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