Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday that his country wants to face France in the World Cup final to "get even" for its loss in the 1998 tournament.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo (R) jokes with Cicinho during their training session at Thermoplan Arena in the Swiss town of Weggis, Switzerland, May 27, 2006.[Reuters]

"Everybody's saying Brazil will be in the final," Silva said during his biweekly radio show "Coffee with the President." "We have the best players."

Silva _ an ardent soccer fan _ met last week with French President Jacques Chirac and said the two discussed a possible rematch of the 1998 World Cup final, when host France shocked Brazil 3-0 to win its first world title.

"I told Jacques Chirac that it's important for Brazil to go to the final with France so Brazil can get even for what happened with us in '98," Silva joked.

Brazil, winner of a record five World Cup titles, is favored to win again in next month's tournament in Germany.

"We have to do what we know how to do: play soccer," Silva said. "Put on a show, and we can come back with the trophy."