Dunga can lead austere Brazil to unprecedented glory
Published:While Spain come to terms with the novelty of being World Cup favourites, five-time winners Brazil have been conspicuous by their absence in most tips for this year’s tournament.
In the past, Brazil have often entered major competitions in disarray, but this year’s squad seems to be preparing with newfound professionalism and efficiency.
Already the most successful team in World Cup history, Brazil can win for an unprecedented sixth time, and they are irresistibly priced to do so at 9/2.
If they are triumphant, it will be the third time that they will have captured the Jules Rimet trophy in its current incarnation, and should this become reality, the cup will be Brazil’s forever.
Having resisted fervent demands from the Brazilian press and public to include the talented but disruptive Ronaldinho and Neymar, Dunga has demonstrated a calm independence which has allowed him to assemble a team based on balance and stability.
Indeed, perhaps uniquely for a nation famed for its tradition of flair and flamboyance, this team’s success is built on a solid defensive foundation.
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar and defenders Lucio and Maicon were integral parts of Inter Milan’s impregnable backline as the Italian club dominated this season, and Lucio will be particularly important in his role as captain.
In attack, meanwhile, Luis Fabiano has a formidable international record with 25 goals from his 36 caps, and the Sevilla striker is 7/4 to finish as Brazil’s top scorer, and 12/1 to claim the Golden Shoe.
This Brazilian team have also developed a very useful winning habit, exemplified when they won last year’s Confederations Cup.
Having qualified for South Africa comfortably, Brazil are unbeaten in four games, and they begin their World Cup preparations in earnest with a friendly match against Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
Who do you think will win the World Cup? Spain remain 7/2 favourites. See the full World Cup 2010 market.
