Last World Cup: Quarter-finals
Nickname: Verde Amarela
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Star man: Neymar
Tournament best: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002

Success at the Confederations Cup last summer has raised hopes of a record-extending sixth World Cup triumph on home soil next summer. Scolari has previous after taking them to victory in 2002, and if Barcelona forward Neymar shines then Brazil could be about to witness the mother of all parties.

Strengths: As Brazil didn't need to qualify we've assessed them based on the international matches they've played in 2013, in which they've been more notable for their defence than their attack. They rarely allow teams to get close to their goal and rarely concede late goals, suggesting a fit and organised back line. Going forward they are one of the more dependable goalscoring nations and few score multiple goals more regularly.

Weaknesses: There are weaknesses to be found however, most notably in defending long range shots, which account for almost half the goals they've conceded; only Nigeria conceding a higher percentage from outside the penalty area. Their defenders have also been caught out by long balls on a few occasions.

Prospects: The draw looks to have been kind to Brazil, presenting them with three winnable games. With the third highest percentage of long range goals in qualifying, Cameroon could potentially spring a surprise on their defence. Their other two opponents, Croatia and Mexico, needed a play-off to reach the finals and have each dropped six places in the FIFA Rankings over the past year. Both have depended heavily on precisely the sort of close range finishes that Brazil usually prevent, so the hosts will be expecting to reach the knockout stages with little trouble.