Roberto Carlos is a brilliant talent (Allsport).

By Frank Malley, PA Chief Sports Writer

The only thing predictable about this Brazilian side is their unpredictability.

At times during this World Cup it has seemed as if they have not known themselves how they should line up.

What for many sides would be a weakness, however, is their strength. Their game is based around individual brilliance rather than teamwork and pragmatism.

Goalkeeper Marcos does not always exude confidence, often resorting to punching when under little pressure.

Defenders Lucio, Roque Junior and Edmilson have had positional problems, much of them caused by their desire to bring the ball forward and thrust into the opponents' half. Gaps are often left for rival strikers to exploit, as Michael Owen did when he found himself one-on-one with Lucio.

Wing backs Roberto Carlos and Cafu, however, are one of Brazil's chief assets, their storming work up and down the flanks lending balance and width to Brazil's game.

Midfield has proved an area where Brazil have struggled to find the right blend, the tidy and compact Juninho proving at times too lightweight and Kleberson being preferred against England.

Gilberto Silva is the nearest Brazil have to a midfield holding player, while against Turkey they will miss the suspended Ronaldinho, who was sent off against England.

His ability to run from deep at defences brought Rivaldo's goal against England, though at times it appears Brazil play with three out-and-out strikers.

Rivaldo's penchant for turning up in advanced positions is crucial to Brazil's game, but also at times it leaves his fellow midfielders exposed to counter-attack.

Ronaldo is the central spearhead, though his work can be done equally well outside the penalty area as in the six-yard box. He is especially dangerous when he links up with Rivaldo with sharp one-twos around the penalty area.

In the second half against England, Brazil also demonstrated they can defend with structure and confidence and intelligent possession, though the trait which underpins their success, as with all winning sides, is hard work.

No Brazilian side will have made more tackles or covered more ground than that of Luiz Felipe Scolari. Industry and invention - it's a potent combination.

Key Players

Ronaldo: Joint leading scorer in the tournament with five goals. Still struggling for best form after losing two years to knee surgery, but once again a constant danger with lightning thrusts. Substituted against England with muscular pains, but still vital to Brazil's attacking menace.

Rivaldo: Also scored five goals, including the first against England. Brazil's most influential player. Picks up ball deep. Difficult to mark. Scores goals from long-range, from free-kicks, spectacular volleys and inside the six-yard box. Prefers left-foot, though almost as strong off right. Also creates from midfield for team-mates.

Roberto Carlos: Storming runs up the left flank are his trademark and part of what makes Brazil such a surging side in full flow. Athletic, pacey, a genuine box-to-box overlapping full-back who is just as likely to turn up having a shot in the centre of the penalty area. Free-kick taker with vicious swervers a speciality.