With one day to go before the 2014 FIFA World Cup starts in Sao Paulo, Brazilian legend, Pele has come out with some very interesting predictions.

Besides confidently believing that Brazil will beat Croatia 2-0 during their opening Group A fixture at the Arena de Sao Paulo, the man who won three World Cups, told Placar that he rates Germany and Spain, while Chile could spring a few surprises.

“I spent almost two years travelling around Europe,” he said.

“And I think that the two best countries are Germany and Spain. The Spanish side has been together for eight years and Germany are also playing well.

“We must respect England and Italy as the tournament is a box of surprises. In South America, of course, we can’t rule Argentina out, they’re candidates for the final and Chile are also doing well.”

Pele also told Parana online, “Regarding Brazil, my father cried a lot in 1950 when we lost 2-1 to Uruguay in the final, so it would be sweet revenge to beat them.

"That would be perfect but the truth is, I want us to get to the final, be crowned champions no matter who the opponents are.”

Another big talking point will obviously the performances of the current two best players in the world and Pele believes Lionel Messi will have it easier than Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I think Cristiano will depend on how his teammates perform. He is a player who scores lots of goals, but he needs the team," he told Marca.

"And Messi has plenty of good support, with Higuaín, Agüero... I think it will be easier for Messi to triumph."

Who are your favourites to make the World Cup final? Have your say in the comment section below.