Soccer: Kahn's got that winning feeling

SEOUL - German captain Oliver Kahn believes his team will tame Brazil.

"I've got a feeling telling me that we will be the world champions," goalkeeper Kahn said yesterday.

"I can't really explain why."

Kahn was full of praise for Brazil, whom Germany have never met in the showcase tournament's 72-year history, but he sounded as confident as ever.

"They're probably the best team in the world in terms of individual players, with exceptional people in every position," he said.

"But the team with the most gifted players do not always win."

His words echo those of German coach Rudi Voeller, who is a great Brazil fan but knows from experience that brilliance alone does not win titles.

"If the best team always won the World Cup, then Brazil would have won it 14 times, not just four," said the former Germany striker, who lifted the coveted trophy in 1990, beating Argentina 1-0 in Italy.

Expecting a festival of fluent, attacking soccer on the Yokohama pitch might be too much to ask for, Kahn said.

"Finals are often decided on small things, sometimes on luck.

"It may be that the teams will neutralise each other, like what happened in 1994." Kahn was referring to Brazil's win over Italy on penalties after an uneventful match in the final that year.

Sunday's Sunday's final will be the seventh for both Brazil and Germany.

Since World War 2, either the Brazilians or Germans have featured in every final except one - the 1978 clash between Argentina and Holland.

Brazil have won the tournament four times, Germany three.

- REUTERS

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