BRAZIL striker Nilmar said yesterday that his countrymen still believed Spain would live up to their World Cup favourites' billing despite a surprising opening loss to Switzerland.

BRAZIL striker Nilmar said yesterday that his countrymen still believed Spain would live up to their World Cup favourites' billing despite a surprising opening loss to Switzerland.

"That could be a lesson for other teams - this result shows what can happen at a World Cup," said Nilmar, who expects to spend this tournament primarily on the bench with Luis Fabiano and Robinho ahead of him in the Brazilian pecking order.

"But I have not changed my opinion - Spain remain one of the favourites," he insisted.

If Brazil win their group and Spain only creep through in second place - if at all - the joint favourites and top-ranked countries in the Fifa standings would meet in the next round.

"That would be a final before the final - as for me they are one of the best sides in the world," said Nilmar. - Sapa-AFP