. Brazil’s failure to nail the trophy when they last staged the tournament 64 years ago is a refrain that has embedded itself into the psyche of the country.
Nothing other than a win on July 13 will satisfy this nation brought up on the notion that it has proprietorial rights over the World Cup. The cure for two generations of pain is the beautiful trophy that sends the world into a whirl of excitement every four years.
The Selecao will launch the 20th edition of Fifa’s showpiece with a match against Croatia in Group A here on Thursday. When they enter the field of the Corinthians Arena, where last-ditch efforts are still on to spruce up a temporary stand, the weight of expectations of 200 million Brazilians will be on them.
Spain managed to win the title in 2010 despite losing their opening game but for an emotionally-charged country like Brazil, momentum is key from the start. History offers comfort to Brazil. In two matches against Croatia, they won one and drew the other. The five-time champions started their last eight World Cup campaigns with a win. Brazil haven’t lost their opener in the tournament since 1934.
On paper, too, Brazil have reasons to feel bullish. A settled squad with a well-defined philosophy under the shrewd leadership of World Cup winner Luiz Felipe Scolari should deal with Croatia comfortably. The Europeans needed the lifeline of playoffs to book their Brazil ticket.
After an underwhelming season with Barcelona, Brazilian talisman Neymar has a chance to prove his detractors wrong and burnish his reputation as a legend in the making. The former Santos player’s home is only a couple of hours drive away from the Corinthians Arena and he would be living out his childhood dream on Thursday.
Pele, Romario and Ronaldo never had an opportunity to play a World Cup in their backyard. Neymar’s ability to turn a match on its head in a flash is an asset to Brazil and an over-reliance on the 22-year-old is also the team’s liability.
Watch out for Fred and Hulk. The two unfashionable players have the trust of Scolari and the World Cup can throw up new stars. Fred, who can hold up play brilliantly, can score goals that may not be contenders in a beauty contest. Creative midfielder Oscar will be another key man because the likes of Neymar, Fred and Hulk need passes to score.
Football is as important to Croatia as it is to Brazil. The Balkan nation forged its identity through the game after separating from Yugoslavia in the 90s. Croatia’s third place at the 1998 World Cup galvanised the country in its formative years. Motivation and passion will not be in short supply for Niko Kovac’s players.
In Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic, Kovac has two of the most inventive midfield players in the tournament. Croatia will miss the aerial prowess of Mario Mandzukic who is suspended for the first match. Eduardo, a Brazilian-born Croatian, is in running to take up Mandzukic’s place. Both teams may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
