World Cup Group Winner Predictions - Brazil the Safest Bet Overall in Lacklustre Group C
It wouldn’t be a World Cup if we weren’t asking - can Brazil win it this time? It’s been 24 years since Brazil lifted the trophy for a 5th time, but before we get to the all-important knockout stages, Brazil have to get safely out of Group C.
Thankfully for Brazil fans, the ultimate humiliation of a group-stage elimination seems unlikely. Here’s why.
Who Is in World Cup Group C?
Brazil are easily the favourites to progress as winners from their group. Bookies are offering odds as short as 1/6 for a Brazil group stage win. While nothing is set in stone in a World Cup and upsets are inevitable, here’s why Brazil are such heavy favourites.
Brazil
The legend of free-flowing, trick-shot Brazilian football still permeates football nostalgia, but at this point, that’s all it is - nostalgia. Brazil still produces dazzling players, but arguably no more than other top sides like Spain or France. However, that’s not to say that Brazil are a spent force.
The side has become more pragmatic, especially since the infamous 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014 at their home tournament in Belo Horizonte. It’s not an exaggeration to say that that demolition job affected the Brazilian national psyche, certainly as far as football goes. The fans are less interested in glowing performances now than simply restoring the country to its place at the top of the football pyramid. They have the players to achieve that.
Haiti
Haiti enter their first World Cup as the heaviest of underdogs. They qualified at the top of their group, but winning a point against any opponent would be a major achievement for the Central American nation. Brazil will fully expect to sweep past Haiti.
Morocco
Morocco are the reigning CAF holders after Senegal’s claim to have won was overturned. We don’t need to unpack that debacle here, but suffice to say Morocco are one of Africa’s strongest teams and will fancy their chances of finishing second or even topping Group C.
Fans looking for a long-odds bet might consider choosing Morocco for Group C winners. While Brazil are favourites for a good reason, a 7-point tie at the top of the group with the winner going through on goal difference is not unfeasible. The two will play in the group’s opening game at the Metlife Stadium in New York - it’s possibly the most important game of the group, so don’t miss it.
Scotland
Scotland qualified as European group winners for their first World Cup since 1998, and you can expect the Tartan Army to turn out in force along with support from the large Scottish diaspora in the USA and Canada. While it’s a big ask for Scotland to progress beyond the group stage, if Morocco perform poorly, they could be in with a chance. However, Brazil will expect to win this game comfortably, and Scotland will likely find it more uncomfortable playing in the muggy Miami heat.
Why Brazil Are Heavy Favourites for Group C
Barring an upset against Morocco, Brazil have by far the most talent in their squad of the teams in Group C. They also have a habit of sweeping the group stages - Brazil have not been eliminated at this stage for 60 years. Finally, they’re managed by Carlo Ancelotti, arguably the greatest knockout tournament manager in the game.
What Difference Can Ancelotti Make?
Carlo Ancelotti is the first foreign coach ever to lead the Brazilian national team. He’s well-regarded by the media, although failure to take Brazil far will change that very quickly.
Ancelotti’s experience in getting the most out of Real Madrid’s notoriously fractious dressing room will be essential in managing the bigger egos and sky-high expectations in the Brazil team. However, little has been proven so far, and this will be a major test even for the unflappable Italian.
How Far Could Brazil Go in the World Cup?
Brazil will be hoping that Alisson Becker returns from injury in time for the World Cup. The goalkeeper is Brazil’s first-choice keeper and arguably the best on the planet, and his presence would make a huge difference to Brazil’s prospects.
The attacking talents of Vinícius Júnior will be needed. Estêvão will likely miss the cup, which is a bitter blow, although it could be a good chance for Real Madrid youngster Endrick, who has shown flashes of brilliance on loan at Lyon, to make a name for himself. In defence, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães has had another superb season, and will likely partner with PSG’s Marquinhos to form a formidable partnership if both are fit.
There’s no reason that Brazil can’t go all the way. As with every four years, the nation is beginning to hold its collective breath.
