I still remember sitting in my living room with a stack of player profiles when Brazil announced their 2018 World Cup squad. As someone who's followed international football for over two decades, I found myself immediately analyzing each selection and predicting how this talented group might fare in Russia. Let me walk you through how to understand squad selection processes and what ultimately happened to that Brazilian team - because honestly, their journey reveals so much about modern football.

First, you need to understand how national team selection works. When building a World Cup squad, coaches typically start by identifying about 30-40 potential players about six months before the tournament. They'll watch countless matches, consult with scouts, and sometimes even visit training sessions. What many people don't realize is that political factors often influence these decisions more than we'd like to admit. Certain clubs might pressure coaches to select their players, while sponsorship deals can sometimes create subtle preferences for particular athletes. I've noticed that the final 23-player roster usually includes 3 goalkeepers, 6-8 defenders, 6-8 midfielders, and 5-7 forwards, though these numbers can vary based on the coach's tactical preferences.

Now, looking specifically at Brazil's 2018 selection process, Tite had some fascinating choices to make. The obvious stars like Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, and Marcelo were automatic picks, but the real debate came with the supporting cast. I remember arguing with friends about whether Roberto Firmino or Gabriel Jesus should start as striker - both brought different qualities to the table. The midfield selection particularly interested me, with Casemiro as the defensive anchor while Fernandinho provided experienced cover. What many casual observers miss is how much squad harmony matters in these tournaments. Players who might be technically brilliant but don't fit the group dynamic often get left behind, and I suspect that's why some talented names didn't make the final cut.

The tournament itself brought both triumph and heartbreak for Brazil's 2018 squad. They started somewhat shakily, drawing 1-1 with Switzerland in their opener, but gradually found their rhythm with wins against Costa Rica and Serbia. I recall watching that round of 16 match against Mexico thinking this team was finally clicking - Neymar was brilliant that day, despite all the diving complaints people had about him. But then came the quarterfinal against Belgium, which still pains me to think about. Fernandinho's own goal in the 13th minute set the tone for what would become a 2-1 defeat, ending Brazil's World Cup dreams. I've always felt that match highlighted the squad's key weakness - when put under sustained pressure by quality opposition, their defensive organization tended to fracture.

What's happened to those players since 2018 makes for a fascinating study in career trajectories. Some, like Neymar, have continued their superstar journeys despite injuries hampering his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Others have taken different paths - Philippe Coutinho had that difficult period at Barcelona but seems to be finding his feet again at Aston Villa. The players who interest me most are the ones who've reinvented themselves. Willian, for instance, looked like he might be fading when he left Chelsea but has enjoyed a career resurgence at Fulham. Then there are those who've disappeared from the highest level entirely - I was surprised to learn that former starting right-back Fagner remains at Corinthians rather than seeking European football.

This reminds me of something I came across recently from basketball coach Chot Reyes that applies perfectly here. He mentioned, "Proud kami na may kumukuha sa program namin. Yung iba naman, may grassroot programs din at hindi lang din naman kami nagiging biktima nito — even sa basketball or other sports." This resonates because national team selections always reflect both the success of development programs and the individual journeys of players. Brazil's 2018 squad contained products of various development systems - some came through famous academies, others emerged from lesser-known grassroots programs. The diversity of their career paths since Russia 2018 shows how football development isn't linear, and even World Cup squad members face uncertain futures.

If you're analyzing any national team's composition, I'd suggest paying attention to three key factors beyond just talent. First, consider the tactical flexibility - does the squad have players who can adapt to different game situations? Brazil's 2018 team had this to some extent, but perhaps not enough defensive versatility. Second, look at the leadership structure - every successful team needs multiple leaders across different positions. Third, and this is crucial, examine the squad's psychological resilience. The best teams can recover from setbacks during tournaments, and honestly, I'm not sure that Brazilian squad had enough mental fortitude when things went wrong against Belgium.

Reflecting on Brazil's 2018 World Cup squad five years later offers valuable lessons about international football. The selection process involves far more than just picking the 23 best players - it's about chemistry, balance, and preparing for various scenarios. Their tournament experience demonstrates how fine the margins are at the highest level, where one bad half can undo years of preparation. And their subsequent career paths show that making a World Cup squad is both an incredible achievement and just one chapter in a footballer's journey. The players who comprised Brazil's 2018 squad have taken remarkably different paths since that tournament, reminding us that in football, as in life, success is often temporary while the pursuit of excellence continues long after the final whistle.