Brazil Striker Jo Could Be Unlikely World Cup Hero

It's no secret that Brazil are not in their finest era when it comes to producing centre-forwards. In the past, the country has seen the likes of Romario, Ronaldo, Pele and Careca lead the attacking line with aplomb.

Next summer, though, it will likely be Jo or Fred—two ordinary sounding players with distinctly average careers in comparison to the country's all-time greats. However, could it be that one of the unlikely pairing seals their place among Brazil's list of World Cup heroes?

Since Fred might rarely play in the latter stages of the current season due to injury, Jo is currently in pole position for the role—despite the Fluminense man's excellent start to 2013.

With five goals in 11 appearances this calendar year, though, Jo has also not been shy in contributing—especially given that he has only played the equivalent of five full games over the past 11 months.

While it was often a criticism of Fred that, while he was scoring, he was contributing little around the pitch, Jo is a much more mobile and creative figure than the former Lyon man. He does, though, occasionally lack Fred's intelligence and determination.

Jo, conversely, has linked excellently with the likes of Neymar and Oscar on his outings with the national side. As top scorer in the 2013 Copa Libertadores, he has also earned the opportunity he has since been afforded, having endured a tough few years since signing for newly rich Manchester City in 2008.

There will no doubt be comparisons drawn with the 1982 side and striker Serginho Chulapa ahead of the competition, with one of Brazil's greatest-ever generations having also struggled to find a truly top-class No. 9.

Jo may not be a a top-level forward, and he never will be, but Brazil do not necessarily need one. If he can continue to link play and take his opportunities when they arise, the Selecao cannot ask much more of the much-maligned forward.

A starring role at the 2014 World Cup would complete a remarkable turnaround in a career that had seemed to be heading on an irreversible downward slope just 18 months ago.

Alongside Ronaldinho and previously Bernard at Atletico Mineiro, Jo turned his career around and has taken to life at international level with astonishing ease.

He may not be among Brazil's leading lights, but it would certainly be no surprise if it were a Jo goal that fires Luiz Felipe Scolari's side to glory next summer. Football, just occasionally, has a habit of turning up unexpected heroes, and Jo could well be one of the next in line.