After three Golden World Cups played between 1994 and 2002 in which Brazil collected two championships and a second place, the South American giant disappeared from the top spots of the planet’s main tournament for 12 years. Team Brazil, which was eliminated in consecutive quarterfinal rounds in 2006 and 2010, suffered its biggest humiliation at its own soil in the 2014 World Cup. Between the semifinal game and the third-place contest, the Brazilians allowed 10 goals and scored only one, being destroyed by Germany (7-1) and The Netherlands (3-0), respectively. 

Brazilian soccer recent struggles were not only related to results, but also to the quality of playing. The South American squad, which delighted the world during 50 years with its Jogo Bonito, also lost its attractive offensive style. A 2-6-2 attacking system with the wingbacks coming forward constantly was replaced with a defensive scheme that relied in size more than in inspiration.

This way Brazil stopped being Brazil, witnessing sadly how other nations, like Argentina, Germany and Spain fought for soccer’s world supremacy. 

To fix this awkward situation, Tite came from Corinthians to take the helm of Team Brazil in 2016. Since then things changed dramatically as proven in the qualifiers for Russia 2018. Brazil regained its precious style taking advantage of owning the two best wingbacks in the planet: Dani Alves and Marcelo. Neymar’s magic was joined on offense by Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho, who recently signed with FC Barcelona.

The attacking trio can become unstoppable for any defense in the world. This way the green and yellow squad dominated the South American tournament with ease, finishing at the top spot 10 points ahead of second place Uruguay, thanks to recording 12 wins, five ties and only one loss.  

Brazil will start the Russia 2018 World Cup in Group E flanked by Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia. Opponents do not seem easy, but the South Americans are clearly the favorites to finish first and avoid Germany, the top candidate to win Group F, in the round of 16. After more than a decade of horrible nightmares, Brazilian loyal fans have sweet dreams again, imaging their team lifting the World Cup for a record sixth time. There is no doubt fans’ arguments to reach their dream are very solid.