Tite remained in the role until June 2016, when he was finally named coach of Brazil, replacing Dunga after the team's group-stage elimination

from the Copa America. At the time of his appointment, Brazil were languishing in sixth place in the South American zone qualifying standings for the 2018 World Cup.

The transformation was almost instant. Brazil proceeded to win nine consecutive competitive matches. In the meantime, they became the first team to qualify for Russia other than the hosts and reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in seven years.

"I had the impression that things happen for a reason," Tite said. "When I was not called to be the coach of the Brazilian team in 2017, it broke my heart. But in fact, maybe it was the best thing that happened, because it gave me the opportunity to go back to studying and continuing to learn."

It wasn't just the number of victories that made the football world take notice. Under Tite, Brazil revived the attacking and flamboyant DNA of the country's past generations, netting 30 goals in their final 12 qualifiers compared to 11 in their first six. Such form has led most bookmakers to install Brazil as one of the favorites for the tournament.

Few doubt Brazil's standing as a rehabilitated giant of international football. But has the team overcome the psychological trauma of the 7-1 defeat? According to Tite, the five-time world champions went a long way toward banishing any remaining ghosts in March with a 1-0 friendly victory over their 2017 executioners in Berlin.

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