Former
Brazil international Ronaldo has claimed that Brazil is capable of winning the World Cup in 2014, and believes
Neymar will be vitally important if the Selecao are to emerge victorious with their sixth title.
The retired forward, who is the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, is also hopeful the tournament will provide a legacy for future generations of Brazilian youngsters.
“Between now and 2014 there's time [for Brazil] to find a good level of consistency, competitiveness and become capable of being crowned champions,” the one-time Madrid man told FIFA.com.
“There’s been a generational overhaul in the national squad, which definitely isn’t playing its best football yet. And I think it’s going to take more time still for it to peak.”
He also went on to praise young starlet Neymar, and believes that the Santos forward has what it takes to guide Brazil to victory in two years' time.
“Neymar, at just 19 years of age, has already got incredible ability. He scores loads of goals and has won Brazil over. The international experience he had against Barcelona [in Santos’ 4-0 final defeat at the FIFA Club World Cup 2011] wasn’t a good one, but I’m sure it’ll have taught him a lot.”
As well as Neymar, Internacional forward Leandro Damiao was singled out for particularly high praise, with the former Real Madrid striker claiming he is 'the new Ronaldo'.
"Leandro Damiao, from Internacional de Porto Alegre [is probably the new Ronaldo]. He’s tall, strong, a very good goalscorer, a threat in the air and skilful with both feet. He’ll play a big part in 2014."
The 35-year-old, who scored 62 goals for his country, also explained why football's showpiece event will provide a great future for its country's youngsters.
“We’re very proud to be hosting the World Cup in Brazil. We’re going to have a great opportunity for growth, which is what’s most important for the population as a whole, because there will be huge investment in infrastructure, airports, motorways, hospitals and hotels. There will be a legacy that will remain for the rest of our lives, one that only a World Cup can provide.”
And finally, Ronaldo, who is currently a member of the Brazil 2014 Local Organizing Committee, was asked to pick his all-time Brazil XI, with surprising results.
"That’s a tough one, but I’d go with Taffarel; Cafu, Aldair, Lucio, Roberto Carlos; Junior, Zico, Rivelino; Pele, Romario and me, of course! It’s a very attacking team! Everyone would be bombing forward!"
The Samba Boys next fixture will be at the end of May when they travel to Hamburg to face Denmark in a friendly.
