ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Brazil

Will be very interesting to see if Brazil have exercised the demons of the last World Cup and the debacle with Germany. They certainly seem to be making the right noises, topped the qualifying in record time, a settled squad, Neymar back to his best, a manager, Tite, who is prepared to let the players express themselves and coming into some decent form at the right time.

I’d expect them to canter in their group. Switzerland and Serbia are muck and Brazil will play some samba football putting them to the sword. Costa Rica might give them some game, but also wont have a chance of an upset. Nine points and lots of goals should see them ease into the second round where they might get to probably play Mexico. Belgium or even England in the last eight might be interesting but you would imagine that Brazil would edge them to make the semis. Might get France/Portugal/Spain in the semis to set up a possible final with Germany and a chance to really set the record straight. Now wouldn’t that be some final?

All eyes will be on Neymar, coming into the World Cup at 26 and in peak physical fitness, this really can his World Cup. I am also looking forward to seeing Liverpool ace, Roberto Firmino, and also Gabriel Jesus of Man City. Both players having great seasons in the EPL. Both the whole squad looks decent and although my heart skipped a beat when I saw the name Fred, rest assured it is a new younger Fred who plays in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, phew!

So I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this Brazilian team manage to win the thing, thanks to a Brazilian manager who seems to know what he is doing (unlike the previous few) and a team overloaded with skill and quality that are well determined to prove that 2016 was just a hiccup. A big chance.

Check out my chat with Seth Burkett, an ex professional footballer in Brazil and author of the well received book “The Boy in Brazil”, on Brazil’s chances in this World cup.