Brazil's 2018 World Cup Squad: The Chosen Ones

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a huge deal, and everyone was super curious about who would make the cut for the Brazilian national team. Getting picked for the Seleção is a massive honor, a dream for almost every Brazilian footballer. In this article, we're diving deep into the squad that represented Brazil in Russia, reliving the excitement and analyzing the team that carried the hopes of a nation.

The Road to Russia: Expectations and Preparations

Before we jump into the names, let's set the stage. The Brazilian national team had a lot of pressure on them heading into the 2018 World Cup. After a disappointing performance on home soil in 2014, where they were knocked out in the semi-finals, redemption was the only acceptable outcome. The team needed to rebuild and come back stronger, and a lot of that fell on the shoulders of their coach, Tite.

Tite took over in 2016 and brought a sense of stability and tactical intelligence that had been missing. His approach was all about balance – blending the flair and creativity Brazil is famous for with a solid defensive structure. Qualification for the 2018 World Cup was smooth, and Brazil became one of the first teams to secure their spot. This early qualification allowed Tite ample time to experiment with different formations and player combinations, ensuring that by the time the tournament rolled around, the team was as prepared as possible.

The expectations were sky-high, guys. Brazil is always a favorite, and with a squad boasting some of the world’s best players, anything less than winning the whole thing would be seen as a failure. The pre-tournament friendlies were closely watched, and every player was under the microscope. The coaching staff worked hard to shield the players from unnecessary pressure, emphasizing the importance of taking each game one step at a time. They focused on building team chemistry and making sure everyone was on the same page, both on and off the field. Ultimately, the goal was to create a cohesive unit capable of handling the immense pressure that comes with representing Brazil on the world stage.

The Final 23: A Deep Dive into the Squad

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – the players who made the final cut. Tite had some tough decisions to make, with so much talent available. Here's a breakdown of the squad that represented Brazil at the 2018 World Cup:

Goalkeepers

• Alisson Becker: At the time, Alisson was making waves with Roma in Italy. His shot-stopping ability and command of the area made him the undisputed number one. He was seen as a reliable and calming presence between the posts.
• Ederson: Playing for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, Ederson brought exceptional distribution skills to the team. His ability to launch quick counter-attacks with his long throws and precise passes was a valuable asset.
• Cássio: A veteran goalkeeper from Corinthians, Cássio provided experience and depth to the squad. He was a respected figure in Brazilian football and a solid backup option.

Defenders

• Marcelo: The Real Madrid left-back was known for his attacking flair and incredible technique. His ability to bomb forward and deliver dangerous crosses made him a constant threat down the left flank.
• Filipe Luís: Another experienced left-back, Filipe Luís from Atlético Madrid, offered defensive solidity and tactical awareness. His experience was crucial in balancing Marcelo's attacking tendencies.
• Thiago Silva: A leader at the back, Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain brought a wealth of experience and organizational skills to the defense. His partnership with Miranda was a cornerstone of Brazil's defensive strength.
• Miranda: Playing for Inter Milan, Miranda was a tough and uncompromising defender. His no-nonsense approach and aerial ability made him a formidable opponent for any striker.
• Marquinhos: Also from Paris Saint-Germain, Marquinhos was a versatile defender capable of playing in multiple positions. His speed and intelligence made him an important asset.
• Danilo: The Manchester City right-back provided defensive stability and work rate. He was a reliable option who could also contribute in attack.
• Fagner: Playing for Corinthians, Fagner was a solid and dependable right-back. His consistency and defensive awareness earned him a spot in the squad.

Midfielders

• Casemiro: The Real Madrid defensive midfielder was the anchor of the team. His ability to break up plays, win tackles, and shield the defense was crucial to Brazil's balance.
• Paulinho: Playing in China for Guangzhou Evergrande, Paulinho brought energy and dynamism to the midfield. His box-to-box ability and knack for scoring goals made him a valuable asset.
• Renato Augusto: Another player from the Chinese Super League (Beijing Guoan), Renato Augusto offered creativity and composure in midfield. His passing range and tactical awareness were important for controlling the tempo of games.
• Philippe Coutinho: At the time with Barcelona, Coutinho was one of Brazil's most creative players. His dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score from long range made him a constant threat.
• Willian: The Chelsea winger was known for his work rate, dribbling, and ability to deliver crosses. His versatility and experience made him a valuable option.
• Fred: Playing for Shakhtar Donetsk at the time, Fred was a dynamic midfielder with good passing and tackling skills. He was seen as a player with a lot of potential.
• Fernandinho: The Manchester City midfielder provided experience and versatility. His ability to play in multiple positions and his tactical intelligence made him a valuable asset.

