No one expects the sweet sounds of carnival to fill the streets of Yokohama after this year’s final but there really should be no limit to what the ultra-talented Brazilian squad can accomplish. Stifling proof: the starting 11 features Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu and Emerson–men who only need one name.
Brazilian soccer is still in a four-year slump, which began with their defeat to the French in the 1998 final. However, the sheer skill of the Brazilian stars will give them a chance to compete for the ultimate prize. Defender Roberto Carlos is among the world’s finest and will steady the back row. His dead ball skills and the enormous size of his thighs will intimidate opponents, and Brazil will once again be strong in the midfield and in the attack.