Assessing Brazil's betting odds for 2010 World Cup

The untold advantage Brazil have in their favour this time is the almost fever pitch level of support they are going to get from the moment South Africa are eliminated. South Africans are mad for Brazil. Simple as that. And most games will be like home game for Dunga's men.

Brazil had a relatively comfortable passage through what must be the hardest qualification route in world football, even when you play the poorer teams, they play their home games at very high altitude.

Bet365.com have Brazil priced at 6.00 aong with England and on paper that might seem sensible, but I just can't help but think they'll struggle a bit. Not struggle like Algeria will, but in terms of the expectations of the world.

Will Brazil be playing in the 2010 World Cup Final? No I don't think they will.

Kaka is fading with Real Madrid and doesn't seem the juggernaut-like unstoppable force he once was with Milan. Robinho is almost a joke like figure after his move back to Santos from Manchester City.

Luis Fabiano finished top scorer in qualifying but has looked a shadow of his former self and has only bagged 9 league goals this season.

I sense trouble ahead for Brazil, and I sense that trouble will be in the form of a stocky scouser in a white shirt with a number 9 on his back, who ironically is known to his fans as "The White Pele".