Parreira's Ronnie hope

Carlos Alberto Parreira hopes Ronaldinho is still in the same form at next year's World Cup.

Ronaldinho has produced several sparkling performances for Barcelona in recent weeks, culminating with a bravura display against Real Madrid.

The playmaker's performance in the 3-0 victory in La Liga last weekend saw him applauded by Real fans at El Santiago Bernabeu.

Parreira is overjoyed with Ronaldinho's present form and is anxious for the player to be performing at that level at the World Cup in Germany.

"Ronaldinho is in a very special moment," commented Parreira. "Up until now, only two players from Barcelona had been applauded by the supporters of Real Madrid and they were Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff.

"But Ronaldinho has also been applauded by Real Madrid and that shows exactly the special moment in which he is, and that he is one of the best players in the world.

"I hope that he can show the same next year at the World Cup."

With the draw for the World Cup finals due to take place on December 9, Parreira is also aware that the holders could be lumbered with a tough group.

Parreira added: "We all have a very big expectation for the draw because something difficult could come out for Brazil, but if you want to be the world champion, you have to be prepared to win against any team."