Brazil still see Spain as favourites: striker

Brazil striker Nilmar said on Thursday that his countrymen still believed Spain would live up to their World Cup favourites’ billing despite a surprising opening loss to Switzerland.

“That could be a lesson for other teams – this result shows what can happen at a World Cup,” said Nilmar, who expects to spend his tournament primarily on the bench with Luis Fabiano and Robinho ahead of him in the Brazilian pecking order.

“But I have not changed my opinion – Spain remain one of the favourites,’ he insisted.

If Brazil win their group and Spain only creep through in second place – if at all – the joint favourites and top-ranked countries in the FIFA standings would meet in the next round.

“That would be a final before the final – as for me they are one of the best sides in the world,” said Nilmar.