World Cup Preview - Brazil

Brazil

World Cup
Appearances 18 (First in 1930)
Best result Winners, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Copa América
Appearances 32 (First in 1916)
Best result Winners, 1919, 1922,
1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007
Confederations Cup
Appearances 6 (First in 1997)
Best result Winners, 1997, 2005, 2009

"The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it."

No nation has seen more success, then Brazil with five World Cup championships and the only team to play in every World Cup. In every competition, Brazil must be considered a favorite. The golden era of Brazilian football began in 1958 through 1970, in which Pele helped the team win three World Cups in that period. After a 24 year dry spell, Brazil returned to the winners circle in 1994, finished second in 1998 and won the 2002 cup.
Brazil will be playing in the tough Group G along with the Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal.

Current Preliminary Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).