AP

Berlin, Jun 4: Brazil is so loaded with talent that it could probably field the best two teams in the World Cup.

Lucky for host Germany and a handful of other hopefuls, the rules for the world's most popular sporting event allow only one team per country.

So when the tournament begins on Friday, Brazil will have to make do with one squad.

And what a squad it is.

Player of the Year Ronaldinho alongside 2002 World Cup hero Ronaldo, flanked by the dynamic Kaka and Adriano.

Veteran Roberto Carlos anchoring the defense along with the impeccable Cafu. More midfielders than coach Carlos Alberto Parreira can find time for.

A solid goalkeeper in Dida.

Brazil's bench will be as formidable as some other entire teams, and that collection of riches makes the five-time champs a strong favorite to samba away with yet another trophy. An almost unfathomable sixth title - and third in four World Cups - would be twice as many as anyone else.

"It's true that we have great chances to win the World Cup," says Parreira, who coached his nation to the 1994 crown.

"But that doesn't mean it's a done deal; we still need to play the matches and win them. And we know that's not going to be easy. All teams will be trying their best to beat the defending champions."

And who might be best prepared to upset the Brazilians?

History says Europe is the best place to start looking for candidates.

Only one non-European nation has won a Cup staged on the continent: Brazil, naturally, in 1958.

There are contenders, however, from the Western Hemisphere in Argentina, Mexico, and maybe South Korea.

Argentina, along with France, was the biggest flop of 2002, failing to get out of the first round.