Former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker Ronaldo has said reigning champions Spain and not his native Brazil will be favourites at the World Cup next year.
Ronaldo, who led Brazil to glory in the 2002 World Cup, is in Spain to promote the Confederations Cup which takes place in June.
He believes a final in that competition between the current World champions and the hosts would be a perfect appetiser for the main event next year.
"Spain have the game and the players that the whole world would love to have," he told the Spanish football federation's website.
"They have the base of Real Madrid and Barcelona players, which are the two best clubs in the world.
"At this moment, Spain are the big favourites to win (the two tournaments) in the next two years. They are world and European champions.
"A (Confederations Cup) final between Brazil and Spain would be spectacular for everyone.
"Although Spain are better than Brazil, playing at home could help."
Ronaldo also spoke glowingly about the influence that Vicente del Bosque has had on the current Spanish side, having worked under the 62-year-old during his time as a player at Real Madrid.
"I love how Vicente del Bosque works and how he is as a human-being. He is charming and all the players love how he is as the leader of the team.
"His talks lasted three or four minutes, not an hour. He knows how to win over a player."
And Ronaldo even calmed Spanish fears that the state of the pitches in Brazil will be to the detriment of their short passing game.
"On the sporting side, (1994 World Cup winner) Bebeto and I are members of the local organising committee. We have been very attentive with respect to the pitches and the grass.
"We have worked so that we have grass of the same quality that there is in Europe so that the ball runs quickly."
Source: AFP
