Casemiro says not being favourites at World Cup will keep Brazil on their toes

Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a “step behind” other World Cup favourites could actually work in the team’s favour when ​the tournament kicks off next week.

Brazil, who are looking ‌to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title, find themselves trailing European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England in the bookmakers’ ​odds for the June 11 to July 19 tournament in ​North America.

“We aren’t the big favourites,” Casemiro told FIFA’s ⁠media channel after Brazil arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday. “Of ​course, we’re in good shape; we’ve got a strong squad, ​with a mix of experience and young talent.”

“Perhaps this time we’re a step behind, but we’re on our toes and that’s always a good thing. ​We want to go there in good shape and have ​a great World Cup.”

The 34-year-old said Brazil had had a “difficult cycle” in the ‌build-up ⁠to the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as coach and naming a new president last year.

“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a ​change of president ​and a ⁠lot of turmoil,“ he added.

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“We have only had one year working with the manager, who has ​excellent experience in football, but in reality we ​have only ⁠worked together for 40 days. I think we will go into the tournament in strong form.

“We have quality players, experienced players, energetic ⁠players ​and young players. I think we ​have a good mix for this competition.”

Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in ​Group C.