Bulgarian coach Hristo Stoichkov believes Ivory Coast will be the surprise package of the World Cup and says Brazil will struggle to retain their title.

"I don't think that Argentina and the Netherlands are better teams than the Ivorians," said the 40-year-old former European Footballer of the Year in an interview in 24 Chasa newspaper on Saturday.

"There are some exellent players in the African team. I think the Ivory Coast will easily get past the group stage."

Group C, which includes Serbia & Montenegro as well as the Ivory Coast, Argentina and the Netherlands, is regarded as the toughest first-round group.

Stoichkov was not so complimentary about Brazil who are favourites for a sixth World Cup title.

"I can't understand why everyone is afraid of Brazil. It's true that they are a top-class team but just remember what happened with Argentina and France at the previous tournament," he said.

"Anything is possible. They have been drawn among tough opponents. Japan coach Zico knows his compatriots very well while Croatia drew 1-1 with them a few months ago so the Brazilians have to be aware of the easy-looking group.

"However, I think Brazil will reach the knockout stage but then they'll have to play against stronger teams and it'll be difficult for them going all the way."

As a player, Stoichkov guided Bulgaria to the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup in the United States but they failed to qualify for this year's tournament in Germany.