SAO PAULO, Brazil - Very few people are betting against Brazil at the World
Cup.
Brazil's Ronaldo controls the ball during the
Russia versus Brazil friendly soccer match at Moscow's Lokomotiv stadium
Wednesday, March 1, 2006.[AP] |
The Brazilians have so many of the best players in the world, own a record
five World Cup titles and carry the greatest aura in soccer. The national team
has won two of the last three titles, losing in the other final — and is coming
off a successful 2005 season.
There's no denying Brazil is heavily favored to win the tournament in
Germany. The Brazilians acknowledge that — as do most of their opponents.
The Brazilians, however, will be the first to point out that things won't be
as simple as they look.
"It's true that we have great chances to win the World Cup," coach Carlos
Alberto Parreira said. "But that doesn't mean it's a done deal. We still need to
play the matches and win them. And we know that's not going to be easy. All
teams will be trying their best to beat the defending champions."
Brazil is as strong a favorite as ever. In addition to comfortably leading
FIFA's world rankings since 2002, Brazil won the 2004 Copa America and last
year's Confederations Cup. It also finished first in the South American World
Cup qualifying group, ahead of rival Argentina.
The team will be led by two-time FIFA Player of the Year Ronaldinho, and he
will be supported by all-stars including Kaka, Ronaldo, Adriano, Cafu, Robinho
and Roberto Carlos.
"We have a very strong team, very technical and experienced," said Ronaldo,
the hero of the 2002 title team.
Brazil's World Cup record is unmatchable. It has reached the semifinals in 10
of the 17 World Cups since the competition started in 1930, and is the only team
to have played in every tournament. It was runner-up twice.
Brazil has played 87 World Cup matches, winning 60 (including the last
seven), tying 14 and losing only 13. It has outscored its opponents 191-82.
But no matter how good Brazil may be, history shows it could have a hard time
in Germany.
After winning its first two titles in 1958 and 1962, Brazil was heavily
favored to clinch a third in 1966 in England. Even with Pele in his prime, the
team played poorly and was eliminated early.
Another disappointment took place at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany,
after Brazil's dazzling campaign to win its third title in the 1970 tournament
in Mexico. This time without Pele, Brazil was eliminated by the Netherlands and
finished fourth.
"Several times the favorites came back home early," Parreira said. "Just
remember France and Argentina in 2002, they had chances to win the title, but
were knocked out early."
In 1982 in Spain, Brazil assembled a great team with stars including Zico,
Socrates and Falcao. The team enchanted fans and cruised through the first two
rounds, then was shocked 3-2 by Italy when it needed only a tie to advance.
