Brazil well on their way to defending World Cup title: Parreira

Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira proudly displays a winner's medal at the end of the Confederations Cup final against Argentina. Parreira said his team had made significant progress towards defending their World Cup title after their 4-1 victory over Argentina.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said his team had made significant progress towards defending their World Cup title after demolishing Argentina in the Confederations Cup final.

"We made great strides towards the World Cup in this competition," Parreira said after the 4-1 victory which included two goals from Adriano.

"This was a very important competition for us. We had our best players here to play against some very good teams.

"This was not just another title, it was an important competition for Brazil and a fantastic anniversary victory."

Ronaldinho lifted the Confederations Cup trophy exactly 47 years to the day that Brazil - and Pele - won the first of their five World Cups, in Sweden in 1958.

Parreira said his side would return to Germany next year as favourites to win a sixth World Cup.

"Since 1970 we have not entered a World Cup as the absolute favourite, so it is important that we do not let it affect us.

"Based on our results we do not consider ourselves favourites.

"But Brazil has everything it needs for the World Cup if we play like we did tonight."

The veteran coach said he was proud of the progress made in this competition by Adriano, the muscular striker from Inter Milan who finished as the competition's top scorer with five goals.

When Parreira took control of the national team for the third time in 2002 he grafted Adriano on to the team which had just won the World Cup.

"Adriano has been with me since my first game - nobody expected me to play him then but I did," he said.

"He has proved himself a player for the big moments and that is what we want."

Argentinian coach Jose Pekerman was downcast after a comprehensive defeat for his tired-looking team, but he cautioned against panic.

After all, Argentina beat Brazil 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier just days before this tournament.

"Of course I am disappointed, but let's not get desperate," Pekerman said.

"During this Cup, Argentina did a great job. We had our chances too.

"Argentina have qualified for the World Cup and we have important lessons to draw from this competition for the World Cup."

Pekerman said the tournament had proved his team's hunger.

"If you make it into the final of this competition, it means the competitive levels are good enough.

"We are making slow and steady progress towards the World Cup."