[Mr-Cricket]

Brazil warned to be 'patient'
From correspondents in Brazil
June 8, 2006

BRAZIL wingback Roberto Carlos has warned his teammates not to be over-confident but to be patient as they chase a sixth World Cup win.

"It's a short competition and there's no room for mistakes," said the Real Madrid defender overnight as he contemplated a second Cup triumph, after 2002, ahead of Wednesday's (AEST) Group F opener with Croatia.

"We are talking to the youngsters a lot to impress on them what the World Cup is all about. Most of them play for a big club and have big-match experience but a World Cup is different," said the 33-year-old veteran of the side which lost the 1998 final to France.

Oozing talent, Brazil is favourite to make it six titles in all – but Roberto Carlos said it must take nothing for granted.

"Everyone thinks it's easy but we have to keep focused. Over the past 12 years Brazil has been in the final (1994, 1998, 2002) and we must retain this mentality while respecting opponents.

"We mustn't fall into thinking we are the best – we lost the 1998 World Cup and the 1997 Copa America like that," he said, adding that Brazil has to watch out for Croatia on the counter attack.

Last year the teams parted 1-1 in a friendly when Croatia threw caution to the wind up front – a tactic Roberto Carlos doesn't expect to see this time.

"Frankly, I don't think they'll put three up front against us at a World Cup. But Croatia are a good side with experienced players of quality. I think for us it will be important to keep our nerve and control the ball."

With an ageing defence, Brazil's strengths appear greatest in attack, as is its tradition.

But Roberto Carlos insisted that "we have a solid backline.

"And in addition to that, we'll certainly get goals as we have a fantastic group of players up front."

Agence France-Presse