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Adriano hopes to revel in space left by two Ronnies

None | ByAgence France-Presse, Weggis
Jun 03, 2006 02:45 PM IST

The Brazilian striker claimed that the attention opposition defences pay to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho could prove a blessing for him at WC.

Brazil striker Adriano claimed on Friday that the attention opposition defenses pay to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho could prove a blessing for him at the World Cup in Germany.

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The Inter Milan forward is part of the reigning champions' "magic quartet", a term referring to their enviable attacking options that also includes AC Milan playmaker Kaka.

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"The pressure put on those two Ronaldo and Ronaldinho is always great but that can create more space for their teammates in the opposition's half," said Adriano.

"For me that is good, but we must not forget that players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho can also penetrate the opposition defense all by themselves."

Adriano did sound a warning for the five-time champions, though, insisting they cannot take the task of winning the World Cup for a record sixth time lightly despite the abundance of talent in the team.

"Everyone wants to beat Brazil and they always want to prove something against us," he added. "We have to remain focused to avoid getting beaten. We have to stay concentrated."

But as well as a team of talents and a positive atmosphere in the camp, Adriano believes the physical conditioning the players have received at European clubs will contribute as much as anything to their chances of claiming the top prize at the June 9-July 9 bonanza.

"Football in Italy is very tactical and requires a lot of strength. That helps us," said the former Flamengo player. "But then again you have to say that the World Cup is even more demanding than the championship."

Brazil begin their campaign on June 13 against Croatia before further Group F matches against Australia and Japan on June 18 and 22 respectively. Brazil striker Adriano claimed on Friday that the attention opposition defenses pay to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho could prove a blessing for him at the World Cup in Germany.

The Inter Milan forward is part of the reigning champions' "magic quartet", a term referring to their enviable attacking options that also includes AC Milan playmaker Kaka.

"The pressure put on those two Ronaldo and Ronaldinho is always great but that can create more space for their teammates in the opposition's half," said Adriano.

"For me that is good, but we must not forget that players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho can also penetrate the opposition defense all by themselves."

Adriano did sound a warning for the five-time champions, though, insisting they cannot take the task of winning the World Cup for a record sixth time lightly despite the abundance of talent in the team.

"Everyone wants to beat Brazil and they always want to prove something against us," he added. "We have to remain focused to avoid getting beaten. We have to stay concentrated."

But as well as a team of talents and a positive atmosphere in the camp, Adriano believes the physical conditioning the players have received at European clubs will contribute as much as anything to their chances of claiming the top prize at the June 9-July 9 bonanza.

"Football in Italy is very tactical and requires a lot of strength. That helps us," said the former Flamengo player. "But then again you have to say that the World Cup is even more demanding than the championship."

Brazil begin their campaign on June 13 against Croatia before further Group F matches against Australia and Japan on June 18 and 22 respectively.

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