Brazil midfielder Juninho believes Germany are the favourites to win the World Cup this summer.

Juninho, currently starring in France at Lyon, told the "O Estado de Sao Paulo" newspaper: "I think the host team are the favourites. Of course Brazil are one of the favourites too, but refereeing at home is one thing and abroad is another."

He explained that he does mean that referees always help the host nation, but that their interpretations "are usually too subjective".

He added: "The main problem is that nobody, except for Brazilians, wants to see our team get to the final of the World Cup for a fourth consecutive time."

And he warned that African rookies Ghana and Ivory Coast could surprise a lot of people "because of their speed and technique".

Juninho knows that he will not be in coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's starting XI but is looking forward to going to Germany to play in his first World Cup - and his last!

"I'm concerned that in Germany I'll play in my first and last World Cup," Juninho admitted. "That's the truth as I'm 31. I cannot deceive myself into believing that in 2010 I'll be in condition to play."

Despite being an idol at Lyon, Juninho dislikes being treated like a star and snubs the world of glamour in which some players revel.

"I'm only a football player," he said. "Outside the pitch, I'm a human being like everybody else.

"When the match is over I'm like a dustman, a policeman or a journalist."