‘We are favourites’ - Newcastle United captain dreaming about winning biggest prize of all
Brazil have not won the World Cup since Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Co lifted the trophy in 2002.
Bruno Guimaraes believes Brazil have a genuine chance of winning the World Cup next summer.
Not since 2002 have Selecao - boasting the likes of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos - clinched football’s biggest prize. By the time the tournament arrives, Brazil’s 24-year wait equals their longest “drought” between 1970 and 1994.
Bookmakers place the five-time champions as fourth favourites to lift the trophy in New Jersey. England, France and Spain are judged as being ahead of Brazil in the pecking order.
Bruno Guimaraes on Brazil hopes
Newcastle United captain Guimaraes has backed Ancelotti - Brazil’s first foreign coach - to lead his country to glory. The Toon skipper played 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium.
“Since Ancelotti arrived, he fixed what for me was the main issue,” Guimaraes said post-match. “We were conceding too many goals. The Brazilian national team cannot concede so many goals like we were suffering. He organised everything. I think we now have much more confidence to play with him. He gave confidence to everyone.
“Brazil, every time you ask anyone, arrives as a favourite. The country with the most World Cups will always be one of the favourites. But I think we’re on a very good upward path, and I hope we can arrive there and win, not only be the favourite. This time we want to consolidate and put the sixth star on the chest.”
Dan Burn believing in World Cup dream
Dan Burn - who started England’s victory against Albania last night - also has his sights set on the finals in North America.
“For a long time, it probably felt as if it wasn't going to happen,” he said. “I feel like I was playing at a certain level for a long time and was probably unlucky not to be called up before. But the new manager came in and suddenly I was given the opportunity.
"I’ve been buzzing ever since that first call-up. I'm just so proud to represent my country and I just want to keep ticking off those camps. I’d be delighted if I got to the World Cup. I feel like sometimes if you say it out loud, it gets manifested. So, that's what I'm doing!”