World Cup 2010: Five Things Brazil Need to Win Group G

Brazil travel to South Africa in quest of their sixth World Cup trophy.

Tipped as the second-favorites to win the competition behind Spain, Brazil find themselves in one of the toughest groups in the contest.

Dunga's men will have to overcome Korea DPR, Portugal, and the Ivory Coast if they are to reach the latter stages of the competition.

Despite their glorious history, Brazil like every other team will have to work hard and perform if they are to hoist the World Cup trophy yet again.

Share the Load:

Brazil have four strikers in their 23-man squad, with Luis Fabiano being the main goalscoring threat.

Fabiano is the only striker in the Brazil set-up to have more than 20 goals to his name. Himself and Kaka are they only two squad members to have netted more than 20.

Luis Fabiano has a fantastic goalscoring record in the yellow of Brazil. The big Brazilian has scored 25 goals in 36 games. Fabiano averages a goal scored in just under 70 percent of his games.

His supporting cast upfront are not so prolific. Robinho, Grafite, and Nilmar share just 29 international goals between them.

Dunga's decision to leave Ronaldinho out of the squad cut his team of another real goalscoring threat.

Brazil will have to ensure that they do not rely solely on the six-foot frontman to supply all their goals.

Each and every player on the pitch will have to chip in on the attack, with the exception of the goalkeeper of course.

Front & Back:

Brazil are blessed with great attacking talent all over the pitch. And there is no greater testament to that than their full backs.

Maicon and Dani Alves are considered to be two of the best right backs in the game at present.

Michel Bastos is also a very lively left-sided full back who likes to use the entire length of the pitch, but will most probably back-up the aforementioned right backs.

As great an assist as these attacking minded full backs are, they can also be a liability if they fail to fulfill their duties.

As much as Maicon and Dani Alves enjoyed venturing forward they must both remember that they have responsibilities to play both ways.

If Brazil are caught on the counter attack both defenders have to ensure that they are in a position to return to cover their defensive task, otherwise Brazil could find themselves in the wrong half of Group G.

Form Over Fame:

Dunga made a tough call by choosing against bringing young talents such as Neymar and Pato to the World Cup.

He also omitted Ronaldinho from the set-up despite his iconic status.

Dunga must ensure that he retains that type of mentality into the competition.

No player deserves a spot place in the starting XI for reasons other that recent form and merit.

The World Cup is no place to be sentimental. At the end of the day Brazil's chances of winning could lie on the choices that Dunga makes, or lack therefore of.

Robinho and Kaka both found their way onto the plane to South Africa, despite not having the most productive seasons with Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively.

If they fail to produce, Dunga has to be prepared to pull the plug on them, or risk everything.

Yellow Unit:

The World Cup is one of the biggest, if not they biggest stage in world football. It is the perfect platform for a player to launch their career, or salvage a season.

Kaka struggled for form during his first year at the Santiago Bernabeu. What better time could there be for the midfield magician to showcase his magic.

That is all well and good but every man in the squad must remember that football is a team sport, and although one man may have the ability to single-handedly win a game, they can not single-handedly win the World Cup.

Brazil is filled with grossly talented players, but each player has to remain as part of a unit.

If one man tries to win the World Cup by himself, he may in fact do the complete opposite, and cost his country the trophy.

Every Little Helps:

For the most part the Brazilian starting XI picks itself. Dunga has altered very little from the qualifying stages, and little is expected to change come the World Cup.

However, the 12 men who find themselves on the bench have to be prepared to delivery when called upon.

If injury strikes or form dips, they must be ready, willing and able to slot into the set-up and more importantly preform productively.

There is no conciliation price for making the team. All 23 men including the 12 that will most likely start on the bench must be able to contribute when called upon.