It’s one thing for Brazil to be favourites to win the World Cup but something else to do it, according to national team forward Rodrygo.
The Seleccao haven’t lost a game since their Copa America final defeat to Argentina in 2021 and go into the World Cup boasting one of the strongest national teams in the world. However, Rodrygo said the team still must prove it’s the best when it counts.
– 2022 World Cup: All squad lists for Qatar
– World Cup 2022: ESPN ranks the 50 best players in Qatar
“We know that we have a great national team, that we are among the favourites,” Real Madrid‘s Rodrygo said. “But there are also other very good teams as well.
“It’s no use saying we are favourites and then arriving on the pitch and not showing it. We know that everyone was in good form with their clubs and that’s why they’re here. Many good players were left out.”
Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, their last in 2002, but Rodrygo’s teammate Marquinhos echoed his countryman’s sentiments that talent alone wouldn’t be enough for them to win a sixth trophy.
“If we think we are favourites, that we are the best, we will not go forward,” Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos said. “We’ve seen how things are in this competition, which is very difficult. All the teams are ready and very balanced, they can make life difficult, that’s the [World] Cup.