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South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has identified Italy and Germany as the favourites to win the 2010 World Cup in an interview with the Brazilian media.

Parreira, 65, took his homeland of Brazil to World Cup success in 1994 and is now tasked with leading host-nation South Africa to a strong showing in 2010, although he feels that two European teams will be the favourites to take the title.

In an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes, Parreira stated that Germany and holders Italy would be his two picks for the tournament, as the Germans have managed to keep the nucleus of the side who finished third in 2006, while the Italians will come with a desire to defend their title.

The experienced coach - who has taken charge of four different teams in World Cup competition - believes that Brazil will put out a "strong" team, but argued that Germany and Italy would find it easier to adapt to the African winter in which the competition will be played.

South Africa have suffered an indifferent run of form since Parreira took charge in 2007, with the Brazilian experimenting with a number of players in order to try and find a diamond in the rough that can inspire the team in 2010.

Parreira was quick to play down expectations that the team could emulate South Korea and Germany by reaching the semi-finals on home turf and indicated that he would be satisfied if the team were able to reach the last eight of the competition.

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Goal.com - Internationals - Parreira Tips Italy And Germany For 2010 Success