World Cup Hero

The story of Brazil - Germany

Belo Horizonte, 8 juli 2014: 7-1 in de WK-halve finale. Brazilië's grootste vernedering ooit. Revanche staat te wachten.

Brazil vs Germany compared

Brazil — chances and analysis

For the first time in the modern era, no Brazilian on the bench: Carlo Ancelotti coaches the Seleção. That alone is a mini-revolution in a country where 'jeitinho brasileiro' trumps European discipline. But Ancelotti knows Vinícius and Rodrygo inside out from Real Madrid, and he brings something Brazil have been missing for twenty years: calm under pressure. The attack is solid — Vinícius, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Endrick, plus Neymar if fit. Defence remains the eternal question. Morocco in Group C is anything but a formality (they beat Spain in 2022). A sixth title — first since 2002 — would set everything right. Brazil are always candidates; just no longer favourites.

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Germany — chances and analysis

Two consecutive World Cups eliminated in the group stage (2018 and 2022) — for a four-time world champion, that's a national identity crisis. Under Nagelsmann, Die Mannschaft must take revenge, and at the home Euro 2024 (quarter-final) they showed cautious signs of recovery. The difference comes down to two names: Musiala and Wirtz. Two young playmakers reaching the world top at the same time — Germany haven't had players in this category since Mesut Özil. Kimmich orchestrates, Havertz scores, Ter Stegen finally takes the gloves after years as Neuer's understudy. Group E is manageable, but Ecuador can upset. The question: can Nagelsmann restore German winning mentality? Semi-final is mandatory, final is bonus.

→ Full Germany profile