If Brazil are to succeed in their pursuit of the 'hexa' – the sixth FIFA World Cup title they so covet – it will be the product not just of their ability but also the unity and joy within their ranks.
This was the message of winger Antony who highlighted the togetherness of Tite's squad as he reflected with FIFA+ on the opening 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday. "What describes our national team is unity – the unity and joy we have got," said the Manchester United attacker.
For all the pressure on a team widely considered favourites for the title in Qatar, Antony believes their togetherness finds expression in the sense of fun they share. Exhibit A is the scene he describes of their bus journey to the Lusail Stadium on Thursday.
"The whole group are together when it's time to talk, to joke, to work seriously. Before getting off the bus, we were singing, everyone was together, everyone was hugging, jumping. We sang a lot.
"You see it on our faces, you see everyone singing, everyone happy. We feel fufilled and this joy will definitely take us far. It's what defines our team."
For 22-year-old Antony, there was added emotional oomph from a message received beforehand from his old neighbours back in Sao Paulo. “Before the game I received a photo from the community where I lived – the street, with my number and my name," he explained.
“I got a bit emotional remembering all that I've been through down the years. Years back I was painting the street. Today I'm able to represent my country and everyone there and my family. It's one of the happiest moments of my life.”
His World Cup debut arrived in the 79th minute when he replaced Neymar and the fact that Brazil ended the contest with a quartet of attacking substitutes in him, Rodrygo, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli – the others respectively replacing Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Raphina – was testimony to the remarkable depth of their talent pool.
Antony said: “The strength of our squad, and the gaffer says this, is that it's not just 11 players who win you the game. We always say it's not just the 11 players who start who'll win you the game. The players who come on always need to try to maintain the same level of intensity, we have to make things happen.
"We've already showed it and people can see it – one player comes on and another goes off and we maintain the same quality and intensity. Whether you start or come on, you're ready.” Ready for a laugh, but also, crucially, ready for action.
