Talking about this year's Champions League final in Athens, Juninho doesn't have doubts about which team is more likely to lift the title. "Milan is all class," he says. "Kaka has been in great form. They also have got other great players. Of course, Liverpool is going to be tough to beat. Tactically they are very good. But technically, Milan is superior. That's why I will say it's Milan," predicted Juninho.
And now talking about predictions, we all know how all the experts went wrong last year when they claimed before the 2006 World Cup that it was all but a formality for Brazil — yes, Brazil of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo, Robinho and Adriano — to complete their sixth World Cup victory.
"We had the best players in the world. It was the best team. But we could not play our best football during the tournament. It's all about playing as a team," admits Juninho, while refusing to talk about coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's much criticised strategy of preferring aging warriors like Cafu and Roberto Carlos over fresh talents such as Cicinho.
Retired after the setback in Germany, Juninho is determined not to make an international return. "It's all about giving chance to new, young players, about building the team for 2010."
As for 2010, Juninho is convinced who will draw the loudest cheers in South Africa. "Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi will rule. They are excellent players. They are young and have a great future. I see these three competing for the Golden Ball," said Juninho, whose own dead-ball tricks have over the years added life to the game.
Clipped from : www.khaleejtimes.com
