Moscow: Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima played a stellar role when Brazil last emerged world champions, back in 2002.

Arguably the best striker in the world then, Ronaldo scored a brace when Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in the decider to win their fifth World Cup title.

Sixteen years later, this is Brazil's best chance to win the Cup again, for the sixth time, he feels. "It is time for Brazil to win the Cup again. This is their best chance," Ronaldo said on Tuesday.

"I think that the other favourites will be Germany, who are always strong, and Spain. Argentina and France can also cause problems."

Asked about coach Tite's name doing the rounds as the next Real Madrid coach before Julen Lopetegui's name was announced as replacement for Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo said that the primary objective should be to deliver for Brazil and not look at "rumours."

"I don't know about Real, but what I hope is the national team does its best in the World Cup and that we can come home with the trophy," stated Ronaldo.

"People talk a lot, but I do not know what they are talking about. Ahead of a competition as important as the World Cup, the entire focus should be on it only. Rumours shouldn't matter." Meanwhile, former Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari claimed that midfielder Casemiro is the man makes the Brazilian team click.

"The player who makes the difference in Brazil is Casemiro. He gives balance to the team's game," said Scolari.

"He allows Marcelo, Neymar and the other attacking players to have more freedom."

During his coaching career, Scolari has also enjoyed a lengthy spell with Portugal and outlined what he expects from them in Brazil.

"It is a World Cup in which collective work will prevail and Cristiano Ronaldo is part of a Portuguese team that works very well under Fernando Santos," he added.

"They are the current European champions, but Cristiano is part of a group and he won't be able to win alone. I think Portugal will qualify for the knockout stages, but from thereon could the difficulties begin." Agencies