Revisiting Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning tactics

Brazil's fifth world cup triumph in Japan Korea 2002, winning all their matches in what was a relatively smooth path to the final.

Ronaldo was the man of the match and finished top scorer, vindication of coach Scolari's faith in the striker who just returned from major injury.

Brazil's 3-4-3 was in fact inspired by arch rival Argentina's formation, and Scolari's used it to field the magical 3Rs in a fluid front line. Ronaldo would often drift left allowing Ronaldinho to float into the center, while Rivaldo also turned up in goal scoring positions from the right.

In the flanks, the tireless wingbacks Cafu and Roberto Carlos played two roles, as defenders and wingers providing width in place of Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

In the center, Gilberto Silva was a mainstay with Edmilson nominally starting as a center back but stepping up into midfield when in possession. It seems that in 2002, Scolari had already begun using a ball playing center back to strengthen numbers in the middle of the park, a practice which is all the rage now with Guardiola's Manchester City among others.

This was surely the last great Brazil team which balanced brilliant flair with tenacity and toughness.

View Brazil's lineup in the 2002 World Cup Final or create your own.