Brazil striker Adriano, seen here at practice 01 June 2006, claimed the attention opposition defences pay to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho could prove a blessing for him at the World Cup in Germany.
Brazil striker Adriano claimed the attention opposition defenses pay to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho could prove a blessing for him at the World Cup in Germany.
The Inter Milan forward is part of the reigning champions' "magic quartet", a term referring to their enviable attacking options that includes AC Milan playmaker Kaka as well as the two Rs.
"The pressure put on those two (Ronaldo and Ronaldinho) is always great but that can create more space for their teammates in the opposition's half," said Adriano.
"For me that is good, but we must not forget that players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho can also penetrate the opposition defence all by themselves."
Adriano did sound a warning for the five-time champions, though, insisting they cannot take the task of winning the World Cup for a record sixth time lightly despite the abundance of talent in the team.
"Everyone wants to beat Brazil and they always want to prove something against us," he added. "We have to remain focussed to avoid getting beaten. We have to stay concentrated."
But as well as a team of talents and a positive atmosphere in the camp, Adriano believes the physical conditioning the players have received at European clubs will contribute as much as anything to their chances of claiming the top prize at the June 9-July 9 bonanza.
"Football in Italy is very tactical and requires a lot of strength. That helps us," said the former Flamengo player. "But then again you have to say that the World Cup is even more demanding than the championship."
Brazil begin their campaign on June 13 against Croatia before further Group F matches against Australia and Japan on June 18 and 22 respectively.
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