Five potential opponents in knockout stages for Brazil in FIFA World Cup 2022

The South American nation are one of the favourites to take home the trophy

Brazil have had a string of bad luck since winning the World Cup in 2002, and it has been a decade for the Samba boys. There have been numerous examples for Brazil; what if Neymar had not been injured at the 2014 World Cup? What if Courtois did not save Renato Agusto's shot at the 2018 World Cup?

We could go on, but Brazil should gird themselves for this World Cup as they possess a squad capable of winning their sixth World Cup. Look at the roster; it's brimming with quality. This is the right time and the appropriate World Cup to make amends.

They are in group G with Cameroon, Serbia, and Switzerland. The South American behemoths have a 67.6% chance of finishing first and an 88.5% chance of advancing to the knockout stages.

In this article, we analyse whom can Brazil face in the knockout stages. 

Uruguay (round of 16)

Although Uruguay are the underdog in this tournament, a South American clash should be considered, given their previous fierce meetings. Brazil have an 88% chance of reaching the round of 16, and Uruguay could finish second because they are in the same group as Portugal. Brazil are unquestionably the favourite to win this match, having defeated Uruguay in previous meetings.

This will bring back memories of the dramas of 1950 and 1970, and Brazil will be well-equipped to make a point in this battle. Brazil will easily defeat Uruguay and go to the quarter-finals if they maintain their confidence.

Portugal (round of 16)

Brazil might face Portugal in the round of 16 for the first time in World Cup history; their last World Cup match ended in a tie in 2010. This time, it will be a clash of giants, as Portugal are no longer a crap team and has a solid pedigree. However, Brazil have inch-perfect potential in every category and is capable of winning this high-quality encounter.

Spain (Quarter-finals)

The winner of Group E might face Brazil in the quarter-finals, as Spain have a better chance of finishing first after a 7-0 win over Costa Rica and Germany's shock defeat to Japan. So it appears that Spain will face Brazil late in the competition.

Spain are the second most-played-against nation in Brazil's history, having been defeated 3-0 in last time they met in the Confederation Cup. Although they clashed at the 1986 World Cup, with Brazil edging Spain 1-0, we believe Brazil will defeat La Roja this time as well.

Croatia (Quarter-finals)

Runners-up from Group F could also face five-time World Cup champions. Belgium and Croatia are in the same group and, according to statistics, Croatia will finish second. We may see this or Spain vs. Brazil. Brazil have met Croatia four times, where A Selecao have emerged winner three times and drawn once, including once in the 2014 World Cup, which they won 3-1. 

Brazil are far superior to Croatia, and there is no doubt that if they can defeat Croatia in the quarter-finals, they will advance to the semi-finals.

Argentina (semi-final)

Another South American game could take place if Argentina and Brazil advance further in the competition. Despite losing their first game, Argentina still have the best probability of winning the group with 90.2%. The Lionel Messi team would then face Denmark and, subsequently, the Netherlands.

Then Brazil might be their semi-final opponent. Argentina and Brazil have met in three World Cups, losing 2-1 in 1974, drawing 0-0 in 1978, losing 3-0 in 1982, and winning 1-0 in 1990.

If they meet in the semi-finals, it will be a fierce duel, and whoever wins will advance to the tournament's finals.