Brazil v Croatia - Preview

Time to live up to greatness for Brazil

Brazilian striker Ronaldo (R) vies for the ball with teammates Roberto Carlos (L) and Cicinho 06 June 2006 during a training session in Konigstein, Germany. Brazil's World Cup squad prepares to face Croatia next 13 June in Berlin, disputing the 2006 World Cup in Germany. AFP PHOTO/ANTONIO SCORZA

Enter the heavyweights. With all respect to Ronaldo, who notwithstanding his real or imagined carrying of a few extra kilos could never be described as a footballing lightweight, Tuesday sees the grand entrance of the team they all want to see.

Berlin's extensively renovated Olympic Stadium is the suitably grand venue as the incomparable boys from Brazil open their quest for a sixth title, with unpredictable Croatia providing the opponents in the opening Group F meeting.

As four years ago, the man of the moment is Ronaldo, the subject of much diplomatic dispute in recent days amid constant allegations that he is overweight while he has also been dogged by blisters and a fever since arriving last week.

One more goal would take the Real Madrid striker ahead of the peerless Pele, whose 12 World Cup goals are a Brazilian record to date.

Brazilian football player Ronaldinho Gaucho juggles with the ball during a training of the Brazilian team in Konigstein, Germany 07 June 2006. Brazil plays in the group F of the World Cup FIFA 2006 with Croatia, Australia and Japan. AFP PHOTO/VANDERLEI ALMEIDA

Three more would move the 29-year-old to the top of the all-time leaderboard ahead of German "bomber" Gerd Muller, who notched 14.

Ronaldo aside, another man who cannot be overlooked in a side bursting with creativity is world player of the year Ronaldinho, who has fulfilled in spades the potential he showed back in Asia when he played his part in the road to victory in Yokahama.

The 26-year-old from Porto Alegre has turned football into the highest art with his showings this season which carried Barcelona to the Champions League title as well as the Spanish championship for a second straight season.

Add AC Milan's Kaka and Inter Milan hotshot Adriano and up front Brazil look unstoppable.

Brazil are alone in appearing in every World Cup and after wins in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 and runner-up finishes in 1950 and 1998 their pedigree is unmatched, making them 9/4 favourites.

The favourites' tag is not won worn lightly, however.

Croatian head coach Zlatko Kranjcar smiles as he answers journalists questions during a press conference in Bad Bruckenau,10 June 2006. Croatia are contesting Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2006 with Brazil, Japan and Australia and will play their first match 13 June against Brazil in Berlin. AFP PHOTO/ HRVOJE POLAN

"It is always the same. Brazil will win it. Brazil are the favourites - the other teams want to take the attention off themselves and the pressure," Kaka, only a bit-part player in 2002, complained in a media interview.

Coached by Zlatko Kranjcar, the Croatians will not arrive as lambs to the slaughter but they have been battling a mysterious virus since arriving in Germany last week.

Doctors could not determine the cause of the infection which had stricken stars including Darijo Simic, Ivica Olic, Bosko Balaban, Dado Prso, Stjepan Tomas, Anthony Seric and Joseph Didulica.

As they sweat on their fitness, Asian champions Japan and Australia make up the remainder of the group as the Brazilians set off to ignite the event with their magic touch.

Brazil

Dida - Cafu, Lucio, Juan, Roberto Carlos - Emerson, Ze Roberto - Kaka, Ronaldinho - Ronaldo, Adriano - Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira (Bra)

Croatie

Butina - Simic, R. Kovac, Tomas - Srna, Tudor, N. Kovac, Babic - Kranjcar - Prso, Klasnic - : Coach Zlatko Kranjcar

Referee

M. Benito Archundia (Mex)