France's Bixente Lizarazu has identified South Korea as potential surprise winners of the World Cup.
The Bayern Munich defender is currently on holiday after the reigning World Cup holders were knocked out of the finals in the group stages.
And the 32-year-old believes the co-hosts are the best chance to cause a shock and go all the way in the competition.
"If I had to gamble, I would say that, from a sporting and logical point of view and by picking a big soccer power, Brazil have a good chance," he said on his website.
"But if I had to choose a so-called smaller soccer nation, I would say South Korea.
"In terms of freshness and athletic potential, Korea are a surprising team.
"I think they have the means to create a big surprise, the more so as they are supported by their fans, which is always very important."
South Korea, who won their group, face Italy in the second round on Tuesday, with a place in the last eight at stake.