World Cup 2022: Interesting Stats Suggest Brazil Have the Best Defence

World Cup 2022: Interesting Stats Suggest Brazil Have the Best Defence

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
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  • Brazil are the favourite to win the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup due to their star-studded squad
  • Neymar leads a host of other talented attackers, but their defence has been the standout so far
  • Led by Thiago Silva, the Selecao's defenders are yet to allow a shot on goal at the World Cup

Going by the popular football saying 'attack wins you games, defence wins you championships', Brazil's status has received a further boost due to their defensive exploits.

The centre-back pairing of Chelsea's Thiago Silva and PSG's Marquinhos are not only yet to concede a goal, they have not allowed a single shot on target in their first two games.

Thiago Silva, Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, Brazil, FIFA World Cup, Qatar
Thiago Silva and Marquinhos have made Alisson not face a shot on goal in the World Cup so far. Photo by Richard Sellers.
Source: Getty Images

This incredible stat further proves that Brazil are indeed favourites for this year's World Cup, as they have a squad balanced in both defence and attack.

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Thiago Silva key to Brazil

Chelsea defender Silva went into this tournament, knowing it is his last attempt to win the only major trophy he is yet to claim in his illustrious career.

The 38-year-old could be as important to Brazil as Neymar, who is missing in action due to an ankle injury sustained in the game against Serbia. His impressive record in competitive games for the Samba Boys speaks for itself.

Silva was suspended for Brazil's 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany in 2014, with many citing his absence as a major factor for the catastrophic loss on home soil.

Thiago Silva, Brazil, FIFA World Cup, Stadium 974, Qatar
Thiago Silva is key to Brazil's progress at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Tnani Badreddine.
Source: Getty Images

Brazil: a team to avoid

Sports Brief earlier reported that Portugal coach Fernando Santos wants his team to win their group and avoid Brazil in the last 16, as it would be a match between two great teams.

Neymar's potential return in the knockout stages certainly adds to the element of fear to the Selecao. Teams can not avoid them for long though, as the knockout stages come fast and cruel.

Though Brazil have qualified for the next round, they will need to sit right for their final group game against highly motivated Cameroon, who would be dreaming of a win that could ensure they make the knockout stages.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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