Luiz Felipe Scolari takes pressure in his stride as Brazil prepares to kick-off World Cup

IF Luiz Felipe Scolari is feeling the pressure, then he’s not showing it. Not even the tragic death of his nephew in a car accident fazed “Big Phil”.

Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari leaves after a press conference in SaoFBL-WC-2014-BRA-PRESSER Paulo, Brazil on June 11, 2014 on the eve of the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup between Brazil and Croatia. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE

IF Luiz Felipe Scolari is feeling the pressure, then he’s not showing it. Charged with delivering the World Cup on home soil — amid a backdrop of civil unrest — Scolari is entitled to be a little nervous.

But not even the tragic death of his nephew in a car accident yesterday fazed “Big Phil” as the Selecao trained at the Arena Corinthians for the final time, ahead of the opening game of the tournament against Croatia.

The scrutiny on the home team is always huge at a World Cup — but in Brazil, where Catholicism is the only other religion to rival football, the magnifying glass is at its sharpest. Our Fox Sports colleagues in Brazil broadcast the team’s latest session live on local television, replete with cone-by-cone commentary, and updates from reporters based pitch-side, and inside the tunnel.

But if they were hoping to see their coach wilt, they were disappointed.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari calls the shots at a Brazil training session.

The only recognition of the personal tragedy suffered by the Scolari family came when the team collectively embraced him — a touching moment, but also a sign that the Brazilian team will have to remain unified, if they are to fulfil what Scolari believes is their destiny.

He is used to winning trophies of course. Scolari was in charge the last time Brazil lifted the trophy in 2002, and the Confederations Cup last year is supposed to be just a taster of what is to come.

Scolari believes this team is similar to the one that lifted the trophy in Japan/Korea 12 years ago, and like that 2002 vintage, this Brazil team has the sort of special player teams need to win a World Cup.

Neymar is the modern day successor to Ronaldinho, and Zico (for whom the big prize remained elusive) and Pele before him.

But the “boy wonder” from Barcelona is perhaps feeling the pressure a little more than his experienced coach.

After rolling his ankle a few days ago — sending the country into shockwaves of worry — Neymar has re-appeared at training looking rather weighed down by the burden of expectation placed upon his slender shoulders.

His public utterances of wanting to be “just another player” and “part of the team” suggest he is keen to escape the glare of the spotlight — although missing three penalties out of four in the final practice didn’t help his case.

Into the maelstrom are thrown Croatia — expected to be mere lambs to the slaughter. But any team containing Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic (recent winners of the two biggest club trophies European football has to offer), must be respected, even if striker Mario Mandzukic is out through suspension.

Brazil's forward Neymar kicks a ball during a training session at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

Croatian coach Niko Kovac says his team won’t just park the bus, and Balkan neighbours Serbia showed in the recent friendly that Brazil have defensive weaknesses that can be exploited, particularly down the flanks.

All eyes then, are on Brazil — and not just the coach, Neymar, or his teammates.

The Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo has been in a rush to get ready — and the final touches are still being applied, with signage and sponsor boards being hastily erected, just hours before the big kick-off.

Of more concern are the two temporary stands that have not been tested at full capacity.

Organisers, and everyone across Brazil will be holding their breath that come kick-off, the team, Scolari, Neymar — and the stadium — will be all right on the night.

Originally published as Luiz Felipe Scolari takes pressure in his stride as Brazil prepares to kick-off World Cup