Gilberto Silva - quiet, yet effective in midfield (Allsport)

By Jim van Wijk, PA Sport

Brazil have won the World Cup a record four times, so it was inevitable - even in a tournament full of shocks like this - that they would still be around at the final stage.

Here, PA Sport gives an insight into the latest boys from Brazil who will wear the famous yellow shirts in the final against Germany:

MARCOS (Goalkeeper) - The Palmeiras stopper was not severely tested in the group stages of the tournament and may feel he could have done better to stop Costa Rica beating him twice. Despite occasional poor distribution and hesitancy over crosses, he produced some brilliant stops to deny Belgium captain Marc Wilmots and kept a clean sheet in the semi-final win over Turkey.

CAFU (Defender) - Along with Roberto Carlos, Cafu is one of the best attacking full-backs in the world. He may be almost 32, but he still possesses lightning pace, tremendous stamina and a powerful shot that make him as much a threat in attack as he is dependable at the back. A permanent fixture in his club side too, helping Roma win the Serie A title in 2001.

LUCIO (Defender) - The Bayer Leverkusen player is a strong centre-back, but his mistake against England gifted a goal to Michael Owen. His high work-rate has been evident throughout all Brazil's matches and he is good in the air and skilful on the deck as well as strong in the tackle.

ROQUE JUNIOR (Defender) - The AC Milan defender has built up a good understanding with Lucio and is Scolari's preferred choice in the middle. At 6ft 1in, he will certainly be a handful in the air, but neither defender is the quickest and could be troubled by Miroslav Klose and Oliver Neuville running onto balls behind them.

ROBERTO CARLOS (Defender) - Just as Cafu's energy has revolutionised the right-back position, Roberto Carlos has done the same down the left. The pair's surging runs give Brazil numbers on the overlap and Roberto Carlos possesses one of the most lethal - and famous - shots in world football. He likes to have a go from free-kicks as China discovered when he opened the scoring from a set-piece in their 4-0 group-stage win. Simply the best in the world at what he does, his deliveries into the box provide plenty of welcome ammunition for Ronaldo and Co.

JUNIOR (Defender) - In the shadow of Roberto Carlos, but has proved a capable deputy. The Parma man is also a powerful runner with good distribution. Broke through the Costa Rica lines to score in the first-phase clash with a neat finish.

EDMILSON (Defender/Midfielder) - Replaced Roque Junior in the final group game against Costa Rica when qualification had been achieved, but was back on the bench against Belgium despite scoring with a brilliant overhead kick. Provides strength in depth and the Lyon man is as happy anchoring either the defence or the midfield.

GILBERTO SILVA (Midfielder) - Quiet, but effective powerful defensive midfielder. Protects the rear-guard as well as providing an outlet for the attack with his surging runs. Could be used as a man-marker to try and counter Germany's midfield threat.

JUNINHO (Midfielder) - Will be the most familiar player to English audiences after having enjoyed two spells with Middlesbrough. The diminutive midfielder is just as happy on the ball as he is running off it, with plenty of tricks still in the locker to bamboozle the opposition.

RIVALDO (Midfielder/Striker) - Stop Rivaldo, and you stop Brazil. The former FIFA World Footballer of the Year is capable of making the most difficult of manoeuvres look like child's play. Happiest in a free, attacking role, Rivaldo is at his most dangerous when in full flight, but also has a brilliant footballing brain to pick out his team-mates at will. The Barcelona man is also one of the hardest-working players in the Brazil arsenal, and his left foot one of the country's most potent weapons. He would have impressed few with his shameful play-acting against Turkey in the first phase after being hit with the ball by Hakan Unsal, landing the Blackburn man with a red card and himself with a hefty fine. However, his moment of brilliance to score the opener against Belgium was a timely reminder that the attacking midfielder only needs a split second and half a yard to produce a moment of genius which turns the game in Brazil's favour.

DENILSON (Midfielder/Striker) - Generally been used as a substitute by Scolari so far. Has great close control and still possesses a good turn of pace, but the £22million Real Betis man has yet to break into double goal figures for his country despite having already chalked up over 50 caps.

RONALDINHO (Midfielder/Striker) - The flying Paris St Germain player will be eager to impress again after missing the semi-final success over Turkey following his dismissal against England. He has been a star of the tournament for Brazil, making up the 'Three Rs' with Ronaldo and Rivaldo. He will no doubt be remembered by David Seaman for a long time following his winner in the quarter-final.

RONALDO (Striker) - The most natural talent the game has produced for a generation has started to show some of the form which rocketed him to superstardom in the 1990s. Ronaldo has netted six times already in the tournament and his crisp finishing and sharp footwork make him a menace for any defender. A question mark still remains over his below-par appearance in the 1998 World Cup final defeat by France. However, his showing in leading the race for the Golden Shoe must serve as a warning to those who would be king that Ronaldo may just be about to reclaim his crown - providing his fitness can last the pace.