EXCLUSIVE: Sandro delivers brutal Brazil World Cup verdict but backs Vinicius to shine

Carlo Ancelotti's side arrived at the tournament among the favourites to lift a record-extending sixth World Cup. Still, the former Tottenham Hotspur man believes the Selecao face a stern test if they are to go all the way.

The South Americans opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco before responding emphatically with convincing victories over Haiti and Scotland to finish top of Group C on seven points.

Their reward is a knockout meeting with an unbeaten Japan side, who progressed as runners-up in Group F behind the Netherlands.

Victory would book Brazil's place in the Round of 16 and keep alive their bid to dethrone reigning world champions Argentina. However, while backing his country to compete, Sandro admitted the quarter-finals could prove the point where they face their biggest challenge.

"Wow, that is the hardest thing to achieve... I will try to make myself clear; very clear. Okay, I'm not expecting Brazil to win the whole thing, you know, because I know it's very hard," Sandro told Flashscore exclusively via Caesars sportsbook.

"I just want Brazil to do well. Of course, we have qualified, but will we arrive in the final? The semi-final? 

"Maybe before the semi-final, I think it's there, the quarter-final, that is the time that we could meet another really strong team… because the best national teams will be there, you know, you have Spain, Argentina, even England.

"I think when we get to the quarter-finals, it will be very difficult. But we could do it, because we are Brazil and we always have that feeling in our soul. For me, if we get to the quarter-final, I'm happy and, after that, I will say thank you very much to the players.

"But because I'm very honest, and I need to be honest with my opinion, I will support them, I will get behind them. But realistically, I think at the quarter-final, we could be facing problems."

Vinicius tipped as Brazil’s star man

Sandro also raised concerns over the balance of youth and experience in Ancelotti’s squad despite acknowledging the promise shown by several young players since the start of the tournament. He stressed that knockout football presents a major test for inexperienced players still adapting to the demands of international competition.

The 37-year-old said senior players must step up to guide the squad, as "nobody waits" in World Cup knockout matches, while backing Vinicius Junior, who has scored four goals, to be Brazil’s standout performer going forward.

"Yeah, I'm just worried that we have a few players that never previously experienced anything like the knockout stages,” he continued.

"I hope that the players can help those young guys. Because in the World Cup, nobody waits, nobody gives you time.

"I think Vinicius will be (Brazil’s star man in the knockout phase). I think he is ready.

"And if Neymar is there, I think Vinicius will show up. And he's the player who is more ready for the World Cup in the squad.

"He's experienced the top competitions; he's ready. He's ready now to have a good rest of the World Cup."

Sandro weighs in on Neymar’s inclusion

The retired midfielder who made 11 senior appearances for Brazil insisted Neymar’s presence remains vital even if he is not expected to play every minute.

He argued that the former Barcelona star’s experience and leadership off the pitch could be just as important as his on-field contributions, helping guide younger players through the pressure of knockout football. 

Sandro added: "100%… 100%! Neymar needed to be there.

"I was never expecting Neymar to play 90 minutes. I was never expecting Neymar to play every game. 

"No, I just expected Neymar to be there to coach them, to speak with them and say, guys, here, if you need me, let's talk. Guys, do this, do that, because in football, it's so important to have those guys to show you the way."

On the flip side, Sandro said he felt sympathy over the omission of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro ahead of the tournament, admitting it was a tough decision given the depth of talent available to Brazil.

"Yeah, I was very sad because Pedro is a friend as well," he said. 

"But how can I say it was wrong, because Neymar… and I played with Neymar as well. It's a shame, man. It's normal, it's a very difficult thing having so many good players - you can't take them all! This is the kind of problem that every coach wants to have."

Should Brazil qualify for the Round of 16, they will face the winner between Ivory Coast and Norway at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.