Brazil Coach Mano Menezes has admitted that his side are no longer on the same level as Spain.
Vicente del Bosque said earlier today it was 'hard to tell' whether La Roja were the best team ever, but his Brazilian counterpart has no such qualms, putting the current Spanish team on a pedestal with Brazil's famous 1970 side.
“Today, we are not at the level of Spain,” Menezes mused in an interview with Marca. “To this day, nobody has been able to maintain their style against Spain.
“I think they are one of the best, alongside Brazil 1970. The best are those that do something different from others, and Spain have, three times.”
Having won the last three major international tournaments, Spain are favourites to win the 2014 World Cup also, but given that they're hosting the tournament, Brazil may pose the biggest threat.
“It is a unique experience, we're living in a hurricane,” continued Menezes. “I'm building a team in a country where football is a passion, so I'm always between love and hate.
“We are in a race against time to make a team that can compete at the highest level, but I'm optimistic because I think we're improving on target.”
The former Corinthians boss also gave his thoughts on Kaka, who has been recalled to the Selecao despite seeing little action at Real Madrid, his Los Blancos teammate Marcelo, and Barcelona target Neymar.
“Kaka is still scary, opponents fear him. I think he can mix well with our new generation, some of whom lack maturity. I will call him as long as he performs well for the national side, even if he doesn't see many minutes in Madrid. But I'm sure he will play in Madrid, you'll see.
“Marcelo's best quality has always been attack, but in the last year he has developed defensively. Jose Mourinho has played a key role, giving him character and tactical knowledge he didn't previously have.
“Neymar has not yet arrived on the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, he's a step below, but he's only 20. His potential is impressive and I think he has the qualities to realise it.”
