KOENIGSTEIN, Germany, June 7 - Brazil have repeatedly expressed concern at the physical threat posed by first-round opponents Australia in the World Cup.

One look at the towering presence of their own striker Adriano, however, makes it hard to believe the champions could be bullied out of their stride.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira once likened the Inter Milan player to a horse and there can be few more intimidating sights for a defender than the 1.89-metre tall striker's 86 kilos in full flow.

Brazil have traditionally based their game on skill but in the last few years the physical side has become equally important.

"Watching the team's training sessions close up, I'm amazed at the physical structure of the players," wrote former forward Tostao in his newspaper column. "They're all tall and strong.

"In the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, all Brazil's forwards and midfielders were less than 1.75 metres. Today, nearly all are more than 1.80 metres."

Physical trainer Paulo Paixao said Brazil's preparation was key to their fifth world title in 2002.

"We made huge progress starting from the 1970s," he said at the time.

ATHLETIC POTENTIAL

"In Brazil, the player is dealt with in a laboratory situation. He goes through batteries of tests to find out what he needs to fulfil his athletic potential.

"Players work much harder on physical preparation and it's something they miss when they go to Europe."

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, a former fitness trainer, says the change in stature is a bonus rather than a new philosophy.

"To have players with the physique of Adriano and Ronaldo is an advantage when there's a physical clash," he said. "It's not a priority but it helps."

But many feel the squad reflect a growing trend in Brazil to put size before technique.

Domestic football has long been a physical battle with an average of more than 50 fouls a match.

"Unfortunately, we are swapping the ability of the good Brazilian boy for height and physical strength. The thin kids with lots of ability are getting passed by," said Fernando Calazans, newspaper columnist for Rio de Janeiro daily O Globo.

"We're changing the Ronaldinhos for the Lucios," he said referring to Brazil's uncompromising defender who measures 1.88 metres.

Brazil's other Group F opponents are Japan and Croatia.