MOSCOW, June 14 (Xinhua) -- With their blend of furious attacking skills and defensive solidity, there is little doubt that Brazil are one of the favorites to win the 2018 World Cup, which will kick off here on Thursday.
However, even if the Brazilian national side doesn't lift the title on July 15, there is still a good chance that the Brazilians will get his hands on the trophy. Brazil doesn't only export players to European league sides, they export them to European national teams as well.
One of those players, Mario Fernandes will play in the opening game when Russia take on Saudi Arabia. The 27-year-old full back was given Russian nationality by presidential decree in order to help strengthen the Russian back line.
Friday's match between Spain and Portugal is the game which will see the most Brazilians in action for different countries. Spain strikers, Diego Costa and Rodrigo Moreno were both born in Brazil and Costa even represented his homeland in friendlies before accepting the call to play for Spain, where he has spent much of his career.
Costa has made no secret of the fact that he will return to Brazil when he hangs up his boots, but he has said that he is happy to play for Spain as he owes the country for the successful career he has enjoyed.
Meanwhile Portugal defender Pepe is another player who has chosen to play for a different country. Pepe will represent Portugal at the World Cup and played a vital role in their triumph at Euro 2016. We can perhaps count another in this exclusive club of Brazilian exiles.
Although he was born in Italy, Spain's midfielder Thiago Alcantara is the son of Iomar de Nascimiento 'Mazinho', a World Cup winner with Brazil and the brother of Rafinha, another Brazilian international.
It seems Brazil has lots of talents to spare.
