Dubai-Hani Al-Awadi: Legendary Brazilian player Socrates believes Brazil will not be able to retain their World Cup title in Germany this summer. The former Brazil captain says that political and economic factors could diminish the Seleção's chances in grabbing their sixth title, noting that this year's champions will be from Europe. "Political and economic factors control football nowadays," Socrates told FilGoal.com's correspondent at the first Dubai International Sports Conference on Wednesday. "These factors, in addition to the expected overwhelming support from European fans will definitely hinder Brazil's chances. "I believe that Italy, France, England and hosts Germany are frontrunners to win the trophy," he added. Socrates, whose nickname is "The Doctor", is among top international footballers attending the conference in Dubai, which is entitled "Professionalism in football 2006". The 52-year-old former midfield maestro, who captained Brazil's 1982 "Dream Team", stated that his relationship with football has become nominal these days.
Ardiles believes Messi can make a difference "I'm currently working as a literature and music instructor in one of Brazil's universities," he said. "And from time to time I analyze football matches for local television." Former Argentina midfielder Osvaldo Ardiles, who was also attending the conference in Dubai, disagreed with Socrates. "The Brazilian team plays beautiful and fascinating football," Ardiles said. "They are the frontrunners to win the World Cup." Ardiles, who was known for his number 1 shirt, said that football has changed a lot since his days. "The game has a different flavor now than when we were playing. It has become much more organized nowadays also," he said. The 1978 World Cup winner with Argentina said that Brazilian stars like Ronaldinho and Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi will "make a difference for their sides". Ardiles believes that England, Germany and his native Argentina, along with Brazil, have a chance in going home as victors.
