Ronaldo: It's time for favourites Brail to live up to tag
Tuesday 12 June 2018 15:57, UK
Ronaldo insists Brazil are favourites for the upcoming World Cup in Russia, and says it is time for them to live up to their tag.
Brazil are the bookies' tip to win the tournament, with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia also in Group E alongside Tite's side.
Ronaldo, whose two goals in the 2002 final against Germany handed Brazil victory, says 16 years is a long time for his nation to go without a world title.
"I think for me the favourite is, of course, Brazil, not just because I am Brazilian but because Brazil are playing very well. Spain are playing very well, and Germany are always strong.
"But the World Cup is such a difficult tournament, and we also have Argentina, who are always strong, France with a very young team.
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"But I hope Brazil can win. It's a long time since 2002, and I think it's time."
Ronaldo, who scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil, also scored over 100 goals for Real Madrid during a four-and-a-half year stint last decade.
The 41-year-old says speculation linking Brazil boss Tite with the vacant manager's job at the Bernabeu should be put on hold, and that all focus should be on the tournament in Russia.
"I don't know if that can happen, but what I hope is that the national team does its best in the World Cup and that we can come home with the trophy.
"People talk a lot, I do not know what they are talking about that. Ahead of a competition as important as the World Cup, the entire focus should be on it. Rumours shouldn't matter."
