PLAYER TO WATCH

COPA AMERICA HISTORY

• Best position: Champions (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999,  2004, 2007)
• Biggest victory: 10-1 vs Bolivia, Copa America 1949
• Biggest defeat: 4-0 vs Chile, Copa America 1987

HOW THEY PLAY

After the unhappy tenure of Dunga, Menezes is trying to respect Brazil's history and reimpose the Jogo Bonito philosophy on his charges. Thanks to the riches of talent he possesses in the squad, the team are a delight to watch in possession. The Selecao's objective is to dominate proceedings, with a potent attack seeing plenty of the ball.

Opening the pitch up is crucial in the Brazilian game-plan, which as always makes the full-backs key attacking weapons. Maicon and Dani Alves will look to fulfil the role made famous in previous generations by Cafu and Roberto Carlos, and become the keys to open the rival defence. Lucio, Thiago Silva and David Luiz meanwhile inject a defensive solidity to a position that's often been a weakness in the team, and this will allow the rest of the squad to push forward looking for goals.

THE SQUAD

Pele

'O Rei' is the idol of Brazilian football and took the Selecao and Santos to glory, as well as leaving an indelible impact on the world of football as a whole. With the Verdeamarelha jersey he played in four World Cups, lifting the trophy on three occasions (1958, 62 & 70).

This man provokes a fierce debate between Brazilians and Argentines: Who is the best player in history? This discussion has even reached its two protagonists, who have crossed each other countless times in the media.