Brazil to falter as holders Spain reign again

The hosts are being backed by the bookies as tournament favourites, but are a far cry from the sides who lifted the trophy in 1958, ’62, ’70, ’94 and most recently in 2002.

Those teams, Pele, Romario, Ronaldo, captured the imagination of the global audience. This Brazilian side’s chances rest heavily on home-support and the form of 22-year-old Neymar.

Twelve years ago in Japan and Korea they were led by Luiz Felipe Scolari, back in charge of the national side after stints with Portugal and Chelsea among others.

But that is where the resemblance ends, Big Phil may have the tournament credentials – his tenure at Portugal also saw him reach the Euro 2004 final, only to lose to Greece – but the players at his disposal don’t live up to Brazil’s last successful side.

Instead of all-time competition leading goalscorer Ronaldo, it is likely Fred, of Fluminense, will start as their only out-and-out striker, with former Manchester City flop Jo as his back up.

The aptly-named Hulk, who features wide in Scolari’s XI, will cause problems for back fours in the group stage, but when it comes to facing the globe’s tightest defences Zenit’s main man will have to silence some doubters if he is to perform at levels not yet witnessed on the world stage.

Neymar cannot go it alone; in 2002 Scolari had Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Kaka to rely on. If Brazil’s golden-boy is not firing on all cylinders it will be Chelsea duo Willian and Oscar tasked as the creative force.

The hosts get the tournament underway tonight, Thursday, when they entertain Croatia in Sao Paulo, where Luka Modric and co are more than capable of causing an upset.

Champions League winner Modric is joined in central midfield by Barcelona-bound Ivan Rakitic, while Niko Kovac’s side also boast talent at top European clubs in Inter’s Mateo Kovacic and Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic.

Brazil’s defence, however, is more reminiscent of their last success. Flying full-backs Dani Alves and Marcelo are at least similar in style to Cafu and Roberto Carlos.

With Paris St Germain trio Maxwell, Thiago Silva and new signing David Luiz, along with the La Liga pair and Bundesliga-winner Dante, Scolari could be forgiven for going on the defensive.

Not by fans of the host nation, mind, who will expect the Seleção to fly out of the blocks come 9pm, just after Brazilian-born Croatia forward Eduardo has finished singing both national anthems.

Another Brazilian forward former Chelsea boss Scolari will be without is Diego Costa, rest assured the Atletico Madrid powerhouse will not be displaying any allegiances to the country of his birth during this tournament.

Winning an unlikely La Liga medal and reaching the Champions League final under Argentine boss Diego Simeone, Costa played two friendly fixtures for Brazil last year before committing to Spain and, if fit, could lead them to successive triumphs.

Much has been made of South American countries prospering in tournaments on their own continent, but the reigning champions have almost been ignored this time around and brag an embarrassment of riches in every position.

Some of the players left out of Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad include Premier League winners Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, while Juventus’ Fernando Llorente also remained at home.

Three who would arguably walk into any other squad at the tournament.

Spain have to navigate a tricky group, opening their title defence against Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands outfit, before clashes with Chile and Australia.

But a large majority of that Spanish squad have been there, done it, got the World Cup winner’s t-shirt.

Should they stumble in the opener with Robin van Persie and co, they could face Brazil in the Round of 16 – if not, it would make a cracking final.

Perhaps the reverse of the Brazilians this time around, Argentina are devastating going forward but with question marks at the back.

In a group containing Nigeria, Bosnia and Iran, any of Aguero, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain or Angel Di Maria should fancy a shot at the Golden Boot.

And with a relatively straightforward run to the semi-final, it could be time for Barcelona ace Messi to fuel the Maradona comparisons and magic his way to La Albiceleste’s first World Cup since Diego did it himself in 1986.

Of course, you can never write off the Germans, while France go into the tournament as the form side and the Belgians are an emerging force, but for now Spain will reign again and Brazil, with the hopes of a nation resting heavily on their Samba shoulders, will falter.