Brazil remains the hot favourite to win on home soil, having humbled world champion Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final last June.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari chose a largely-predictable squad and, for the first time in years, there was little criticism from fans who expect nothing less than a record sixth World Cup triumph.
The fans have also relaxed as they know that Scolari has carefully honed his players over 18 months in charge and will stick with them through thick and thin, despite several of them struggling over the last half of the season.
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar is now plying his trade in Canada, Neymar has not yet produced the scintillating form that won him a big money transfer to Barcelona, Paulinho and Oscar have struggled to get playing time at Tottenham and Chelsea, while striker Fred has suffered from a frequent bout of injuries.
But, the defence is solid, and players such as Neymar, Hulk, and Oscar appear more comfortable in Brazilian colours than the club one, and are capable of producing moments of game-changing brilliance.
Scolari's training methods attracted attention as he gave his players a copy of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", a Chinese military treatise written during 6th century BC. His attempts to enforce the Brazilian spirit and motivate the side may have looked odd but have been successful.
The coach has unified the squad and has seen his players perform for each other.
"We have an obligation to win the World Cup," said Scolari. "Now I'm playing in Brazil, in front of my people, I have the 12th player (fans) on my side,'' said Scolari, voted among the top-10 coaches of 2013.
"If I can't say that we are good, that we have a lot of quality and that we have good players, then there's nothing I should be doing here," he said. - Agencies
Starwatch: Neymar (22), Striker / Winger, Caps 47, Goals 30
The most expensive transfer in club football history? Maybe. The player with the highest club salary? He is certainly on his way there. Supremely talented? You bet your last money on that.
But, for Brazil and, more importantly, coach Scolari, Neymar is much more than that. 'Big Phil' has handed the iconic No. 10 jersey to the former Santos player, immediately elevating him to God-like status.
While the naysayers are many, Scolari has placed implicit trust on the winger, and has worked his team around the Barcelona star.
The Brazilian has belied the mere 22 summers that he has seen and soaked up the pressure attendant with the position he finds himself in. He has repaid Scolari’s faith in him, the standout showing in the Confederations Cup last year attesting to that.
The World Cup, of course, is a different ballgame altogether and the recent controversies surrounding Neymar will only accentuate that.
But then, it is the hallmark of great players to tide over adversity and make a name for themselves.
Come June 12, Neymar will be at the forefront of a squad teeming with talent and Brazil’s hopes will be riding on his young shoulders.
