Calcutta: Brazil are the favourites to lift the Cup that counts, followed by Spain, feels Luis Figo.  

In an interview to Laureus, the former Portugal captain and attacking midfielder said: “I always say that my favourites are the teams that have more experience in the World Cup and have more history because it helps in my opinion. 

“So, for me, I think Brazil this year are favourites. And then there is Spain. I think they are the two teams with more quality. 

“Spain will have one of the best teams, but perhaps they don’t score enough goals. They have good strikers, but they miss the opportunity to score, unlike Raul and (Fernando) Torres before. 

“I would like to have a final like Brazil versus Spain, or Portugal versus Spain. Even Portugal versus Brazil would be good for me.”

Asked why he made no mention of reigning champions Germany, Figo came up with a short, terse reply. “Well, I don’t know… Germany are always favourites, but this year I don’t see it,” he remarked.

Elaborating on Brazil and how he rates Neymar, Figo said: “Neymar, for me, is an amazing football player. I think he’s one of the best. I think in future he will be the best footballer in the world. He’s fast, he’s amazing. He has everything to be the No.1. 

“Look, Brazil are always strong. They have so many millions of people in the country, so it’s easier to produce football players there than say in Portugal.”

As for the Lionel Messi-led Argentina, the Portuguese legend feels the runners-up of 2014 can surprise everyone despite having struggled in the qualifiers. “Argentina have the best football player, but they were struggling to qualify and their friendly against Spain (losing 1-6) was a disaster.”