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