EXCLUSIVE: Grafite backs Endrick to shine at World Cup, 'confident' Brazil can reach final

For former striker Grafite, however, this scenario is far from a problem. The current moment reminds him of the years when Brazil won their fourth and fifth World Cups, when the team also began their campaigns under the watchful and sceptical eyes of fans and the press.

To analyse Brazil's current form and the main contenders in the tournament that is about to start, the former player shared his thoughts in an interview with Flashscore.

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With the experience of someone who has already represented Brazil at the 2010 World Cup and shone on European pitches, the former Wolfsburg centre forward broke down the tactical options for the attack and assessed the transition of other major footballing powers.

During the conversation, he showed great optimism about Brazil's future and named the young Endrick as the ideal player to lead the national team's attack.

In addition, Grafite offered a sharp and detailed look at European football, positioning the Germany team as a dangerous force that is being underestimated and has everything it takes to be a positive surprise in this edition.

What are your expectations for the Brazilian national team in this World Cup, considering the training sessions in New Jersey and Neymar's situation, who is still not fully fit?

"I am very confident that the Brazilian national team can repeat what happened in 1994 and 2002, when they arrived at the World Cup surrounded by a certain scepticism from fans and the press because of the previous cycle. I think this scepticism has eased a bit since the arrival of (Carlo) Ancelotti, who is a very high-profile coach and brings a huge sense of credibility.

"Talking to European journalists, I notice they have a different view and believe in Brazil much more than we do, because of the history of being five-time world champions. The squad is fully capable of growing throughout the tournament thanks to the individual quality of this new generation.

"As for Neymar, I hope he recovers and is at least fit enough to play a few minutes. We know he will not be able to play 90 minutes in the decisive matches, but coming on for 15 or 20 minutes could make all the difference. Combining his experience with the energy of these youngsters, Brazil has everything it takes to have a great World Cup and reach the final."

Thinking specifically about the attack and your experience in that position, who would be your ideal choice from Igor Thiago, Endrick, and Matheus Cunha up top?

"I really believe in Endrick. He is a different kind of player. His characteristics, drive, and explosiveness are above average. He is a breakthrough striker, who fights hard and goes in strong in challenges - something he will learn to manage better over time.

"Igor Thiago has also emerged very well recently. He is a classic number nine, but I must admit I have some reservations about this role in the Seleção. In the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, the system was entirely built around Neymar, which ended up not benefiting the centre forwards, like Fred, Gabriel Jesus, Firmino, and Richarlison, even though the latter did score goals in 2022.

"The traditional number nine has found it very difficult to get service in Brazil's recent system. Igor Thiago's style even reminds me of my own when I first broke into the Seleção in 2010, but I see Endrick as having the potential to be the big surprise and win a starting spot during the tournament.

"That will depend on the system: whether we play with a more robust and defensive midfield, or with four attackers - a scenario that would require Matheus Cunha to make a tactical sacrifice to balance the team."

Germany and Portugal 'could surprise'

You played and made history in German football. How do you assess Germany's national team in this process of tactical and generational renewal?

"Germany's main goal is to have a much better World Cup than in 2018 and 2022. For a four-time world champion, who won in 2014, having two early eliminations in a row is terrible for the image of local football.

"Recently, I mentioned to some Brazilian journalists that we are talking very little about Germany and Portugal, two teams with very strong squads that could surprise.

"Of course, they would not be surprises in the sense of underdogs, since Germany has four titles and Portugal has a spectacular squad. I closely followed the final stretch of this German cycle, and it was a shame about the injury suffered by Lennart Karl, who would have helped the team a lot.

"Even so, I believe Germany comes in strong to have a good World Cup and fight for the finals, showing a very different performance from recent editions, especially since their cycle ended on a high note."

Finally, what are your five favourite teams to win the World Cup?

"Today, you cannot look past France and Spain, who are at the top tier because of the football they have been playing on the world stage. Right after them, I put Argentina, as the current champions, Brazil, and Germany, for their tradition and the weight of their shirts.

"As outsiders, Portugal has a very strong squad. Plus, there is always a surprise at the World Cup: teams that arrive in great form, like Norway, or even Morocco, who surprised everyone at the last World Cup.

"But if I have to pick a historical and technical top five - I go with France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and finish with either Germany or Portugal."