Although they are in an elite group of teams that have appeared at every single women's World Cup since its inception in 1991, Brazil are outliers. Japan, Germany, the USA, Sweden, and Norway will also be featuring in their seventh straight tournament. However, like the Swedes, the Brazilians have never won a single trophy, with their best ever finish coming back in 2007 when they finished as runners-up to Germany. That also happened to be the only game they lost during that summer in China.
Yet despite winning six out of the seven Copa America titles contested, making them as dominant in South America as Germany are in Europe, the Canarinhas are not viewed by many as serious contenders to win the World Cup in Canada this summer. Some have argued that their stats are in fact inflated, as they have done well against much weaker opposition in South America, but when pitted against traditional women's heavyweights such as the USA, France, Germany, and even Japan, they have failed to make the grade.
In fact, since first playing the USWNT in 1986, Brazil have won just three out of their 32 meetings, losing the other 25 and drawing four. Against Germany, they have won one out of 11 matches and have lost six times. And versus reigning champions Japan, their record reads as three wins, one draw, and four losses.
Despite their dominance in South America, Brazil have yet to match this against tougher sides in women's football
Even in the absence of star Marta, Brazil nonetheless secured their sixth Copa America title to qualify - a testament to both their obvious skill set and how they are lightyears ahead of many other women's teams in South America. In terms of their group, Vadão's squad have been presented with a quartet that they should have no trouble with, given their sheer experience and quality of players. Yet, they will have some serious food for thought once they reach the knock-out stages.
Should they top their group - as would be expected - Brazil will have to face the runner-up from group D, or the "group of death", which is comprised of the USWNT, Sweden, Australia, and Nigeria. Still, of these four teams, only the USWNT has given them trouble as they boast a fairly positive record against Sweden (four wins and three losses) and Australia (seven wins and four losses). And should they finish second, they could end up facing England and France - both teams they have not fared well against.
However, fans of the team will be encouraged perhaps given that Brazil has fared better against team USA in recent times: they beat them 3-2 back in December 2014 and followed that up with a draw a week later.
All of this certainly be on the mind of Marta, who at 29, is approaching her prime of her glittering career. Arguably the best player to grace the women's game, she has enjoyed unparalleled success on a personal level: since 2004, she has been nominated for each and every FIFA World Player of the Year awards, winning it five straight times from 2006 to 2010. Her 92 goals place her as her nation's all-time top scorer and she played every single minute of Brazil's last three World Cup and Olympic Game tournaments from 2003 through 2012, scoring 22 goals in 30 appearances.
Marta was just a few months old when Brazil played their first international game in 1986. Will she finally get her hands on the World Cup?
Her offensive partner, Cristiane, who is second with 74 goals, is another veteran from the 2007 squad that won second at the World Cup and also boasts a unique record. Alongside Canadian star Christine Sinclair and retired German ace Birgit Prinz, she is one of only three women to score a hat-trick at an Olympic Games. Additionally, the 30-year-old holds the record for the fastest ever treble of goals and also has two to her name, scored during the 2004 and 2008 editions in Greece and China against the hosts and Nigeria respectively.
Brazil will be counting on Cristiane and Marta's firepower and experience to help them this summer
This will also be a special World Cup for veteran midfielder Formiga. The 37-year-old is the only player to have featured in every single Olympic games since women's football joined in 1996, and alongside Japan's Homare Sawa, will be making her sixth World Cup appearance. Marta and her colleagues will kick off their 2015 World Cup in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium for their first two games against South Korea and Spain on June 9th and June 13th. They will then conclude their group stage by traveling to Moncton to face Costa Rica at the Moncton Stadium on June 17th.
Here is Brazil's full squad list taking part in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada:
Goalkeepers: Luciana (Ferroviaria), Barbara (Kindermann), Leticia (Sao Jose)
Defenders: Fabiana (Centro Olimpico), Monica (Ferroviaria), Erika (Centro Olimpico), Tamires Dias (Centro Olimpico), Poliana (Sao Jose), Gessica (Ferroviaria), Tayla (Ferroviaria), Rafaelle (Sao Francisco)
Midfielders: Andressa (Kindermann), Beatriz (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Thaisa (Ferroviari), Andressa Alves (Sao Jose), Marta (Rosengard), Rosana (Sao Jose), Raquel (Ferroviaria), Maurine (Ferroviaria), Formiga (Sao Jose), Gabriela (Centro Olimpico), Darlene (Centro Olimpico)
Forwards: Cristiane (Centro Olimpico)
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