Zagallo is taking nothing for granted

Rio De Janeiro: Brazil assistant coach Mario Zagallo should know what it takes to win a World Cup, having put his hands around football’s biggest prize four times.

However, the sprightly 74-year-old is aware that a combination of experience — and having arguably the world’s most skilful players — may still not be enough to secure
Brazil their record sixth Jules Rimet Trophy come July 9. Zagallo goes into what could be one of his last World Cup campaigns having won the trophy twice as a coach (1970, 1994) and twice as a player (1958, 1962).

He was also the coach in 1998 when hosts France beat Brazil in the final, having been assistant to current Brazil coach Carlos Parreira in 1994 when Brazil beat Italy on penalties to win the trophy.

Zagallo watched from the sidelines when Brazil claimed their fifth World Cup title under coach Luiz Scolari in Japan in 2002, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t kept an eye on what’s happening elsewhere. And he belives Brazil’s status as favourites cannot be taken for granted.

Given their group opponents, Brazil have a great chance of making it to the second round. However, Zagallo warns that a strong European contingent, including France and Spain, could be their bogey teams.