Brazil legend Socrates has piled the pressure on his country by claiming they could struggle to qualify for the last 16 in the 2010 World Cup.

 

Dunga’s side are in the group of death alongside Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea and despite being the favourites to emerge, Socrates is worried the omission of what he believes to be key players from the squad could cost them.

He said: Guys such as Ronaldinho, Pato and Alex were left out. They are in better shape than many of the players in South Africa. I believe Brazil are suffering as a result and getting through their group is going to be far from easy. In fact, it’s going to be tough.”

Brazil opened their account with a hard-fought 2-1 over North Korea.