Brazil dispatched Austria 3-0 at the Ernst Happel Stadion today, with Neymar scoring a wonder goal and lasting 84 minutes. Brazilian fans will be confident in Brazil’s chances after the national team defeated Austria, Croatia and Germany in their last three games. Neymar, who has been injured since PSG’s defeat in Madrid, has been firing on all cylinders.

With Neymar back in shape, the Brazilian attack looks very menacing. Gabriel Jesus, Willian, Coutinho, Firmino, Douglas Costa. Those are names anybody would want on their teamsheet. A solid midfield with Paulinho, Fernandinho  and Casemiro also catches the eye. Alisson and Ederson Moraes are very capable goalkeepers and whoever is picked to start should perform to the level Selecao fans demand.

The only hiccup in the Brazil team is the defence. While Marcelo has been dazzling this season in the Champions League, Thiago Silva has had a so-so season. The young French prospect Kimpembe has looked more at ease in the PSG back four than the Brazilian veteran. The injury of Dani Alves was a big blow for Tite. He now has to rely on Danilo as right-back, a player who was barely able to get game time from Kyle Walker at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola even preferred midfielder Fabian Delph at left back instead of Danilo. If Marquinhos and Marcelo rise to the occasion in Russia, they could still keep that Brazil defence from re-experiencing the trauma of the 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany 4 years ago.

This Brazil team can win a record 6th World Cup.

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Photo by Fauzan Saari on Unsplash