West Germany's 1990 World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus claims Argentina are in a better position to lift this summer's World Cup than their South American rivals Brazil.

Bookmakers have installed record five-time winners Brazil as the pre-tournament favourites but Matthaus believes Argentina are the better bet.

"I don't think Brazil will win this World Cup. They may have the best players but I don't think they have the best team," Matthaus said.

"I think Brazil have defensive problems to sort out and my tip to win the World Cup is Argentina."

Argentina failed to get past the group stage at the 2002 World Cup but have won two World Cups, with the last triumph coming in 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired them to glory with a 1-0 win over a West German side that included a young Matthaus.

A decade later 18-year-old Barcelona sensation Lionel Messi is tipped to be the inspiration but Matthaus, who will help decide the recipient of The Best Young Player Award after the finals, says the team is all that matters.

"The young stars of the future are well known with (Wayne) Rooney, Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Cesc) Fabregas all terrific players but the team is more important than one player," Matthaus added.

"It's no good a player having a great tournament but his team go home after four games."

The 44-year-old Matthaus, who won a record 150 caps for his country, believes there are three other teams, aside from Argentina and Brazil, capable of lifting the World Cup and picked the Netherlands as his dark horses.

"England and Italy are in with a shout but I am also impressed by the Netherlands," Matthaus declared.

"If Dutch coach Marco van Basten can create a togetherness within the team then they could go far as they have the technical players."

The Netherlands are paired with Argentina in Group C with Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro the outsiders to progress.

Asked on who could be the surprise package at the finals Matthaus picked out his homeland Germany who open the tournament on June 9 against Costa Rica in Munich.

"I hope Germany will be the surprise nation, I really do," Matthaus said. "Of course I want them to take the title but I have to be realistic.

"If they reach the semi-final, it would be a surprise for me as there are a lot stronger nations at the moment."

Germany are grouped with Costa Rica, Ecuador and Poland but are likely to face England or Sweden in the last sixteen and Matthaus believes it could be the end of the road.

"I think Germany will get past the first round as they have an easy group," said the former Bayern Munich midfielder.

"But England or Sweden are likely to be the next opponents at the last 16 stage and I think that could be a bridge too far."

Matthaus has lined up TV work at this summer's finals but said he intended to return to management.

"I have had offers and want to coach again but I will wait until the World Cup before deciding what to do," Matthaus revealed.

Source: China Daily