Brazil Legend Sees Frailties in Class of 2006

They are the most sublime team on earth, boast some magical talents, and are everyone's favourites to win the World Cup.

But some of the stars who have helped Brazil win the trophy five times before believe Ronaldinho and his teammates are overrated, have a suspect defence and will face tougher challenges in Germany than most people expect.

'The team have an incredible potential,' said Tostao, who helped Brazil win their third World Cup in 1970 in Mexico. 'But right now, they're not that much better than the other teams. It wouldn't be a surprise if they were eliminated.'

'I still see some things that need to be adjusted, especially in the defensive sector,' added Tostao, who is now a columnist for Brazilian newspapers. He used to partner Pele in Brazil's attack, and scored three goals at the 1966 and 1970 World Cups.

'The differential for this team is that they have three spectacular players in Ronaldinho, Kaka and Ronaldo,' Tostao said. 'But if they have bad days, the rest of the team are normal - the same standard as the other teams.'

Falcao, a star at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, also agreed Brazil still have to improve before being labelled 'better than the others'. 'Brazil still haven't been able to put a team together,' Falcao said. 'They are working towards that goal and there are still ten days to do it.'
Falcao, a former midfielder for Brazil's Internacional and Italy's AS Roma, said Brazil will have to work hard to play up to expectations. The World Cup holders play their first game in Group F against Croatia on 13 June, then play Australia on 18 June and Japan four days later.

Brazil will play New Zealand in Geneva today in the last warm-up match of their preparation - which critics fear may have been too easy. With the squad not 100 per cent ready, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said today's match in Geneva would be important to put his team on the right track for the tournament. 'Our goal will be to improve a little bit more,' Parreira said. 'New Zealand have been playing a lot recently and certainly will be a tougher test for us.'

Brazil romped to an 8-0 victory last Tuesday against FC Lucerne, who have just returned to the Swiss First Division and hardly posed a stern test for the five-time world champions. After the game Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Emerson were photographed carousing late into the night in a bar.

There has been criticism of the poor quality of Brazil's opponents, but Parreira has said since the start of the team's preparations that they are not at a disadvantage because of facing weaker opponents. 'I worry only about our team,' Parreira said. 'We need to be able to adjust the things that need to be adjusted independently from our adversary.'

New Zealand, ranked 118 in the world, were third in the Oceania World Cup qualifying group, behind Solomon Islands and Australia. The Kiwis were picked for today's match because they play in a physical style similar to Australia, Brazil's second World Cup opponents.

Brazil have beaten New Zealand both times they have met: 4-0 in the 1982 World Cup in Spain and 2-0 in the 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico.

Probable line-ups:


Brazil Dida, Cafu, Juan, Lucio, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Ronaldo.

New Zealand: Glen Moss, Noah Hickey, Danny Hay, Steven Old, Kris Bouckenooghe, Ivan Vicelich, David Mulligan, Jeremy Christie, Leo Bertos, Chris Killen,
Vaughan Coveny.