'Brazil are Confederations Cup favourites' - Japan coach Zaccheroni

Head Coach, Alberto Zaccheroni speaks to the media after the Japan Training Session for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 at Estadio Nacional on June 14, 2013 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Getty Images)

Brasilia, June 15 (IANS): Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said Brazil deserved to be favourites to win the Confederations Cup for a record fourth time.

Zaccheroni’s side will meet the host nation in the opening match of the tournament here Saturday.

Despite conceding his team will be underdogs, the Italian manager told his players Friday not to be overawed by an expected 70,000 partisan fans at the Mane Garrincha Stadium, reports Xinhua.

“Brazil have won this tournament the past two times and are at home, so they are favourites. But we have to remember that top level athletes always look to get the best out of themselves. We are here to make the most of this chance,” Zaccheroni said.

“I hope we can play to our strengths and impose ourselves on the match by taking the initiative. We respect our opponents but no team will enter the match with an advantage over the other.”