After all the build-up and anticipation, the World Cup will finally return in less than a month. During the build-up, Brazil was one of the names that continuously came up as favourites to win the World Cup. The Selecao have been on everyone’s lips and are tipped to win a sixth World Cup.

Brazil are the most successful nation in the World Cup. Having won this competition five times in the past and back-to-back in 1958 and 1962. They always come into this competition as favourites and have enough quality in their ranks.

In fact, in the last six editions of the World Cup, Brazil have won it once and finished runners-up once. They’ve been knocked out of the competition in the semi-finals once and quarter-final on three occasions. They’ve always qualified from their group and made it past the round of 16.

However, it’s been 20 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. They were trashed 7-1 by Germany at home in the semi-finals and, last time out, were beaten by a resilient Belgium side. Despite losing in the Copa America finals to Argentina last summer, Brazil can banish any ghost haunting them and win the World Cup.

The primary reason Brazil are favourite is because of the quality and depth of the team, especially in attack. The Selecao boasts the qualities of Neymar, Roberto Firnino, Vini Jr, Rodrygo, Antony, Raphinha, Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa and Gabriel Martinelli in attack. Although a few have struggled in the early parts of this season, they are all brilliant players on their day.

With these players at Tite’s disposal, it’s difficult to imagine a defence strong enough to subdue all these players together and individually. The biggest star among them is Neymar.

At 30, Neymar is nearing the end of his career and may have won more chance at going at it again if he doesn’t hang up his boot after this World Cup.