Neymar models new Brazil strip... as Scolari targets a sixth World Cup with 2014 hosts
By David Kent
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Luiz Felipe Scolari launched Brazil's slick new Nike strip and claimed his World Cup hosts are ready to bring home a sixth crown this summer.
Barcelona superstar and Brazil's poster boy Neymar appears in the photo shoot as Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo was in Copacabana wearing the famous yellow shirt.
And coach Scolari warned Brazil's rivals the five-time champions aim to make an important alteration by winning the competition for a record sixth time.
Looking sharp: Neymar takes centre stage with David Luiz (centre right) and Thiago Silva (centre left)
'The shirt looks great, the only thing missing is a sixth star,' Scolari said.
'We aim to have that on there after the World Cup.'
The launch of the 2014 strip is the beginning of a key battle for Nike. as the Brazil shirt is their best-selling international jersey.
Nike expects Brazil to be its third largest market in the world by 2017, behind only the United States and China.
Sportswear rivals Nike and adidas are battling over supremacy in the 5 billion-euros soccer kit market.
Dapper: The Nike kit comes in the classic yellow with green trim and five stars
Time to shine? Luiz Felipe Scolari believes his Brazil team can win a sixth trophy on home soil
The two firms are virtually neck and neck in a market which the American company entered around 20 years ago.
German rivals adidas recently announced that it had extended its sponsorship agreement with FIFA to 2030, building on a partnership that dates back to 1970. The deal allows Adidas to supply match balls, kit for officials and volunteers and to advertise at World Cup venues.
Nike has a long-term deal with the Brazilian Football Confederation that has run since 1997. It also sponsors Neymar, the young striker who will shoulder much of Brazil's expectation next year.
Nike is already celebrating an early victory in the kit war, as the supplier to 10 of the tournament finalists. Adidas and smaller German rival Puma each have deals with eight teams.
Yet the top four teams in the FIFA rankings - Spain, Germany, Argentina and Colombia - all wear adidas.
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francis, birmingham, United Kingdom, 27 minutes ago
Nice kit, I think it will be between Brazil, Germany and Argentina but the home advantage will play a massive part, look at the Confederations cup earlier this year.