Confident Brazil determined to claim fifth crown

Confidence is proving to be the watchword for Brazil and the reason why they are certain they will be crowned world champions for a fifth time tomorrow.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side certainly appear to be positive and assured after putting together a six-match winning streak to take them to the final against Germany at the Yokohama International Stadium.

Just watching the players during yesterday’s training session in front of around 300 members of the media, and more than 100 prying camera lenses, they were at ease and relaxed as they laughed and joked their way through the 90 minutes.

Off the field the squad are enjoying such bizarre pursuits - at least something you would not ordinarily associate with Brazil’s Samba stars - as bingo, according to six-goal striker and the tournament’s leading scorer in Ronaldo.

Rivaldo, chasing his team-mate for the golden boot as he has five goals to his name, said: ‘‘The game is not going to be easy, but the Brazilian team is in very good shape.

‘‘In France ’98 we had the same focus as we do now. Even though we played well then we still lost. This time we have a lot more confidence and I think we will make it.’’

Wing-back Roberto Carlos, who along with Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho is vying for the player-of-the-tournament award - known as the golden ball - echoed the words of the Barcelona striker.

‘‘After losing in France, we have another opportunity to see if we can win the World Cup again,’’ said the 29-year-old, already triumphant this season after helping Real Madrid clinch the Champions League title.

‘‘There is such a good atmosphere in the group, while we have shown we are a good team which plays with a professional attitude.

‘‘As for me personally, I am living a great moment in my professional career right now. We won the Copa America, then Real became champions of Europe, and now we will probably be champions of the world.’’

Brazil, of course, do have respect for Germany, who themselves are aiming to join their opponents as the tournament’s most successful nation in claiming a fourth World Cup.

But such is Brazil’s confidence they do not believe they will be beaten as defender Edmilson said:

‘The Germans are well organised tactically and are physically very strong.

‘‘In conceding just one goal so far in the tournament it shows they are also very good at the back and so it is obviously going to be difficult for us.

‘‘But after the first phase, when our own defence was criticised, we have since played well at the back and the difference is mostly down to confidence.

‘‘Even after beating Turkey we have gained confidence. Every game has given us more confidence.’’