BRAZIL : PLAYERS TO WATCH

Overshadowed by Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002, Ronaldinho demonstrated he was the best player in the world while starring for Barcelona in 2005. If his club performance follows him north to Germany, then watch out. Where do you start? Adriano and Robinho wowed fans and foes in Europe with their scoring exploits in the latest generation of high-powered strikers. With all that young talent, you would think it would be difficult for an aging Ronaldo (he might be 29, but the condition of his knees is probably closer to 40) to find some quality time. But coach Carlos Alberto Parreira realizes Ronaldo, who was the leading South American goalscorer in qualifying with 10, is only two WC goals away from tying the all-time record of 14, set by West Germany's Gerd Mueller. Cafu, the right fullback and captain, set a record by playing in his third consecutive championship game in 2002. Enough already. You probably can make a case for just about every player in the lineup.

ROSTER

Brazil:
Goalkeepers: Dida (AC Milan), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo)
Defenders: Cafu (AC Milan), Cicinho (Real Madrid), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Cris (Olympique Lyon), Luisao (Benfica)
Midfielders: Edmilson (Barcelona), Juninho Pernambucano (Olympique Lyon), Emerson (Juventus), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Kaka (AC Milan), Ricardinho (Corinthians)
Forwards: Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Robinho (Real Madrid), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Adriano (Inter Milan), Fred (Olympique Lyon).