Brazil’s potential journey to the final

Brazil have been predicted to be the next winners of the FIFA World Cup, which would amount to their 6^th victory at the event. A look at their journey so far shows us that they qualified to the round of 16 which started on Dec 3 after delivering some impressive performances at the group stage.

Most matches at the knockout stage so far have been thrillers, which have gone to extra-time or penalties. In the group stage, Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 and Switzerland 1-0 in their opening 2 matches in Group G, and easily qualified to the knockout stage. They also ended their group run by displacing Switzerland for the top spot in the group, despite a loss to Cameroon, based on goal difference. Brazil then played against South Korea in their round of 16 game, which ended in a conclusive 4-1 victory for the South American team. Goals were scored by Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta.

Brazil next face Croatia in the quarterfinals, who were runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and have defeated Japan in their round of 16 match, over penalties. If Brazil further qualifies for the semis, they could potentially battle it out against archrivals Argentina or the Netherlands. Also, if Brazil qualify to the finals, they potentially face France, who are the defending champions, or Portugal who won the Euro championships in 2016.

Brazil’s impressive performances have come amidst widespread predictions of them being title contenders, and political tumult at home, with the recently presidential campaign having involved politicization of the national sport and its famed yellow jersey.