Brazil star Neymar is under too much pressure to deliver the hosts with a sixth World Cup trophy, football legend Pele explained.
The 22-year-old Barcelona striker – who has scored seven goals in Brazil's nine successive friendly wins leading into the finals – is too young to be loaded with such expectations said Pele ahead of the hosts opening game with Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday.
Pele's comments came despite his impressive performances for Brazil at last year's Confederations Cup – the mini dress rehearsal for the World Cup – which saw them overwhelm present World Cup holders Spain 3-0 in the final with Neymar scoring a spectacular goal.
"Neymar is young," three-time World Cup winner Pele explained. "It is a heavy pressure for him to get all the responsibility."
Pele, 73 and Brazil's record goalscorer with 77 goals, said coach Luiz Felipe Scolari – who coached Brazil to the last of their five World Cup trophies in 2002 – had succeeded in turning the team into an outstanding defensive unit, which has often been the weakness in the national side.
They have scored 30 goals and conceded just two in their nine consecutive victories since losing to fellow World Cup finalists Switzerland last August.
"For the first time in history, Brazil has a defence better than they attack," said Pele. "The midfield back is fantastic. Very organised. I hope we can adjust from the midfield forward."
Rooney to excel in Brazil
Pele has also backed Wayne Rooney to star for England at the World Cup.
Rooney has scored 39 goals for England, but he has never found the net at a World Cup despite featuring in South Africa and Germany.
The England striker struggled for fitness and form prior to the squad's training camp in Miami, but Pele expects the 28-year-old to perform well in Brazil.
"Wayne Rooney has not scored [in a World Cup finals] but he was fantastic for the team," the three-time World Cup winner told reporters.
"He was always the player who fought more for the team – I would like him in my team, you know!"
England start their campaign against Italy in Manaus on Saturday before taking on Uruguay and Costa Rica.
It is a tough group, but Pele believes England should qualify.
"England have a difficult group but I think they could pass," the Brazilian said.
"The World Cup is a very short tournament and the experienced players always do well."
