With Brazil spending the past three years jetting around the world for numerous friendlies due to host status the Selecao decided that just two warm-up fixtures were needed in the weeks before the big kick-off in South America, and after Confederations Cup success last summer were always heading into the tournament on a wave of expectation.
However, after following up a convincing win over Panama with a narrow victory over Serbia the Brazilians were justified in limiting their exertions ahead of the opener against Croatia on June 12 and probably even managed to increase national optimism of a sixth World Cup triumph.
Also, and certainly more important for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, the fact that the squad came through those tests largely unscathed mean that they are one of the few ‘favourites’ that have not lost key individuals in the last month and that will not go unnoticed by their rivals.
While some may point to the perceived quality of their opponents, particularly Panama, it is worth noting that Los Canaleros where just minutes away from a very winnable play-off tie with New Zealand and could themselves have been heading to the World Cup.
Therefore, the style with which they were despatched 4-0 by a Neymar inspired Brazil will have no less significance for those that could come face-to-face with them during the forthcoming weeks.
A star of their Confederations Cup squad while still with Santos in his homeland it is difficult to judge whether Neymar’s move to Barcelona this summer has yet had a direct impact on his play, but the 22-year-old was instrumental against Panama, scoring the opener with an excellent free-kick and having a hand in all three of the Selecao’s other goals.
While the piece of ingenuity for Hulk’s goal (a back-heel pass into the attacker’s path) probably came due to the less than competitive nature of the fixture it still highlights his confidence and desire to shine during the tournament.
After a disappointing season at Barcelona as well Dani Alves is also showed a drive to stand out this summer, netting the second and that can only benefit the team. Last time out in South Africa the full-back was forced to play second fiddle to treble winning Inter defender Maicon despite being also being in his prime, at 31 this could be his last World Cup.
Although their second match against Serbia was far less entertaining, securing a 1-0 victory through a solitary Fred goal, will have been important in preparing them for what will be a demanding match with Croatia who share similar traits as their European neighbours.
The untidy nature of 30-year-olds strike also emphasised this Brazilian sides’ ability to find that vital goal when needed and the importance of having a striker clinical enough to finish his chances regardless of how often they arrive. His 17 goals in 31 matches for the Selecao indicate that he could well walk away with the Golden Boot as he did at the Confederations Cup in 2013.
What is also clear though is that Scolari and his players know the preferred starting 11 come June 12, with only Paulinho and Ramires – the only changes to the first-team during their two friendlies – jostling for a starting birth alongside Luiz Gustavo.
While this sometimes breeds complacency Brazil seem to thrive off the familiarity of teammates and comfort of knowing their place within the squad and could well prove a key to ultimate success come July 13.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
