Cafu has singled out hosts Germany as the biggest threat to Brazil's hopes of defending their World Cup crown this summer.

Echoing the thoughts of his Brazil team-mate Juninho Pernambucano, who recently installed Germany as favourites for the competition, Cafu believes Jurgen Klinsmann's side are more than capable of walking away with the title.

"Germany will be our most difficult opponent," said the veteran full-back, who was part of the Brazil team which beat Germany 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final.

"I don't know how they do it, but they always make it difficult for everyone. I fancy Italy, Holland and Argentina as well, but the truth is that I'm only focused on Brazil reaching the final," he told Colombian newspaper El Espectador.

Despite tipping Germany to be a success in their homeland, the AC Milan defender believes if Brazil play to their full potential, the tournament is theirs for the taking.

The 35-year-old, who is preparing to play in his fourth World Cup, is taking nothing for granted though.

"We have the best team and the best players in the world and perhaps everybody believes we'll win, but we cannot relax," he said.

"In 1998, we lost an incredible final against France (3-0 in Paris). Anyway, I think in history it is clear that the best team on the planet are Brazil, whether they win the next World Cup or not."

Cafu is the first player to have played in three consecutive World Cup finals having featured in the title matches in 1994, 1998 and 2002, and even though he will celebrate his 36th birthday two days before the tournament kicks-off, the flying full-back's ambitions have not diminished.

"I feel strong and motivated to play, with lots of willingness to show all my experience," he added.

"It's true that I cannot run for the entire 90 minutes, but I choose the best moment to do it. Apparently, I'm in (Brazil coach) Carlos Alberto Parreira's plans, but he is the one who has to decide it.

"I'm the captain and I dream of raising the cup again."