Former football legend Socrates believes that Brazil faces a huge challenge in the near future as the country prepares to host both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. "This is a big opportunity for the country to show what Brazil is really like - loads of people still think the capital is Buenos Aires," the 56-year-old told the BBC in an exclusive interview.

Brazil set its final squad for the World Cup on Tuesday, with coach Dunga retaining the 23 players already in South Africa preparing for the tournament.

Dunga had announced an initial squad of 30 players only because it was a FIFA requirement, but did not make any surprise selections on deadline day.

The 23-man group selected by Dunga has been practicing in South Africa since last Thursday. The seven players on standby — Ronaldinho, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Sandro, Diego Tardelli, Alex, Carlos Eduardo and Marcelo — were all left out as expected.

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Brazil are favourites for World Cup glory in July, Italy coach Marcello Lippi said on Tuesday as he all but ruled out taking Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli to South Africa.

European champions Spain have been the pick of many pundits but Brazil will have extra motivation according to Lippi, whose world champions are outside bets to retain their title because of a lacklustre qualifying campaign and an ageing team.

"Brazil are the strongest team," Lippi told a select group of foreign reporters.