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.

Can Brazil win the 2018 World Cup? Let us know in the comments section below!