Brazil fancy showing off embarrassment of riches

Brazil coach Tite is expected to rotate his World Cup squad for their final Group G match against Cameroon on Friday, with a view to keeping some players fresh for a likely last-16 match on Monday if they finish top of their group.

With their ticket already booked for the knockout stages after two wins, Brazil can rest players and wait for the return of others including Neymar, Alex Sandro and Danilo from injury.

Juventus left back Alex Sandro suffered a hip injury in Brazil's 1-0 win over Switzerland, while Paris St-Germain forward Neymar and Juventus right back Danilo picked up ankle injuries in the opening 2-0 win over Serbia. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has given no specific timetable for their return.

Several Brazil players were also ill on Sunday, including midfielder Lucas Paqueta who missed Saturday's training session and was substituted off at halftime in the game against Switzerland.

According to Brazilian television station Globo, Tite has already told the squad that he plans to give some players their first start at a World Cup match when they meet the African side.

Rodrygo, the youngest player in Tite's squad, came off the bench in both of Brazil's game in the World Cup so far, and he is likely to begin from the beginning in the game against Cameroon. 

The five-time World Cup winners have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking department, even with Neymar injured and Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho left out of the squad.

Raphinha, Antony, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Pedro and Richarlison are all providing competition for Rodrygo.

But Rodrygo has one major advantage over the others.

"We've seen him playing as a false nine, a 10, the 'Neymar" of Real Madrid, with the ability to play on the left and right," Matheus Bachi, an assistant coach with Brazil, who is also Tite's son, said recently.

"He's a chameleon, but a chameleon who does all these functions very well."

Cameroon, meanwhile, still have a chance of qualifying.

But Brazil are World Cup favourites for a reason, and have a bench packed with a flurry of attacking talents and also Manchester City number 1, Ederson.

Brazil will top their group if they draw or win. If they lose and Switzerland win against Serbia, top spot will be decided by goal difference.