Brazil became the first national to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after they beat Paraguay 3-0 win on Wednesday.
The Selecao will enter the tournament in Russia brimming with confidence, having won 10 of their 14 qualifiers, and ready to go a step further than they did at the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil, managed by Tite, have an exciting young squad that is spearheaded by Neymar and also includes Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus.
And concerns over their defence have been answered during qualifying. Brazil, who conceded seven times in that humiliating semi-final defeat to Germany three years ago, have allowed just 10 goals throughout the entire campaign.
No wonder a nation is hopeful about the 2018 World Cup.
Next year will mark 16 years since Brazil’s last triumph in the prestigious tournament. Then managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil blew their opponents away in South Korea and Japan en route to a fifth world title, winning all seven of their matches and beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
And it’s not hard to see why they were so dominant when you take a look at their squad.
Brazil in 2002 vs their current XI
GiveMeSport has taken a look at Brazil’s starting line-up in the win over Germany, and compared it to their current strongest XI.
It’s safe to say there’s only one winner.
Brazil in 2002:
GK | Marcos
CB | Lucio
CB | Edmilson
CB | Roque Junior
RWB | Cafu
CM | Gilberto Silva
CM | Kleberson
LWB | Roberto Carlos
CAM | Ronaldinho
ST | Rivaldo
ST | Ronaldo
As international teams go, that’s easily one of the strongest ever. The front three - Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo - all won the Ballon d’Or during their careers and were surrounded by a defence that conceded just four goals throughout the entire tournament.
Current best XI
Now onto the current best XI...
GK | Alisson Becker
RB | Dani Alves
CB | Miranda
CB | Marquinhos
LB | Marcelo
CM | Paulinho
CM | Renato Augusto
CM | Casemiro
RW | Philippe Coutinho
LW | Neymar
ST | Gabriel Jesus
Brazil 2002 triumphs
There’s plenty of talent in Brazil’s current squad. Try not to get excited by that attacking trio.
But compared to Ronaldinho and co., it falls into insignificance.
Of course, Tite won’t be telling his players that. Brazil are red hot right now and they will head to Russia with one thing on their mind: returning home with the trophy Cafu lifted in 2002.