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I still remember watching Brazil's 2018 World Cup squad with the same excitement I feel when watching TNT's Calvin Oftana dominate the court - that raw talent just jumps out at you. Let me walk you through what made this Brazilian team so special, because honestly, they were more than just Neymar and some fancy footwork. The squad featured 23 players with an average age of 28.5 years, blending experienced veterans with promising young talent in what I believe was one of the most balanced Brazilian teams in recent memory.
What really stood out to me was how manager Tite organized this team. Unlike previous Brazilian sides that relied heavily on individual brilliance, this group played with remarkable tactical discipline. The defensive setup featured Thiago Silva and Miranda as center-backs - these two were like a brick wall, with Silva's positioning being absolutely perfect throughout the tournament. I particularly admired how Marcelo and Danilo provided width from full-back positions, creating those overlapping runs that stretched opposition defenses. In midfield, we saw Casemiro doing the dirty work while Paulinho made those clever forward runs - it reminded me of how Calvin Oftana times his cuts to the basket, always finding spaces where defenders least expect them.
The attacking trio was where the magic happened, though. Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, and Philippe Coutinho formed what I consider one of the most technically gifted front lines in the tournament. Coutinho's role particularly fascinated me - he operated as this hybrid midfielder-forward, drifting into pockets of space and unleashing those incredible long-range shots. I'll never forget his stunning goal against Switzerland, curling the ball into the top corner from about 25 yards out. That moment exemplified Brazilian flair at its best. What many people don't realize is how much defensive work the forwards put in too - Jesus and Willian tracked back consistently, showing this wasn't just a team of prima donnas.
Looking back, I think Brazil's 4-3-3 formation was both their strength and weakness. While it allowed for fluid attacking movements, it sometimes left them vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially when Marcelo pushed too high up the pitch. The Belgium game perfectly demonstrated this - when Brazil fell behind, they threw everything forward but struggled to break down organized defensive blocks. Still, I'd argue this team was unlucky not to go further in the tournament. They possessed 58% average possession across their matches and created numerous scoring chances that just didn't find the net. The blend of creative genius and tactical awareness made them fascinating to watch, even if the ultimate prize slipped away. What stays with me is how this squad represented modern Brazilian football - still technically magnificent but increasingly pragmatic, a necessary evolution in today's game.