Rivaldo: 'Second place no good for Brazil'

Former Brazil forward Rivaldo has insisted that second place would not be good enough for the South Americans at the 2018 World Cup.

The Selecao have won the World Cup on five occasions, but have not lifted the trophy since 2002 - when Rivaldo was in the team.

Brazil are seen as the favourites to triumph in Russia this summer, and Rivaldo has said that second place "is worthless".

"I always say Brazil is the favourite in every World Cup, because of its tradition," Rivaldo told The Express. "I was second place in 1998 and in Brazil this is worthless.

"In Brazil only being the champion is good, second place or fourth, like happened at the last cup, the players are criticised, the team.

"Brazilians only accept first place, not like some other teams, other countries with tradition, they sometimes land second, third or fourth place and are celebrated."

Brazil will open their 2018 challenge against Switzerland on Sunday night.