Brazil are the most successful international team in world football and will be hoping to celebrate their sixth FIFA World Cup when they travel to Russia in the summer. The proud nation will be desperate to bounce back in style after their 7-1 humiliation to Germany on their own patch four years ago that still haunts them to this day.
Whilst redemption won’t be complete until they lift the trophy, everything Brazil have done since that day has been brilliant and they justifiably head to Russia as favourites. Here at Open Odds we will detail exactly why they are the favoured World Cup 2018 participant, look at all the Brazil betting odds and highlight who makes the World Cup 2018 Brazil team so dangerous.
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Brazil prediction: How well will they do?
Brazil were first seeds for the World Cup draw but even with that advantage they will have been delighted with the draw they were given. They will face Costa Rica, Serbia and Switzerland in Group E and whilst they are decent enough sides the reality is that Brazil fans will already be looking ahead to the last 16 as they should qualify from this group as winners and with relative ease.
Unfortunately for punters, this is reflected in the prices and Brazil are as short as 2/7 to progress as group winners so there’s no real point in us tipping that. The importance of wining the group won’t be lost on the Brazilians either, with the runners up of Group E likely to face Germany in the last 16, so finishing first will be a priority for both countries so they avoid each other.
Therefore, we will look further down the competition for Brazil. The last 16 should be another relatively straightforward tie and that’s when the serious games will happen for Tite’s men. Given the quality they have on show, you can only get 5/2 on Brazil to reach the final with Ladbrokes but it does look a very strong bet given the way they’ve played in the past 18 months.
If that is the safety bet, we also have to tip Brazil to win the World Cup as well at 9/2 with William Hill. There look very few weaknesses in this Brazil side and they are as well-equipped as any to lift the trophy. For the bigger punters out there, another bet that will certainly appeal is Brazil to be the top South American team, which is 11/8 with Bet Victor. Argentina could run that close but the reality is they will be reliant on Lionel Messi and against the bigger sides they just aren’t anywhere near good enough as a team, particularly defensively. Therefore, we have little doubt that Brazil will be the top South American side, if not number one in the world.
Brazil to reach the final – 5/2 – Ladbrokes
Brazil to win the World Cup – 9/2 – William Hill
Brazil to be top South American side – 11/8 – Bet Victor
Journey to the World Cup — Who did Brazil beat to qualify?
A key reason for Brazil heading to Russia as favourites is their magnificent qualifying campaign. For those of you that don’t know, the CONMEBOL South American section is ridiculously tough, with four automatically qualifying and a fifth earning a shot in the play-offs. Yet, there are several quality teams in South America and Chile’s failure to quality, the Copa America holders, should demonstrate just how tough it is.
As well as that, Argentina needed a hat-trick from Messi on the final matchday to book their place in Russia. But, whilst this was happening, Brazil were already thinking of the World Cup after a tremendous campaign. They topped the section by a massive ten points, winning 12 of their 18 games and losing just once. It was a real statement of intent from the Brazilians after their World Cup 2014 exit.
Best players for Brazil: Who should you be betting on?
The iconic Brazil number ten shirt will be worn by a player fitting of it this summer with Neymar expected to light up the tournament. Worryingly, he has been out of action since the end of February with a broken foot however he is believed to be making steady progress that will ensure he is well rested and ready ahead of the World Cup which could be his defining moment as a player.
His form at PSG was outstanding prior to his injury and whilst that isn’t the highest standard, he has also delivered for Brazil who have built the side around him. Therefore, Neymar has be under consideration to win the Golden Boot. He will have little defensive responsibilities and they could hit up some big scores given the favourable group they’ve been drawn in. Additionally, their likelihood to progress to the latter stages means he will play more games than most.
At 12/1 with William Hill he is well worth a bet to be outright top scorer and a more risk-free option would be to go with him at 1/1 to be Brazil’s top scorer at Bet Victor. There are plenty of stars around him, with Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus among those sure to chip in but there’s also a solidity in the midfield designed to give Neymar a platform to showcase his undoubted ability. Brazil are by no means a one man team but if they are to win a sixth World Cup, the PSG man will be influential.
Who manages Brazil?
Tite took over the national team in 2016 and has enjoyed a fantastic two years in charge, winning the vast majority of his games. The 56-year old has had an eventful career that has seen him coach several Brazilian sides as well as in the UAE but he really shone at Corinthians in the past few years before getting the Brazil job.
Since taking over, he has created a real team ethic, bringing in some unheralded players to ensure they work well as a collective. He has shored up the defence, which is now arguably the best in the world, and got the best out of Neymar going forward. Tite’s Brazil are as solid as they are stylish and he deserves huge credit for transforming them since taking over.
Why bet on Brazil?
Quite simply, this is a Brazil side that has very few weaknesses. The injury to Dani Alves has created one slight problem but other than that they look to have everything covered. In goal they have Roma’s Alisson who has established himself as one of the best on the planet and their defence has real quality.
The midfield is solid and capable on the ball whilst the star men are up top, led by Neymar. They also have depth, demonstrated by the fact Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is unlikely to start in Russia. Brazil are ready to make up for four years ago and their first title since 2002 looks a real possibility.
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