Brazil’s sports minister Aldo Rebelo believes Brazil are the favourites for the World Cup but has backed national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to handle the pressure.
Rebelo was speaking to the British media, including the Daily Telegraph and was quoted on who he feels can challenge Brazil in this summer’s tournament.
He told the Telegraph: "There are teams who can do well in Brazil, teams like Germany, Spain, France, Argentina, Uruguay, Holland, England – and Italy! Italy are always a possibility to win any tournament.
"We are the favourites. We have [Felipe] Scolari. He’s a great character and personality. He’s respected and admired because he was very successful at whichever club he coaches.
“He won many competitions, national and international, for Palmeiras. He was a world champion with Brazil in 2002. He had very significant performances with Portugal. People see him as a leader as well as a coach, a man capable of enthusing his team."
Rebelo also believes Brazil have an exceptional player in Neymar and says World Cup winners would be treated like heroes.
"We have a good team, a strong team. We have some exceptional players like Neymar, playing at home in front of our own supporters," added Brazil’s sports minister.
“Our players will be much more motivated. They want to bring joy to Brazil.
"Any Brazilian who wins the World Cup is treated as a national hero, a person who is greatly admired, loved and respected because football is so important for the Brazilian people."
