Robihno

Obviously, I hope Brazil win, but it is not going to be as easy as it seems. This is more a thing the Brazilian press is suggesting. In any competition that Brazil enter, we are favourites. Even in 2002, when the Brazilian press was not convinced of our chances, here in Europe, everyone pointed us out as one of the favourites. But we, the players, can't in any way think that winning a World Cup is going to be easy. We have to be careful with so many things. This favouritism is one of them. We can't lose the focus.

Who will be this year's dark horses? England. Although they have had some bad moments, I think the English team are very, very strong.

We can't forget Italy and Argentina as well - they are both very good sides. And there is always a surprise, but obviously I don't know which team is going to be the surprise package. Who will be the outstanding player of the 2006 World Cup? I hope it will be a Brazilian, because usually the best player of the World Cup comes from the winning team.

Which young player should we look out for at the World Cup?

I would keep my eyes open for my fellow Brazilian Robinho, my AC Milan team-mate Alberto Gilardino and also Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal.

How do you think England will perform?

I don't know exactly what is going on with their squad, but what I know from having played against almost all of the English players is that they have a brilliant side individually.

The English midfield is amazing - so strong, really one of the best.

England are one of the favourites, in my opinion.

However, they are not the only rivals for Brazil, that is for sure.

What is your first World Cup memory?

I remember something of the 1990 World Cup, but almost nothing. I have only a distant memory of the match Brazil lost to Argentina, in the round of 16.

My first clear memory is of the 1994 World Cup in the United States. We won it!

I remember all the matches; that is a great first memory.

What's the best game you remember in a World Cup?

The World Cup final in Japan in 2002. We beat Germany 2-0.

I was there, so I can't forget this match and those images.

What's the best goal you've seen at a World Cup?

The best goal was Ronaldo's first in that final against Germany in 2002.

Who will be the top scorer of the 2006 World Cup?

I can't answer that. It is impossible. In seven games, anyone can be the top scorer of the tournament.

Who is the best player never to have won the World Cup? Zico. The 1982 tournament was a pity. We should have won.

Striker Robinho believes he'll start at least one of Brazil's World Cup matches in Germany.

Playing in his first World Cup, Robinho is the first in line to replace regular starters Ronaldo and Adriano during Brazil's bid to win a record sixth title at the June 9-July 9 tournament.

"In the national team, not always the eleven who begin the competition are the eleven who finish it," Robinho said Saturday. "I'm getting ready to play. In a World Cup several things may happen and I need to be prepared if an opportunity comes up."

The 23-year-old Robinho has been used by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira in recent matches. He has scored five goals for Brazil in 18 matches. Brazil's fourth striker is Lyon's Fred.

Robinho was a starter when Brazil won last year's Confederations Cup. He replaced Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo, who was rested.

"We have excellent group of players and I respect everybody, but I'll be working hard to get my spot," Robinho said.

Robinho transferred from Brazil's Santos to Real Madrid last July in a deal reportedly worth US$30 million (?23.4 million).

Brazil will play friendlies in Switzerland - against FC Lucerne on May 30 and against New Zealand on June 4 - before moving to Germany in early June.

It will debut in the tournament against Croatia on June 13, then will face Australia on June 18 and Japan on June 22.