“The players know they will have to win the World Cup. We can’t play a tournament in Brazil and think that second place will do,” said manager Luiz Scolari. No pressure then.

Anything but victory in the final will be seen as a disappointment for Brazil. It is the same most World Cups but this one will be seen as even bigger one due to it being played on home soil.

The five-time winners have huge expectations but will be confident they can live up to them, especially after a terrific performance in the 2013 confederations cup. Despite a slow start, they finished on a high by easily defeating World Cup holders Spain 3-0 in the final. Because they are the tournament hosts, Brazil automatically qualified. 

Scolari opted to play a large number of friendlies in preparation for the the finals this summer and his side look like they are back to their best. 

The 3-0 victory over France before the Confederations Cup put the fear back into other nations. This side mean business.

With two more friendlies to play before their opening match against Croatia, expect Scolari to try out a few more formations.

Normally lining up in a 4-2-3-1, the 65-year-old has tried a 4-3-3 formation and may opt to use it again against Panama and Serbia.

How far they go will depend on the golden child of Brazilian football, Neymar. The forward currently plays his club football for Barcelona and will carry the nation’s hopes on his shoulders.

On his day there are few better players then him in the world. His pace, skill and flair make him a joy to watch, unless he’s running at you.

Winning the Golden Ball at the 2013 Confederations Cup proved that he is ready for the big stage but he will need protection.

He was the most fouled player in the tournament. 

The 22-year-old is usually deployed on the left of a front three, with Scolari usually playing Fred as a target man which enables Neymar to get into the game more.

Unlike previous Brazil squads, Scolari has a very solid defence with captain Thiago Silva and David Luiz forming a formidable partnership at the back.

Often in the past the defence was often seen as their weak point but the manager has made sure that this is no longer the case and has built his side with a strong defence in mind. 

One thing that has remained though are the attacking full-backs.

Cafu and Roberto Carlos have been replaced by Dani Alves and Marcelo and we can expect to see them flying down the flanks to join in on attacks.

And the likes of Luiz Gustavo and Fernandinho will provide the steel in midfield which will allow Oscar, Hernanes and Neymar the freedom to produce the flair Brazil are known for.

In goal is where they look to be at their weakest. Number one Julio Cesar has spent the past few years on the bench for Championship side QPR and had to move to Toronto on loan in January to get regular first team football.

Many fear the years of inactivity has meant he has lost his edge but he is still one of the best in the world when called upon.

There is no room in the squad for Kaka or Ronaldinho but this new look Brazil is more than capable of going the distance without their former stars.

Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva and Philppe Coutinho have also missed out and both will be gutted after having stellar seasons at Anfield.

But this is a manager who knows how to win.

Scolari led Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002, beating Germany 2-0 in the final thanks to a Ronaldo brace, and many feel that he is capable of repeating that feat.

However, the last time the World Cup was held in Brazil was 1950 where they finished as runners up to Uruguay. 

Come July 13, if Silva isn’t holding up the Jules Rimet trophy in Rio then it will be mission failed for Pentacampeoes (the Five Time Champions).

Brazil’s 23-man squad —

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC, on loan from QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (PSG), Dante (Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Henrique (Napoli), Maxwell (PSG).

Midfield: Oscar (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Man City), Willian (Chelsea), Paulinho (Spurs), Ramires (Chelsea), Luis Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Hernanes (Inter Milan).

Attackers: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Jo (Atletico Mineiro).