Finally, on Tuesday, it's time for Brazil to begin its title defense. And not only is the team still the side everyone wants to watch, but it is also a huge favorite to turn in a repeat performance -- after defeating Germany in the final 2-0 four years ago in Asia.

Berlin's extensively renovated Olympic Stadium is the suitably grand venue as the incomparable boys from Brazil open their quest for a sixth title, with unpredictable Croatia providing the opponents in the opening Group F meeting.

Just as he was four years ago, the man of the moment is Ronaldo, the subject of much diplomatic dispute in recent days amid constant allegations that he is overweight. He has also been dogged by blisters and a fever since arriving last week.

But all he needs is one more goal to put the Real Madrid striker ahead of the peerless Pele, whose 12 World Cup goals are a Brazilian record to date. Three more would move the 29-year-old to the top of the all-time leader board ahead of German "bomber" Gerd Muller, who notched 14.

Brazil, though, is not just about Ronaldo aside. World player of the year Ronaldinho represents another highlight in a team bursting with creativity. He showed striking potential four years ago on the march to victory in Yokohama and the last four years has merely served to prove that he is for real. The 26-year-old from Porto Alegre has turned football into the highest art with his showings this season, which carried Barcelona to the Champions League title as well as the Spanish championship for a second straight season.

Add AC Milan's Kaka and Inter Milan hotshot Adriano and up front Brazil look unstoppable.

Brazil are alone in appearing in every World Cup and after wins in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 and runner-up finishes in 1950 and 1998 their pedigree is unmatched, making them 9/4 favourites.

The favorites' tag is not won worn lightly, however. "It is always the same. Brazil will win it. Brazil are the favorites -- the other teams want to take the attention off themselves and the pressure," Kaka, only a bit-part player in 2002, complained in a media interview.

Coached by Zlatko Kranjcar, the Croatians will not arrive as lambs to the slaughter but they have been battling a mysterious virus since arriving in Germany last week. Doctors could not determine the cause of the infection which had stricken stars including Darijo Simic, Ivica Olic, Bosko Balaban, Dado Prso, Stjepan Tomas, Anthony Seric and Joseph Didulica.