Brazil wants to forget defeat of 2014

Supporters of the Selecao still ensure it echoes in their ears: 7-1. As high-profile Brazil players walked off the pitch following a recent training session at Teresopolis, a few dozen disgruntled fans chanted "7-1." That loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semifinals will be in the back of the minds of the Brazil players whenever they start a match in Russia, particularly the six who were involved in that squad.

But the current group is very different from the group that flopped at home four years ago. After a series of changes implemented by coach Tite since September 2016, the five-time World Cup champion once again is considered title contender. After hearing the negative chants at the training ground recently, four-time World Cup winner Mario Zagallo expressed optimism the humiliation could make Brazil stronger this time. "That 7-1 will sting forever," said the 86-year-old Zagallo. "But Tite and Neymar give us hope again. In 2014 we didn't have our best in the World Cup. Now players will fight for positions - the mindset has changed."