Midfield
Despite Paulinho’s indifferent first season at White Hart Lane, Luiz Felipe Scolari has assured the midfielder that he remains firmly etched in his plans and is a guaranteed starter in the World Cup. The midfield combination of Gustavo and Paulinho has been Scolari’s first choice in the build up to the showpiece event, with Gustavo’s industry complementing Paulinho’s running and passing ability.
Gustavo provides the centre backs with some additional protection and covers for Marcelo when the full back makes one of his darts down the left. And he keeps the play ticking with his passing.
Gustavo’s quarterback role allows Paulinho the freedom to move into attack in the box-to-box midfielder role. Paulinho is the midfield distributor in the Brazil team and so often the link between the back four and the attack. He would be expected to make his trademark runs into the box and chip in with one or two vital goals. Remember the volleyed shot that neutralized Wayne Rooney’s wonder goal at the Maracana last summer against England?
Chelsea star Oscar is the undisputed contender for the No. 10 role and will play behind the front man. While his interchanges with Neymar and Hulk will be a treat to watch, don’t be surprised if he drops a little deeper to spray one of those diagonal balls for Alves or Marcelo pushing on.
Forwards
While Hulk (reportedly, an Arsenal target) has failed to reproduce his stunning form for Porto in Zenit colors, Hulk cutting in from the right and shooting with that venomous left foot is a sight of nightmares for opposition defenders. And he chips in with his fair share of defensive work.
Neymar was ignored for the 2010 World Cup but at only 22, he has the opportunity to elevate himself from a superstar to legendary status if he can lead the Samba boys to glory on their home turf. Easily Brazil’s best player, Neymar will be expected not only to create the chances but also don the hat of a finisher. The move to Barcelona would have given him some much needed experience of playing in one of the top leagues and whether he can live up to the expectations will be a question that only the next few weeks will answer.
Fred will be leading the line for the boys in yellow. The Fluminese frontman holds the ball up and brings the likes of Oscar and Neymar into the game and provides Brazil with a presence in the box. And he does have a finish in his armoury, so don’t be surprised if Fred is in the running for the Golden Boot come the business end of the tournament.
Cesar
Alves Silva Luiz Marcelo
Gustavo Paulinho
Oscar
Hulk Fred Neymar