World Cup Record: Won 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Manager: Dunga
Key Player: Kaka
Qualified: 1st CONMEBOL
Odds: 5/1

The undisputed kings of international football, for many Brazil is the World Cup. With more World Cups (five) than any other nation, more World Cup goals (201), more matches played (92 alongside Germany) and the only nation to have played in every World Cup finals their place on the throne of World Cup football is well-deserved. The early stages of their qualification campaign for South Africa 2010 didn’t receive many plaudits despite topping the table of the preliminary rounds. However, the selecao hit their stride in the second stage, qualifying with three games to spare and, more importantly for home fans, clinching their place with a 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Argentina. This run of form may have finally seem head coach, Dunga, accepted by Brazil’s demanding followers but with players such as Kaka, Fabiano, Pato and Robinho at his disposal he will be expected to create a team with more verve and attacking intention than the World Cup-winning side he captained in USA 1994.

Kaka

Age: 27
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Real Madrid (Spain – Primera Liga)
Caps: 73 (26 goals)

To the relief of most commentators Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite follows the Brazilian tradition of adopting a singular nickname, Kaka. Currently in his first season with Real Madrid following his world record transfer from AC Milan in a deal worth a reported €65million. Won the World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d’Or in 2007 following a series of brilliant performances during Milan’s run to the Champions League title. He made his Brazil debut in 2002 and was part of the World Cup-winning squad that travelled to Japan and Korea although he only spent 25 minutes on the pitch. He was less than spectacular in Brazil’s 2006 World Cup campaign, but recently starred in their 2009 Confederation Cup success with a man-of-the-match performance in Brazil’s 3-2 final victory over USA. Away from football Kaka is a committed Christian and gives a tenth of his considerable wages to the church. He is also an ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme.