| Outright Odds: 3/1 | | | | however, is that a fully-fit first-choice |
| | | | team will turn it on when it matters most of |
| Group F Winners: 1/4 | | | | all. Brazil, even without Ronaldo, Roberto |
| | | | Carlos and Cafu, hammered Argentina 4-1 in |
| What else is there to be said about Brazil? | | | | the final of last year's Confederations Cup |
| They are the only team to have participated | | | | held in Germany in what could be seen as the |
| in every World Cup finals and are five times | | | | "warm up" to this year's finals. |
| winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. | | | | |
| They have also finished as runners up twice | | | | The other 31 countries participating in the |
| in 1950 and 1998. | | | | tournament need some hope that Brazil can be |
| | | | beaten and they do have some weaknesses. |
| Manager Carlos Alberto Parreira, who won it | | | | Goalkeeper Dida is prone to some dodgy |
| in 1994 has possibly a better squad of | | | | moments, although he is nowhere the liability |
| players at his disposal than he did 12 years | | | | he was regarded as four years during his |
| ago and instead of Bebeto, Romario and Rai he | | | | calamitous appearances in AC Milan's |
| now has Adriano, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. It | | | | Champions League campaign. Roque Junior, who |
| is unlikely the man who has lead four | | | | had a forgettable loan spell at Leeds United, |
| different nations to the finals (Kuwait 1982, | | | | could also be seen as a weak link at the |
| UAE 1990, Brazil 1994 and Saudi Arabia 1998) | | | | back. |
| will be complaining. | | | | |
| | | | These minor imperfections could be seen as |
| Brazil start as clear favourites for the | | | | clutching at straws as overall, as a team and |
| tournament and have attacking resources to | | | | even as a squad, Brazil ooze world class |
| frighten any opposing managers. As well as | | | | quality with the important players vastly |
| the trio already described, throw Kaka, | | | | experienced in terms of World Cup finals |
| Robinho, Roberto Carlos and Juninho into the | | | | appearances and success. |
| mix and goals can come from literally | | | | |
| anywhere on the pitch. | | | | While Brazil are the firm bookmaker's |
| | | | favourites, top goal scorer punters may like |
| Qualification wasn't the breeze it should | | | | to try Adriano to win the Golden Boot. Strike |
| have been, with two defeats and seven draws | | | | partner Ronaldo, who won the coveted title |
| in 18 matches. It is important to consider | | | | four years ago is only offered at single |
| though Parreira was forced to shuffle the | | | | figures. |
| pack as injuries and European teams demanding | | | | |
| their players were kept fit. | | | | Recommended Bet |
| | | | |
| In terms of individual talent, Brazil are | | | | The 3/1 on offer of a Brazil victory looks |
| streets ahead of anyone else participating in | | | | decidedly good value before kick-off while |
| the finals, but that is not how a football | | | | Adriano could shine in his first major finals |
| team should be judged. What we do know, | | | | appearance. |