'The players like [David] Villa, [Fernando] Torres, [Cesc] Fabregas, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta among others, all have a very high skill level. They have very good technique and play with good strategy.'

Zico will still be rooting for his beloved Brazil tomorrow when the five-time champions kick off their campaign against North Korea. But his view that Spain are more entertaining to watch goes to prove that they are now the guardians of the 'beautiful game'.

Zico blames it on big business and the fact his team of 1982 - widely regarded as one of the best Brazilian national teams - did not win the World Cup.

'We didn't win playing attacking football. It was sad. We had a great team in 1982, but by not winning it changed a lot of things. That is why the approach has changed in Brazil today,' Zico said.

There are fervent hopes that Brazil coach Dunga, with his more defensive and pragmatic win-at-all-costs approach, can led the soccer-mad country to a sixth triumph.

'Things have changed now. Lots of Brazilians are against entertainment, they want the national side to produce results. That is why these days the team plays for a win,' says Zico, who won 72 caps for Brazil from 1976 to 1988.

'I like to watch football like it was played in the past. However, it is a business today and we have to respect that. History will always remember the team that won a World Cup.'

Maybe not. History still remembers the Brazilian class of 1982. Zico, side by side with Falcao, Socrates, Cerezo and Junior, weaving their magic until they came across Paolo Rossi and Italy in the second round.

A hat-trick from Rossi fired Italy to a 3-2 win, eliminating Brazil; Italy went on to defeat West Germany 3-1 in the final.

That was not the first time that Zico felt the weight of disappointment on the World Cup field.

Brazil also failed in 1978 and Zico tasted more bitter disappointment in 1986. He now carries the rather dubious distinction of being one of the best players in history not to win a World Cup.

Zico scored 52 goals for Brazil, many of them with his virtuoso ability to bend the ball with pace and accuracy around the opponent's wall.

'It is always sad when you realise you never won a World Cup,' Zico says. 'But I have no regrets. I'm more sad that because of our failure in 1982, Brazil has changed its style of playing.'

Four years ago, Zico coached Japan at the World Cup in Germany. He attended the opening ceremony of this year's cup in South Africa, but then flew back home to watch Brazil - and Spain - over the next month, and also prepare for his new job as executive director with the Flamengo club.

'I'm going back to my roots - 20 years after I stopped playing for Flamengo. I'm really excited at the challenge, but this is not new; I did it with Japan, too,' he said.

Zico believes Japan will struggle to get through to the last 16. Japan are in group E with the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon.

Will Brazil win, and continue their unique feat of being the only team to win a World Cup on all continents? Zico nods. 'We have a very strong team with some very good players. It will be a huge challenge for others to beat us. But it is very hard to say who will win.'

Eight years after victory in 2002, Brazil are once again favourites. And Zico will be cheering them on - even if they don't play the game the way that he used to.

Sharpshooter

Zico won 72 caps for Brazil from 1976 to 1988 and scored this many goals: 52