Each day between May 10 and the day before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11, FoxSoccer.com analyst Jamie Trecker will preview each of the 32 teams playing in South Africa and tell you everything you need to know about each nation represented at the world's greatest sporting event.
Country: Brazil
Nickname: The "Seleçao" ("Selection") or “Os Canarinhos” (“The Little Canaries”) or “The Golden Boys”
Brazil is by far the largest and most populous country in South America and ranks as the fifth-largest nation in the world. Colonized and ruled by Portugal in the 1500s, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. Ruled by the military until 1985, Brazil is today one of the world's largest democracies and markets.
The country is influential on the world stage, but has some entrenched problems. Poverty is endemic -- some 45 million people are below the poverty line and it is estimated that 30% of the country cannot read or write -- with vast slums teeming in and around Rio De Janeiro; economic growth has stagnated; and large areas of the interior rainforest, sometimes referred to as the “lungs” of the planet, have been rapidly disappearing due to urban sprawl, deforestation and pollution. That said, Brazil has the planet's eighth-largest economy and has been making reforms.
A multi-ethnic society with roots in Europe (Portugal, Spain, Poland, Italy and Germany), Japan, Africa and the indigenous Indian tribes of the Americas, Brazil is best known worldwide for the accomplishments of its national soccer team. Soccer is the top sport in the country, and Brazilian players stock leagues around the world.
Brazil is also home to the man considered the best player to ever play the sport. Pele guided the national team to three World Cup titles and was part of the famous 1970 team that is considered the best side ever assembled. Pele became the youngest player to win a World Cup in 1958 when, at 17, he scored two goals in the final to lead Brazil past Sweden, 5-2. Pele also popularized the game in the United States with his tenure at the New York Cosmos of the now-defunct NASL.
The Brazilians are the favorite to win the Cup. They are also attempting to put their best foot forward as hosts of the upcoming 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
PAST WORLD CUP SUCCESS: Brazil is the only country to have qualified for every single World Cup. It has won the most titles -- five, most recently by defeating Germany in the final of the 2002 tournament in Tokyo. They also are the only nation to ever retire a World Cup trophy. After their third victory (in 1970), the Jules Rimet trophy was given to Brazil.
REGIONAL SUCCESS: Brazil are eight-time winners of the Copa America and three-time Confederations Cup winners, including the most recent edition, when they beat the U.S. 3-2 in the final after trailing 2-0.
LEAGUE OVERVIEW: Brazil plays soccer nearly year-round, with an exhausting series of regional, state championships that precede the Brasiliero, the 24-team marathon national championship. Corinthians are the current champions. Other top teams include Atletico Mineiro, Internacional of Porto Alegre, Gremio, Cruzeiro, Flamengo, Sao Paolo, Vasco and Palmeiras. Santos is little supported according to polls, but is famed as the home club of world star Pele.
MANAGER: Dunga. Talk about a thankless job. No matter who coaches Brazil, they're instantly despised. The entire country is convinced to a man that they could do a better job. Dunga's good, too. He won the Copa America and the Confed Cup with this squad, and is the odds-on favorite to win this Cup. Doesn't matter.
KEY PLAYERS: The depth of talent on the team is pretty remarkable, and virtually every guy is a household name. Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio starred for European Cup champions Inter Milan, and have been instrumental in that team's defense-first approach (who says Brazilians can't defend?). Dani Alves is huge for Barcelona, Kaka has had an injury-plagued year at Real Madrid but is still one of the top riflemen, and Robinho (Santos) is Robinho. Keep an eye on Grafite. He's been tearing it up at Wolfsburg alongside Josue. He could be the breakout star.
FIFA RANKINGS: 1st. Highest is, obviously, 1st. Lowest was 8th (for one grim month in 1993, after which they were promptly No. 1 again).
FIRST ROUND OPPONENTS: Cote d’Ivoire, Portugal, North Korea.
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST COTE D’IVOIRE: This will be Brazil's first meeting with the West Africans.
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST NORTH KOREA: The Hermit Kingdom has never played Brazil.
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST PORTUGAL: Early and often, as you'd expect. In their 18 matches -- dating back to 1956 -- Brazil has dominated, winning 12 times with just four losses. However, in the one World Cup meeting, back in 1966, the Ports beat Brazil 3-1 in the first round. More recently, Brazil whipped Portugal 6-2 at Gama in an exhibition.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED: With ease and grace. They pummeled the competition in South America, qualifying early with a 3-1 thumping of Argentina in Roasario. The only shock was a 2-0 loss to Paraguay (who aren't bad) and a loss to Bolivia, after they'd already sealed the deal.
PERCENTAGE CHANCE TO PROGRESS: 100%. They're likely to win it all.
TO WATCH: What's not to watch? These guys play some of the most beautiful football on the planet. Pull up a chair and make some popcorn.
ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham), Doni (AS Roma)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kleberson (Flamengo), Julio Baptista (AS Roma)
Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (Santos), Grafite (Wolfsburg)
TOMORROW'S TEAM: Italy
