Legendary Pakistan batsman and former captain Javed Miandad has backed his 'favourite' team Brazil to lift the 2014 FIFA World Cup title as the tournament gets underway today.

Miandad, who turned 57 on Thursday, said hosts Brazil winning the opening match of the tournament against Croatia would be an ideal gift for him.

Brazil is placed in Group A alongside Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon.

“From today onwards, I will remain stuck to the television to watch the World Cup for which I have been waiting for last four years,” Miandad told APP.

Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal ranked among Miandad's favourite players and would no doubt be the star attraction at this year's tournament.

Turning his attention to cricket, Miandad said there were times when teams feared playing against Pakistan just like the Brazilian teams of yesteryears but not anymore.

“Our team has lost its valour,” he said.

Miandad, however, hoped that the team could regain its lost glory if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was willing to take some wise decisions before the 2015 World Cup.