The Year of the Dog is also the year of Italy and Brazil, according to the Chinese zodiac, making the two countries clear favorites for the World Cup, says a Malaysian newspaper.

Brazil and Italy are the only two nations to have won a World Cup in the Year of the Dog, and 2006 is again the year of man's best friend, said The Star newspaper on Thursday.

In the five previous World Cups held in the Year of the Dog, Italy has won twice and Brazil three times. The tournament is held every four years, which means it is held only in the Years of the Dog, Horse and Tiger.

The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle named after animals, starting with the Year of the Rat and ending with the Year of the Pig, which falls in 2007.

"World Cup champions in the Horse and Tiger years have been diverse, but the Dog years peculiarly favor Italy or Brazil," the paper said in an article devoted to the influence of Chinese zodiac signs on World Cup matches.

Italy, which has won the cup three times, triumphed in the Dog years of 1934 and 1982. Brazil meanwhile, won in 1958, 1970 and 1994. No tournament was held in 1946.

British-based bookmaker Ladbrokes placed Brazil at 5/2 favorites this year. Italy are joint fourth with host Germany at 7/1. The final is July 9.