Brazil 'only halfway' to finding World Cup team

Brazilian national football team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira (L) gives instructions to his forward Kaka during a training session on June 15, 2005 in Leipzig, eastern Germany. Brazil are only halfway to finding their true team for the 2006 World Cup and fringe players who prove themselves at the Confederations Cup could make the final cut, Parreira said.

Brazil are only halfway to finding their true team for the 2006 World Cup and fringe players who prove themselves at the Confederations Cup could make the final cut, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

"It has been said that we have enough players to field five teams who would all do well in this tournament, but what I am interested in is finding my best team.

"I am only halfway to establishing my optimal team for the World Cup," Parreira told a press conference on Wednesday.

In the absence of some of their big names, the reigning world champions are expected to switch players in and out of their matches at this eight-nation tournament which acts as a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup.

Inter Milan's muscular striker Adriano, who is deputising for the absent Ronaldo, and Sao Paulo defender Cicinho, standing in for Cafu, are two players knocking on the door of the World Cup squad who are expected to start against European champions Greece on Thursday.

Parreira said the intense competition for places meant he was having no trouble motivating his players for a tournament often criticised as a meaningless event.

"Perhaps on another occasion that would be a problem, but one year before a World Cup everyone wants a place in the team.

"It means if you are here than your chances of playing in the World Cup are quite good.

"This tournament is very special. Three favourites to win the World Cup next year - Brazil, Argentina and Germany - are taking part."

Brazil need to take three points from their last three World Cup qualification matches to be sure of returning to Germany for next year's finals.

Turning to Thursday's opponents, Parreira said they were "respected" by his players.

"Greece won Euro 2004 well, in their own way. They are not yet out of the running to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

"And everybody finds something extra to try to beat the five-time world champions."

Brazil's next match is against Mexico in Hannover on Sunday before they complete their Group B games against Japan in Cologne on June 22.

The top two teams in each group progress to the semi-finals and the final is on June 29 on Frankfurt.