It’s been a while since Brazil have been favourites for a major tournament. We’ve had a Spanish up rise since the country was last a real force to be reckoned with. Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos are long gone and the beaches of Rio are filled with replica shirts with new names that read Neymar, Robinho and of course Stamford Bridge’s Brazilian elite.
The Brazilians have been an integral part of Chelsea’s season so far. Oscar and Ramires have been the heartbeat of Jose Mourinho’s midfield and are one of the reasons the Blues are major Premier League contenders. The 22-year-old Oscar is second top scorer for the club and has been so impressive, even the likes of Juan Mata have failed to get a look in and have subsequently been sold.
However, the performance of the Chelsea quartet will be pivotal if Brazil are to triumph.
David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar have secured their places as regulars in the international set up, whilst 25-year-old winger Willian will also be expecting a call-up from Big Phil Scolari. The former Shakhtar man is the latest Blue to be admired for his domestic showings this season and he has already earned four caps for the Selecao, most recently in Brazil’s fixture with Honduras in Miami.
Perhaps the most important member of the Brazil squad however could be Ramires. It’s going to be a difficult tournament for many sides who will struggle in the energy-sapping Brazilian climate which is why many of the South American contenders are tipped to do well.
The industry of Ramires will prove a huge problem for the likes of Croatia in the Group Stage and his tireless style of play and commitment on the pitch will be invaluable in the later stages. He has that ability to protect the defence whilst at the same time completing the running for the likes of Neymar and team-mate Oscar.
Endurance is a word that is being bandied around a lot ahead of kick-off in June and the Chelsea four have that in abundance. David Luiz is finally providing some consistency at the heart of the defence and his partnership with Thiago Silva at the back could prove to be one of the strongest centre-half pairings in the tournament.
There are lots of stars hoping to make an impact this summer and with Chelsea looking strong contenders for silverware this season, that winning confidence could be the final lift the samba stars need to help them inspire Brazil to a record-breaking sixth World Cup title.
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