The World Cup favorite and host nation has set its 23 man roster to take the country to the promised land. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari announced his squad in Rio de Janeiro and the event was broadcast throughout the country.
Scolari’s side will return 16 players that were on the team that won last year’s Confederations Cup, beating Spain 3-0 in the final.
There weren’t many surprises on the 23 man list. The team is sprinkled with young and experienced players and will be led by 22 year-old phenom Neymar.
Neymar introduced himself to the world in last years Confederations Cup, and Brazilians hope he keeps the field chasing. (Photo: Tania Rego | Wikipedia Commons)
The starting lineup will likely be the same as the Confederation Cup’s starting 11, which will have Fred and Hulk joining Neymar in the attack. Oscar will feed the attack in the midfield, with Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho providing support to the back line.
Brazil’s starting four defenders could be the best in the tournament this summer. Captain Thiago Silva will anchor the middle with Chelsea center back David Luiz, while Dani Alves and Marcelo handle the flanks. Long time goalkeeper Julio Cesar will round out the 11.
"I don't think this lack of World Cup experience will play a big part," Scolari said. "Our players have been gaining experience in their leagues in Europe, and I don't think they will be affected by this too much, although in certain World Cup situations, having that experience would be important. But I fully trust these players."
Former Brazilian stars such as Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho were left off the team.
This young squad didn’t have much of a problem cruising through the Confederations Cup and, with Neymar at the helm, anything less than winning the World Cup will be a disappointment.
"The young players create a great environment and they enjoy what they do," Scolari told the media. "Sometimes it is easier to work with them than with the more experienced players."
The squad has six players from teams in England, four from Brazil, three from Italy and Spain, two each from France and Germany and one from the MLS, Russia and Ukraine.
Brazil will meet on May 26th and will play two warm-up friendlies against Panama and Serbia before starting their World Cup campaign against Croatia in São Paulo on June 12. Mexico and Cameroon round out the rest of the group.
The squad in full:
Brazil have named their squad for the upcoming friendly against South Africa. Fernandinho gets a call up. pic.twitter.com/KHjY9Z0Yfv
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) February 11, 2014
Goalkeepers: Júlio César (Toronto FC), Jéfferson (Botafogo), Victor (Grêmio).
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli).
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham), Ramires (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Hernanes (Internazionale), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk).
Forwards: Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Barcelona), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Jô (Atlético Mineiro).
