Willian: 'Brazil deserves World Cup'

Brazil's attacking midfielder Willian has claimed that the country deserves to see the current squad lift the World Cup in July.

The 25-year-old admits that he is expecting every side to step up to the task of playing against the host nation, but he is confident that Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad have the quality required to win a sixth title.

"The Brazilians as a nation, they deserve it," Willian told reporters. "They have been waiting a long time.

"Every team we play will treat playing us like their World Cup final. We know that's the size of the task we face but we are ready for it.

"We know we have fantastic support from the fans and we will give everything to make them happy."

Brazil, whose most recent success in the tournament came in 2002, face Croatia in their opening Group A game on Thursday.