Running down the weaknesses of the 4 World Cup favorites

#3 Brazil

Croatia v Brazil - International Friendly

The Brazilians arguably have the best side in the FIFA World Cup, heading into Russia. With the riches of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Willian, Douglas Costa, Roberto Firmino and new Manchester United signing Fred in the side, they will be a tough nut to crack. But weaknesses exist in every side. They existed in Pep Guardiola’s great Barcelona side and they exist in this one too.

The attacking riches can’t be doubted, but the manner in which first-choice full-backs operate can be bad for a side that was destroyed 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup. The team has changed quite a bit since then, but the manner in which the fullbacks bomb forward can leave a lot of space behind them for the two centre-halves to cover up. This leaves spaces in the half-spaces of a defence and can be exposed massively if the opposition press high up the pitch.

Although, Brazil have dazzled to quite an extent in the lead up to the World Cup, sometimes it can be a case of too many cooks spoil the broth. The talent that Tite has to deploy on the pitch has to chosen carefully, especially in a tournament as big as the World Cup. Neymar is undoubtedly a superstar- a much-needed hope. But he can sometimes cut a frustrating figure.

He can beg for fouls, dive and do acts that only rile up his annoyance. Tite has to make sure that the Paris Saint-Germain keeps hold of his temper and doesn’t lose himself when things aren’t going right.