Germany Among Beckenbauer's Favorites

German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer said Germany would be able to hold their own against the likes of South American powerhouses Argentina and Brazil, his other picks to win in 2006.In an unsurprising announcement laced with a touch of national pride, the man who led West Germany's to the 1974 World Cup title made his respect for South American soccer clear but added that 2006's hosts are also capable of winning. "Argentina and Brazil are currently, and as they have been in the past, two of the strongest teams in the world. No doubt both are candidates to win the World Cup," Beckenbauer told the Buenos Aires newspaper La Nacion on Wednesday. "The only team that has already qualified is Germany, and I certainly believe that we also have a good chance."