World Cup 2018: Brazil team profile
Wednesday 23 May 2018 10:19, UK
From fixtures and fun facts to the key men, all you need to know about Brazil ahead of this summer's World Cup.
Manager: Tite
Star man: Neymar - The PSG forward faces a race to be fit for the World Cup, but will be desperate to feature after missing the damaging 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in 2014 through injury.
How they qualified: Topped the South American standings, becoming the first nation to join hosts Russia after an impressive campaign. Ended the 18-match group stage with 12 wins and just one defeat.
History: The most successful nation with five World Cup titles. Brazil have also finished runners-up twice in 1950 and 1998, having featured in all 20 tournaments since its inception in 1930. Have progressed from the initial group stage on each occasion from 1970 onwards.
Fun fact: The only side to feature at every World Cup, Brazil are also the last side to have successfully defended their title - winning in 1958 and 1962.
Best World Cup moment: Older football fans wax lyrical over Brazil's 1970 World Cup side, and their crowning moment came in last moments of the final against Italy, when Carlos Alberto rounded off a fine team move to seal a 4-1 win. It's regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
Player you've never heard of: Pedro Geromel - The Gremio centre-back has just two caps for Brazil but earned a surprise call-up after impressing in their Copa Libertadores victory.
Kit: Home - yellow, Away - royal blue.
Group E fixtures: Switzerland (7pm, June 17, Group E), Costa Rica (1pm, June 22, St Petersburg), Serbia (7pm, June 27, Moscow)
