Roberto Carlos confident of Brazil winning the cup

Switzerland, May 24: Brazil's Roberto Carlos has confidently predicted that the champions have an 80 percent chance of retaining the World Cup in Germany.

''It's not being big-headed, it's the reality,'' he told reporters before Brazil's first serious pre-tournament training session in the Swiss resort of Weggis today.

''We're the current world champions and everyone considers us to be favourites. This will be demonstrated with our quality, confidence, determination and professionalism on the pitch.'' ''The possibility of winning a title is 80 percent,'' said Roberto Carlos, who has endured three seasons at Real Madrid without winning a major trophy.

''The Brazilian team is different to the clubs, all the bad things go away,'' he said.

''This could be my last World Cup and it could be my best because I feel happy and confident.'' Brazil trained in front of a paying crowd who filled about three-quarters of the 5,000 capacity, purpose-built arena with a mixture of visiting Brazilians and curious locals.

Brazilian media have speculated that the arena, with less than two metres separating the pitch from the seats, could disturb Brazil's players.

However, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has said he will only close off practice if the public become too boisterous.

''We're used to all this euphoria,'' said Roberto Carlos, ''It's the same at Real Madrid. We're going to do things well to leave the fans with a good impression.'' Forward Ronaldinho said: ''We want to give back some of the affection we've received from the supporters but we know when it's time to work, we have to work.

''It's this happiness which gives us pleasure from playing for Brazil.

''All I want is to do my best for Brazil and come back with the title once again.'' Earlier, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said FIFA president Sepp Blatter visited the team at their nearby hotel and had lunch with officials including CBF president Ricardo Teixeira.

Brazil, who have won a record five World Cups, face Croatia, Australia and Japan in their Group F first round matches at the tournament, which starts June 9.

Reuters