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World Cup - Brazil

If Ronaldinho plays like he has been this year for Barca it will be a special World Cup and another trophy for Brazil. It's that simple. And then, as if they need them, Brazil is full of other potential stars - perhaps Kaka will break through too.

Brazil ready to mount strong defense.

The problems experienced in qualifying for Korea/Japan 2002 soon became a distant memory for mighty Brazil as they powered to their fifth FIFA World Cup™ triumph. The Seleção followed that up with success in the 2004 Copa America and the following summer's FIFA Confederations Cup and also came out on top in the South American qualifying group for Germany 2006. That clean sweep sees the Brazilians in good stead as they gear up for the defence of their world crown...
Having seemingly banished the ghosts of 2001 for good, the Brazilians are rightly installed as favourites for every tournament in which they take part. The five-goal drubbing they meted out to Chile to qualify for Germany 2006 only served to heighten expectations among their adoring fans, and no wonder. Carlos Alberto Parreira's star-studded squad, an exciting blend of raw talent and valuable experience, is the envy of world football. Just to complete the picture, Brazil are the only team on planet football to have qualified for every single FIFA World Cup.

Despite having to come through qualifying to defend their crown – the first holders to enjoy this dubious distinction – Brazil amassed some very impressive statistics. In claiming top place in the group they scored more goals than any of their rivals (35), had the second meanest defense (17 goals conceded), remained unbeaten at home, and also boasted the group's top scorer (Ronaldo, with ten goals).

The biggest blemish during their campaign was a defeat against Argentina in Buenos Aires, although the four-goal hiding they subsequently gave their arch-rivals in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup, and the fact they pinched top spot in the South America group on the final matchday, soon made up for that disappointment. Brazil finished with 34 points – four more than they picked up last time around – recording nine wins, seven draws and just two defeats.

Read more at: FIFA World Cup - Yahoo!