Brazil legend Pele thinks his country's World Cup hopes in Germany will suffer as a result of them being firm favourites to secure a sixth success on the biggest stage of all.

Pele feels his country and several others have wilted under the weight of expectation and expects hosts Germany, Italy and England to be major contenders at the summer showpiece.

He told Sport Bild: "Brazil are favourites and with that tag they can't win. Favourites always lose.

"In 2002, it happened to France. In 1990, Argentina lost the final match against Germany.

"In 1982, Brazil were favourites and lost against Italy and Holland are always favourites and always lose.

"I never wanted to be favourite. We must consider Germany as candidates. Italy are a good team and England have a great squad too."