Brazil route to FIFA World Cup Final: Can the Samba Boys clinch sixth title in Qatar?

2022-12-05
4 min read
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It's been 20 years since Ronaldo struck twice in Yokohoma and Cafu lifted Brazil's fifth World Cup. Immortality awaits a new generation if they can bring home the sixth.

The World Cup's most successful nation came to Qatar as favourites, boasting a squad packed with dazzling talents, battle-harden veterans and superstar quality.

After three painful quarterfinal exits and a semifinal humiliation on home soil in 2014, Brazilians are expecting Neymar and his colleagues to restore former glories.

After winning Group G, the Selecao welcomed back Neymar from injury before demolishing South Korea 4-1 in the last 16. Can they go all the way?

MORE: World Cup bracket 2022: Updated live through FIFA knockout stage

Group G FIFA World Cup 2022

Although Brazil avoided any of their major rivals in their Group G draw, Switzerland, Serbia and Cameroon were not to be underestimated. The Indomitable Lions sprung a shock by winning 1-0 in the final group match, albeit against an already qualified and much-changed Brazil.

That aside, though, Alisson was given an armchair ride as they poured forward in the opening game against Serbia. Brazil's forwards took their time to get into a rhythm but when they did, Richarlison stole the show. His double, including a stunning bicycle-kick, sealed victory. 

Looming over the result was Neymar's injury. Brazil's golden boy was targeted with rough tackles and eventually made way in the 80th minute. He was spotted in tears post-match, nursing a badly swollen ankle. 

Casemiro's late drive snatched all three points against Switzerland after a tight match.

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Brazil vs South Korea

In a statement performance, Vinicius, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta were all on target before halftime, along with the returning Neymar, who netted a 13th-minute penalty.

South Korea were totally overwhelmed, long before substitute Paik Seung-ho netted a fine consolation.

Brazil vs Croatia

Croatia are up next for Tite's side after winning a penalty shootout against Japan prior to Brazil's dismantling of South Korea.

That game finished 1-1 as Zlatko Dalic's men imitated their run to the 2018 World Cup final, where all of their knockout games went the distance.

Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in the opening game of the 2014 tournament, with Neymar scoring twice.

Brazil vs Argentina or Netherlands

A blockbuster semi-final against eternal rivals Argentina is on the cards, with Lionel Messi aiming to win the World Cup in what looks sure to be his final tilt at the big prize.

It would be the first World Cup finals meeting between Brazil and Argentina since the last 16 in 1990, when Claudio Caniggia scored the only goal in Turin.

The Albiceleste must first beat the Netherlands, who share a rich World Cup history with Brazil. The Selecao have won one, drawn one and lost three of their meetings with the Oranje at the tournament.

The drawn 1998 semifinal did end with Brazil progressing to the World Cup final on penalties, while their most recent defeat was in the 2014 third-place playoff. A 2010 quarterfinal loss, when a Wesley Sneijder brace overturned Robinho's early opener, cut far deeper.

Brazil's run could look something like this: Last 16 vs South Korea, quarterfinals vs Croatia, semifinals vs Argentina/Netherlands, final vs England, France, Morocco or Portugal.

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