Five-time champions Brazil will begin their quest for an unprecedented sixth world title - and a first since 2002 - in a competitive Group G at the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
A Selecao will also come up against a couple of tricky European nations in Serbia and Switzerland, as well as Cameroon, who are no strangers to pulling off World Cup shocks.
Here, the Sports Mole team set out how they expect Group G to pan out.
1. BRAZIL
© Reuters
Brazil have topped their group in each of the last 10 World Cups and they should have few problems in finishing at the summit of Group G this time around.
Doing so would likely see them take on South American rivals Uruguay in the last 16 and then four-time world champions Germany in the quarter-finals. The latter fixture in particular would certainly test the Selecao but is one they would be regarded as favourites to progress from.
Victory in the last eight could then see a repeat of the 2021 Copa America final against Argentina in the last four, and we are backing Tite's side to get revenge over their South American counterparts.
An eighth World Cup final may be on the cards for Brazil against current holders France, and considering the strength in depth that Tite's squad possesses in all departments, this could be the year the Selecao live up to the hype and lift the trophy for a record-extending sixth time.
2. SERBIA
© Reuters
Heading into the tournament in such fantastic form, and with such exciting talent all over the pitch, it is hard to ignore Serbia as a potential dark horse pick.
Very capable of causing problems to Brazil, The Eagles should have too much for Switzerland and Cameroon by way of attacking firepower, to qualify from Group G.
The draw could pit Serbia against Portugal if both teams finish in the requisite positions in their groups, representing a fascinating rematch following the heated qualification process, although that could prove to be a step too far for them this time around.
3. SWITZERLAND
© Reuters
Able to field a familiar unit, with several big scalps to their name, Switzerland have in place numerous pieces of the jigsaw to continue a proud record of reaching the knockout stages.
A consistent selection in defence, a top-class shot-stopper in the shape of Yann Sommer, plus a gritty midfield all add up to a side that will surely cause problems for each of their Group G opponents, yet they are sometimes found lacking in one key area.
When it really matters, the Swiss do not have a natural-born finisher in their ranks to decide finely-balanced games, and as both Brazil and Serbia possess plenty of proven strikepower in their respective arsenals, Murat Yakin's men may just find themselves edged out in pursuit of a top-two place.
4. CAMEROON
© Reuters
Cameroon have struggled at this level in recent appearances, having finished bottom of their group in 2010 and 2014, and we expect that to continue in Qatar this time around.
While it would not be a huge surprise to see them go one better by claiming a point or two, we can not see them finishing above two of Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia in what appears to be an incredibly competitive group.
