"The toughest match is going to be the first one (v North Korea) and then the second one (v Ivory Coast) and then the third one (v Portugal). That is the way we think," he told Sportv cable channel.
"We know how good Portugal are. It will be interesting to see the rivalry between Kaka and (Cristiano) Ronaldo. Both are players in the same club, Real Madrid, and both are constantly competing for individual awards."
BRAZIL MIDFIELDER KAKA
"I think we are in the most difficult group. There are other tough groups but this one for Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea is the group of death," said.
"For Brazil, this World Cup will be like a recovery because we did not leave a good image in 2006 (World Cup in Germany)."
PORTUGAL COACH CARLOS QUEIROZ
"One has to recognise Brazil as favourites due to their history and (five) World Cup wins. They have a team with a lot of depth with solutions in each position," he told Portuguese television.
"But this is a new story and so once this championship starts we will see who will come out on top. For us the first game (v Ivory Coast) will be the decisive game in this campaign."
PORTUGAL FORWARD CRISTIANO RONALDO
"To play against Brazil, Ivory Coast and (North) Korea will be very difficult. My I am happy as well because I am going to play against my team-mates, friends, so in this way is good but in football terms it will be tough," he said.
"For me, Brazil are the strongest and Ivory Coast will also be tough and the Koreans run a lot. Well, I think it is going to be a very difficult group."
IVORY COAST COACH VAHID HALILHODZIC
"It's the toughest draw. They (Portugal and Brazil) are the favourites but we will prepare to create an upset," he said on Eurosport France.
"We're not coming to South Africa for holidays. We will be here with great ambition. If we can go past this first round group, Ivory Coast will go very far in this World Cup," he told reporters.
