Brazil no longer sets standards

The Brazilian National Team no longer uses the tune “It’s just like seeing Brazil” on their terrace.

The song was always a recognition of the excellence in football. The song will need to be rewritten in 2026 with the inclusion of either Spain or France.

The France fans may have sung a similar song last week: “We just need ten people.” Kylian Mbappé and co embarrassed Vinícius Júnior and his national teammates when finishing a player light.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to commentate during this spectacular friendly between two footballing titans. The match was touted as a possible preview of the World Cup Final. Carlo Ancelotti’s management of a pale replica of Brazil’s great teams in the past was evident.

Viní Jr is undoubtedly world class, Raphinha is close to those standards but picked up yet another injury. Casemiro’s presence as their best player speaks volumes.

The fact that they are fourth favourites to win the World Cup is misleading. Bookies know that romantics are likely to bet against them. England is also third favourite; they are a cash cow.

The phrase “The bookmakers don’t slack off” is well known. Spain and France are the countries with the lowest odds.

Dayot Utamamecano was dismissed, and France finished the match with one player less. Didier Deschamps was happy to challenge his players.

The strength of a football team, club, or country is always measured by its depth. Yes, France have Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembélé who are truly world class. On the bench for the game in Boston were Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, Paris Saint-Germain pair Désiré Doué and Warren Zaire-Emery plus the young Manchester City star Rayan Cherki.

All of these players started the second warm-up game against Columbia. Doue contributed two goals to a 3-1 victory. France has now won nine consecutive games after losing the National League semifinal to Spain 5-4.

Spain appears to be the team that is most complete.

Lamine Yamal and Pedri are two players who have yet to reach their peak. These players are individuals within the most balanced teams. Luis De La Fuente’s style and system is what the players can fit into. He is fiercely loyal, yet nobody is assured of a place; for example Ballon D’or winner Rodri is uncertain he’ll make the team ahead of Martín Zubimendi.

There are multiple options at every position. Mikel Oyarzabal answered the critics who said there was no “number 9”. He scored two goals against Serbia. He has now scored nine times in his nine appearances for Spain. In the two games that he failed to score, Mikel Oyarzabal recorded five assists.

What are my outsiders? Portugal is sixth favourite. Many people see them as a team of one man because they cannot look past Cristiano Ronaldo. Take into account that they were the last team to beat Spain, plus they have the underrated Roberto Martínez leading them to the finals.

It’s not my thing to bet, but I think it’s worth a cheeky each-way wager.