Are Brazil ready to finally return to the top of the world stage in Russia?

Recently having announced their 23-man roster, Brazil are ready to return to their dominating form of old in the upcoming World Cup in Russia.

4 years after the disappointment of the century at Rio 2014, Seleção Brasileira will look to bounce back and seek to capture glory for the first time in 16 long years. Brazil manager Tite will have a mostly healthy squad to work with, the only caveat being if superstar Neymar Jr. can return to full fitness in time.

That being said there won’t be any rush to bring back the PSG talisman, as Brazil’s Group E is viewed by many as one of the easier matchings, containing the likes of Costa Rica, Serbia, and Switzerland. The real task will be presented if/when they advance to the Round of 16 and on.

The original curators of the beautiful game are ready to embark on their long journey to the vastly different environment in Russia to reclaim their rightful spot on the throne. They are bringing a talented group of competitors, but the challenge of playing in such a different atmosphere will certainly influence their performance.

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As always, their true potential lies in their attacking influence, and with the likes Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, and Diego Costa as the primary front 3 they’ll be sure to inject a much-needed pace to the game.

The Brazilians are historically known for their individual one-on-one play, but as a collective they will be able to use the whole attacking third to swing the ball around and create space for those creative maestros to execute.

In previous competitions, Brazil have been known to utilize a pure striker and swing balls in from the wings, but this time they opted for the aforementioned Jesus and Liverpool front man Firmino. Both EPL representatives are known less for their aerial prowess and more for their technical ability with the ball at their feet.

They will look to play quickly in possession and should be lethal on the counter attack when the opportunity presents itself.

The midfield will likely boast a starting 3 of Casemiro, Paulinho, and Coutinho. Real Madrid man Casemiro will serve as the general sitting just in front of the defensive line and will need to bring physicality to the squad which otherwise is very technical and lacking thereof. The two Barcelona men will look to connect on their quest to push the pace and create space.

Thiago Silvia will be at the helm in the defense alongside fellow PSG teammate Marquinhos and flanked by two Los Blancos in Danilo and Marcelo. They will provide a more than capable backbone in front of either Alisson or Ederson as the Brazilians won’t want a repeat of the infamous semifinal against the Germans 4 years ago.

Next: England announces Russia World Cup 2018 squad

European powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Juventus, and Manchester City will all be living vicariously through Tite’s men this summer. Brazil are ready to get back on top and they will need to come out with a vengeance on the world stage.