World Cup 2014 Analysis: Can Neymar Lead Brazil to Sixth Title at Home?

The World Cup is just four months away. With each passing week, we'll preview two of the 32 competitors leading up to the biggest tournament on the planet. The order is not pre-determined or predictable; we want to keep this exciting.

Since the tournament will be in the world's most renowned soccer country in the world, why not start with the host nation? Here's a look at Brazil's history in the tournament, its top stars, its group and its chances in this tournament.

History

Brazil has five World Cup titles to its name; no other team in the world has more victories in this tournament. So it is fitting that the Samba Kings would look for their sixth at home, nearly 60 years after they won their first trophy in the 1958 tournament in Sweden. Brazil won the ensuing tournament in Chile and then won it again in 1970 when the cup was hosted by Mexico. Those three tournaments featured legend Pele. The team then struggled from 1974 through 1990; its best finish in that time period was third place in Argentina in 1978.

In 1994, Brazil managed a victory in the United States before heading to France and falling to the host nation 3-0 in the final. But Brazil would bounce back with a championship run in South Korea/Japan in 2002, led by Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Cafu; Ronaldinho and Kaka were also members of this team.

2006 was the year that Ronaldinho was expected to lead the team to glory, but Brazil faltered in the quarterfinals against France. Four years later the Dutch took down the Selecao in the quarterfinals.

Brazil will look to break the curse of the Confederations Cup. The team has won the last three tournaments, but has been unable to win the following World Cup. The team also won the 1997 Confederations Cup and wound up losing the big tournament in 1998.

Big Stars

Brazil is loaded with solid depth, particularly at the attacking position. Leading the way is Barcelona talisman Neymar who dominated the Confederations Cup last summer and won the Golden Ball. Chelsea's Oscar and Zenit St. Petersburg's Hulk are also major attacking threats for the Brazilians. The forward position is a weak spot for the Brazilians. Fred was the top man in last year's tournament, but has suffered from injury.

In the midfield the team has the likes of Luis Gustavo, Ramires and Paulinho; Ramires has had the best year of the three thus far and figures to be an important figure in the tournament. The backend is also solid for the hosts and features Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Dante and David Luiz, all of which are attacking threats.

The goaltending position is the biggest question mark for the team. Coach Luis Felipe Scolari is a fan of Julio Cesar, but the keeper is barely playing in the second-tier British League. Valencia keeper Diego Alves has been solid in Spain but has not featured much in Scolari's plans to this point. Cesar's play could make or break Brazil's chances in this tournament.

Chances in the Tournament

Group A is loaded with solid teams but one would be hard-pressed to call any of them contenders. Mexico struggled through qualifying before destroying a mediocre New Zealand side in a two-legged playoff. Croatia also struggled at the finish line in the UEFA qualifiers and was forced to fire its coach; the team took down a hopeful Iceland side in the playoffs to secure a spot. Cameroon is one of the weaker African sides to qualify and one must really question whether it has the firepower to take down any of the other teams in the group.

One would be hard-pressed to bet against Brazil winning the top spot in this group.

Will they win the tournament?

After the group stage anything can happen. Especially in the round of 16 where the Selecao could face Spain, Netherlands or Chile. The Brazilians beat Spain in the final this past summer, but should find a more prepared defending champion. The Dutch eliminated Brazil in 2010; while they are not the powerhouse they were back then, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie are sure to cause problems for Brazil's defense. Chile is an up-and-coming side and should also pose major problems for Brazil.

However, the Selecao is at home and should retain its position as the favorite.