Casemiro: not being favourites at WC 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.
'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.