Brazil
As five time world champions, Brazil have a lot to live up to. The high expectations of the side were seen in the fans’ critical responses to Brazil’s qualifying performances, illustrating just how demanding the nation can be. Despite ending the preliminary event at the top of the standings, having recorded nine wins, seven draws and two defeats, ensuring their place at South Africa will three days to spare, the Brazilian side had been subjected to horrendous abuse after their successive goalless home draws against Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia. They hit their stride, however, from April 2009 onwards, when they racked up five wins in a row, including two impressive away results; a 4 – 0 defeat of Uruguay in Montevideo and a 3 – 1 defeat of their arch rivals, Argentina, in Rosario. The latter victory confirmed their South Africa 2010 qualification.
Brazil as a country has become synonymous with footballing talent and because of this they are usually favourites for a world cup betting. Picking a few players from the crop is not easy, although 2009 did highlight the importance of certain integral individuals. Keeper Julio Cesar forms a vital feature of Brazil’s defence. Kaka, a huge influence on Brazilian football, cemented his place as a main man in the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 campaign, as he also took the adidas Golden Ball. Up front, Luis Fabiano proved himself a class finisher, providing five goals including a much needed goal in the 3 – 2 final win over the USA.
This year at South Africa will see Brazil contest their nineteenth consecutive FIFA World Cup finals. They are the only country able to say that they have taken part in every single edition of the tournament. They are also the only country to have won the title five times, amassing a total of sixty four wins, fourteen draws and a impressively puny fourteen defeats in the ninety two games they have played. Between 15th June 2008 and 11th October 2009, the Brazilian team went nineteen games unbeaten. Brazil are in Group G of the group phase, with North Korea (Korea DPR), Cote d’Ivoire and Portugal.
