"It's us or no-one"

World Player of the Year Ronaldinho insists Brazil are the clear favourites to defend their World Cup title in Germany next year. The Barcelona striker was amongst a number of international stars speaking to eurosport.com, where you can follow the draw LI

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"Truly, there isn't any other favourite. To be honest, I can't see any other favourite," the Brazilian superstar told eurosport.com.

"If we prepare well and start the World Cup in good fashion, we will be able to beat any opponent.

"But I can't imagine other teams playing with as much creativity as Brazil."

POSSIBLE SURPRISES

But Spain and Liverpool midfielder Xavi Alonso believes next year's World Cup could spring up a few shocks.

"I think we are among the six or eight teams that are favourites," said Alonso.

"Of course there are very powerful teams like Brazil or England.

"But I think there could be surprises like Greece's victory at the last European Championships in Portugal.

MAKELELE CAUTIOUS

France midfielder Claude Makelele was also keen to see off any unwanted shocks early on:

"I think we have to be ready from the start to avoid any bad surprises," said the Chelsea stopper.

"To me there is no "small team" and we must be ready to give our best to go as far as possible."

KURANYI: "SWISS RATHER THAN DUTCH"

And Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi is hoping that the hosts avoid the big guns in the group stages, preferring a different neighbour instead.

"You hope for a "normal" team to face - nothing too difficult like the Netherlands," said the Stuttgart hitman.

"It would be good to play against Switzerland. I know a few Swiss players and it would be nice to play against them."

Follow all the build-up from 18:00 CET and the draw itself LIVE on eurosport.com/co.uk from 20:15 CET!