The memories -- of attacking opposing nets and scoring "beautiful" goals -- haven't faded. And they look nothing like the way Brazil is playing in this tournament, he says.

"It was the golden era of Brazilian soccer," Tostao said of the 1970 championship in Mexico. "We didn't just win, we also played beautiful soccer and the celebration when we won was the biggest ever."

In that tournament, Tostao and Pele played with Jairzinho and Rivelino to form one of the most formidable attacking teams in history.

"1970 remained as a reference of beautiful soccer," said the softly spoken Tostao, now 59. "But it wasn't just a show. It was also very competitive and very efficient, individually and collectively."

As a columnist for the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, Tostao has been watching Brazil closely. The four straight wins have done nothing to impress him, however.

"Brazil has had a few individually beautiful moments. But as a team they haven't yet played beautiful soccer. They can do a lot better," Tostao said.

He said coach Carlos Alberto deserves at least some of the blame.

"Parreira could do things differently," Tostao said. "He doesn't manage to get the best out of the players."

Tostao said it's also hard for players to live up to expectations because club soccer is totally different than the international game. Ronaldinho, who helped FC Barcelona win the Champions League title and the Spanish league this past season, is a prime example.

"It's utopia to think Ronaldinho can play the same as in Barcelona where he finds the ideal conditions," Tostao said. "There have been lots of criticisms of him but he will never play like he does in Barcelona. I never played the same way with the national team as I did for my club."

Tostao, which means "Little coin," was given his nickname by teammates because of his size and appearance. But his career as a player was cut short when his retina detached after being hit in the head by a ball during a match. He retired when he was 23.

After his playing days, Tostao became a medical doctor and returned to the World Cup in 1994 as a commentator for Brazilian television. Brazil won its fourth title that year.

"It was very emotional. I had spent such a long time away from soccer," Tostao said. "It was incredible to relive what I had experienced as a player."

With his longish white hair and square glasses perched on the end of his nose, Tostao looks like a man who has experienced much. And it's his soccer experience that people want to hear about in Germany.

He's happy to oblige.

"I don't just like the technical side of the game. I like watching the emotional side, and the show," Tostao said. "Soccer is not just a sport. A lot of other things enter into it, especially psychological factors."

Despite the years and experience -- and criticisms of Brazil's current team -- Tostao still feels pride when he watches Brazil play.

"When the game starts, the atmosphere in the stadium, seeing Brazil on the field, it makes me very emotional," Tostao said. "If I wasn't a commentator I would be like any other spectator, watching and vibrating."