Ronaldo: Argentina could spring a surprise

Twice a world champion in four FIFA World Cup™ appearances; the leading scorer in the history of the competition with 15 goals; a three-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award; and one of the greatest footballers of all time: Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, otherwise known as O Fenômeno, achieved much during the years when he graced the pitches of the world.

His days of terrorising opposing defences behind him, Ronaldo is now an authority on his country’s preparations to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

A member of the Management Board of Brazil 2014’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), he gave a wide-ranging press conference on Wednesday, discussing a series of topics from demonstrations in the streets and construction work at the stadiums to the legacy of the World Cup and Brazil’s hopes of success in next year’s competition. FIFA.com rounds up what the Brazilian superstar had to say on those subjects and more.

On what the Final Draw might bring for Brazil…
“Starting the competition in one of the weaker groups could be a good thing, but I don’t think theBrazil team needs to sit there hoping for a weak group or a strong one. They showed at the FIFA Confederations Cup that they have a very strong side and that they’re the red hot favourites to win the FIFA World Cup.”

On the criteria for the Final Draw…
“I think the [FIFA/Coca-Cola World] Ranking tells us who’s the best right now. Being a traditional powerhouse doesn’t mean to say you’re going to win the FIFA World Cup. You have to play good football and have a bit of luck too. Some of the big names aren’t seeded and that’s because they haven’t performed that well over the last couple of years.”

On the favourites for the title…
“Brazil are top of my list of favourites. Then come Germany, followed by Spain and Argentina.Argentina could spring a nasty surprise (laughs). Have you thought about Argentina winning here inBrazil?”

Read more click here: Ronaldo on Neymar

Source: FIFA