Anything Short of a World Cup Will Spell Disappointment for Brazil

The Odds

• To win the World Cup: +430
• To win Group E: -395
• To advance to Round of 16: -2005

Bet To Watch

Brazil To Win The World Cup +425

Brazil are the favorites to win the World Cup for a reason. The have a potent attack combined with a solid defense and they know how best to deploy them both. The biggest question for the world's best team is whether their best player, Neymar, will be fully fit when the tournament kicks off. He's been racing against the clock after suffering a season-ending broken foot with Paris Saint-Germain in February. He came off the bench and scored a goal in a friendly against Croatia, looking sharp as ever though, and if he's ready to go Brazil will be an unstoppable attacking force. Brazil has tons of pieces to mix and match to complement their star.

Gabriel Jesus' more traditional goal scoring is generally preferred at striker to Roberto Firmino's playmaking, and on the opposite wing Willian and Douglas Costa both offer speed and service into the box. Philippe Coutinho is also an option either at the wing or in midfield to add to the attack.

Stylistically Brazil get forward fast with the ball to give those talented attackers space to work before the defense gets set. Instead of trying to hold the ball and break defenses down, Brazil turn teams over and goes. They often play a monstrous three-headed-ball-winning midfield unit of Fernandinho, Paulinho and Casemiro. The group lacks for creative passing, but if they're winning the ball and getting it forward, then that won't matter.

If Brazil have a weakness it's on defense. At left back Marcelo wants to get forward. Dani Alves is injured so either Danilo or Fagner will likely play the majority of the minutes there. In the middle Thiago Silva and Miranda are both accomplished, but they're both 33 years old, and neither is quite at the level of the players patrolling the back line for the tournament's other favorites. A disciplined counterattack could exploit this team.

Brazil know who they are. They have elite level talent and a playing style that suits it. While they aren't impervious to getting upset, they're the favorites to walk away from Russia with the trophy for good reason. Anything short of victory will be a serious disappointment.

More World Cup Betting Coverage

• Group A: Russia | Saudi Arabia | Egypt | Uruguay
• Group B: Portugal | Morocco | Iran | Spain
• Group C: France | Australia | Peru | Denmark
• Group D: Argentina | Iceland | Croatia | Nigeria
• Group E: Brazil | Costa Rica | Switzerland | Serbia
• Group F: Germany | Mexico | Sweden | South Korea
• Group G: Belgium | Panama | Tunisia | England
• Group H: Poland | Senegal | Colombia | Japan