Forwards

• Neymar: The star of the team, Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, carried the hopes of a nation. His dribbling skills, goal-scoring ability, and creativity made him one of the most exciting players in the world.
• Gabriel Jesus: The Manchester City striker was a hardworking and energetic forward. His pressing, movement, and goal-scoring ability made him a key part of the attack.
• Roberto Firmino: Playing for Liverpool, Firmino brought a unique blend of creativity, work rate, and goal-scoring ability. His versatility and intelligence made him a valuable asset.
• Douglas Costa: The Juventus winger was known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to deliver crosses. His explosiveness made him a dangerous option off the bench.
• Taison: Playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, Taison was a versatile forward with good dribbling and finishing skills. He provided depth to the squad.

Key Absences and Controversial Choices

No squad selection is without its share of debate, and Tite's choices for the 2018 World Cup were no exception. Some notable absences sparked considerable discussion among fans and pundits. One of the most talked-about omissions was Alex Sandro, the Juventus left-back, who many believed deserved a spot over Filipe Luís due to his superior form at the time. Similarly, the exclusion of Lucas Moura, who was having a strong season with Tottenham Hotspur, left some questioning Tite's preference for more defensively-minded players.

Another controversial choice was the inclusion of Taison, a relatively unknown player outside of Brazil, over more established names. While Taison offered versatility and a strong work ethic, some felt that a more experienced player could have provided greater impact off the bench. The decision to bring Renato Augusto, who was playing in the Chinese Super League, also raised eyebrows. Despite his undeniable talent, concerns were raised about the level of competition he was facing in China compared to players in Europe's top leagues.

These choices highlighted the difficult balancing act that Tite faced in selecting his squad. He had to weigh experience against potential, defensive solidity against attacking flair, and club form against international pedigree. Ultimately, he opted for a blend of established stars and hardworking players who he believed could execute his tactical vision effectively.

Brazil's Performance in the 2018 World Cup

So, how did this star-studded squad actually perform in Russia? Brazil started their World Cup campaign with a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they struggled to break down a well-organized Swiss defense. The game was marred by controversial refereeing decisions, adding to the frustration of Brazilian fans.

In their second match, Brazil faced Costa Rica and secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory with two late goals. The pressure was mounting, and the team needed a win to boost their confidence. The goals came in stoppage time, relieving the tension and securing a crucial three points.

The final group stage match saw Brazil defeat Serbia 2-0, securing their place as group winners. The team played with more fluidity and confidence, showcasing their attacking prowess. The victory set up a Round of 16 clash against Mexico.

Against Mexico, Brazil delivered a dominant performance, winning 2-0 and advancing to the quarter-finals. Neymar was the star of the show, scoring one goal and creating another. The team looked to be hitting their stride, and hopes were high for a deep run in the tournament.

However, Brazil's journey came to an end in the quarter-finals against Belgium. In a thrilling encounter, Belgium defeated Brazil 2-1, ending their World Cup dreams. Despite a late rally, Brazil couldn't overcome Belgium's strong defense and clinical counter-attacks. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the players and fans alike.

Analysis and Key Takeaways

Looking back at Brazil's 2018 World Cup campaign, several key factors contributed to their performance. While the team possessed immense talent and individual brilliance, they sometimes struggled to translate that into consistent team performances. The pressure of expectations weighed heavily on the players, and at times, they appeared to be playing with a sense of anxiety.

Tite's tactical approach was generally solid, but some questioned his in-game management and substitutions. There were moments when the team seemed to lack a clear Plan B when their initial strategy wasn't working. The over-reliance on Neymar was also a concern. While he was undoubtedly a world-class player, the team sometimes struggled when he was marked out of the game.

Despite the disappointment of not winning the tournament, there were positives to take away from Brazil's performance. The team showed resilience and determination, and they played with a sense of pride and passion. The emergence of players like Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus as key contributors was also encouraging for the future.

Where Are They Now? Updates on Key Players

So, what are some of the key players from Brazil's 2018 World Cup squad up to now?

• Alisson Becker: Still the undisputed number one for Liverpool and Brazil, continuing to showcase his world-class goalkeeping abilities.
• Thiago Silva: After a successful spell with Chelsea, he is back in Brazil playing for Fluminense.
• Casemiro: Moved from Real Madrid to Manchester United, bringing his defensive prowess to the Premier League.
• Neymar: After spending some years at PSG, he now plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
• Gabriel Jesus: Still with Arsenal, playing as a key part of the team.

Many other players from the squad continue to play at the highest levels of club football around the world, representing Brazil with pride.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity, But Lessons Learned

The 2018 World Cup was ultimately a missed opportunity for Brazil. Despite having a talented squad and a well-respected coach, they fell short of their ultimate goal. However, the experience provided valuable lessons for the players and the coaching staff. It highlighted the importance of team cohesion, tactical flexibility, and mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. While the pain of defeat lingered, it also served as motivation to come back stronger in future tournaments. For Brazilian fans, the dream of a sixth World Cup title continues, fueled by the hope that the next generation of players can learn from the past and bring glory back to the Seleção.