Brazil is the team to beat at Under-20 World Cup

CAIRO — After defending champion Argentina failing to qualify for the Under-20 World Cup, Brazil immediately became the heavy favorite to win a fifth title when the tournament starts Thursday in Egypt.

A victory would erase memories of 2007, when Brazil's much-vaunted attack, led by AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, failed to reach the quarterfinals while Argentina compounded the misery with a record sixth trophy.

"We have a very talented squad and we're capable of playing a great tournament," Brazil forward Alain Kardec said. "There's always pressure when you're playing for the Selecao, regardless of the age group, but the players are ready."

Brazil won the title in 1983, '85, '93 and 2003, but Argentina won five of the last seven, with Lionel Messi lighting up the tournament in 2005 and Sergio Aguero stealing the show in '07.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who will attend Thursday's opening match between Egypt and Trinidad and Tobago at the military stadium in Alexandria, noted how the tournament "has repeatedly unearthed future stars such as (Diego) Maradona, Ronaldinho and Messi."

Kaka, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Thierry Henry, Xavi Hernandez, Michael Owen and Michael Essien are some of soccer's greats who have shone at a tournament that remains a magnet for scouts from the world's top teams.

Even though Italy is without 18-year-old Inter Milan defender Davide Santon and 19-year-old Inter striker Mario Balotelli, FIFA vice president Jack Warner thinks the quality remains high.

"In this competition, you will see stars created," Warner said Wednesday. "Messi was not born in Barcelona. Messi was born from this kind of competition. Michael Owen, all these guys ... they don't come here as stars, they are made stars."

Attacking midfielders Douglas Costa and Erick Flores are among those to watch this time, and should give Brazil coach Rodrigo Lourenco plenty of options for the opening match against Costa Rica in Port Said on Sunday.

Brazil also faces Australia and Czech Republic in Group E.

Ending South American dominance is the test facing former champions Germany and Spain, while Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana hope that keeping the trophy home will further fuel excitement for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

With Egypt winning the last two African Cup of Nations titles, coach Miroslav Soukup knows expectations will be high Thursday at the 80,000 stadium in Alexandria.

"The entire nation expects us to do well," he said.

With Paraguay and Italy — runners-up last year at the Under-19 European Championship — also in Group A, Egypt has formidable opposition.