World Cup 2006 factfile: Brazil

DORTMUND, June 25, 2006 (AFP/GNA) - Factfile on Brazil who face Ghana in a World Cup 2nd rd (last 16) match here on Tuesday:

BRAZIL


Honours:


Previous World Cup appearances: 17 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002) World Cup winners: 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002); Runners-up: 2 (1950, 1998); 3rd place: 2 (1938, 1978) Copa America winners: 7 (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005)


FIFA world ranking: 1


Odds: 11/4 second favourites


Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira

A rarity in that he never played professional football, Parreira first got a taste of the World Cup when he served as fitness coach to Brazil's celebrated 1970 World Cup-winning team.


Went on to forge a successful career as a coach in his own right, the highpoint being Brazil's 1994 World Cup triumph. Parreira stepped down after that triumph but returned to the helm after the 2002 tournament. Showed in opening game by taking off struggling Ronaldo that he's not scared to make tough decisions Key player: Ronaldinho


Two-time World Footballer of the Year, Ronaldinho is the star of stars amongst Brazil's dazzling array of attackers. Beautiful balance and close control as well as an unerring eye for goal make Ronaldinho the ultimate nightmare for defences everywhere.


Was a key member of the 2002 World Cup winning team but has since matured and developed a more rounded overall game since moving from Paris St Germain to Barcelona, who he has helped inspire to two Spanish championships as well as the Champions League.


However, still looking to find top gear in Germany


Goalkeepers: Dida (AC Milan/ITA), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan/ITA)

Defenders: Cafu (AC Milan/ITA), Cicinho (Real Madrid/ESP), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid/ESP), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin/GER), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Cris (Lyon/FRA), Lucio (Bayern Munich/GER), Luis Silva 'Luisao' (Benfica/POR)


Midfielders: Emerson (Juventus/ITA), Mineiro (Sao Paulo), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal/ENG), Juninho Pernambucano (Lyon/FRA), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich/GER), Kaka (AC Milan/ITA), Ricardinho (Corinthians), Ronaldinho Gaucho (Barcelona/ESP)


Strikers: Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Adriano (Inter Milan/ITA), Fred (Lyon/FRA), Robinho (Real Madrid/ESP)


World Cup 2006 record


June 13


At Berlin

Brazil 1 (Kaka 44) Croatia 0


June 18


At Munich


Australia 0 Brazil 2 (Adriano 49, Fred 89)


June 22


At Dortmund

Brazil 4 (Ronaldo 45+1, 81, Juninho 52, Gilberto 60) Japan 1 (Tamada 34)


Brazil v Ghana head-to-head record (FIFA records)


Brazil leads 1-0


1996: Brazil 8 Ghana 2 (Rio Preto)