NAIROBI: Visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio `Lula` da Silva said here on Tuesday he is backing Uruguay to win the World Cup in South Africa.

Lula, who arrived in Kenya on the third leg of his African tour enroute to South Africa for the finals said he is yet to come to terms with the loss of his national team in the quarter-finals but urged Brazilians to support Uruguayans as the only South American team left in the tournament.

"We will all be fans of Uruguay after Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay were knocked out so that Uruguay are world champions. I have nothing against the European countries, but I want everything to be in favour of the Mercosur," noted the 64-year-old.

He said despite having the best goalkeeper and striking combination in the tournament, Brazil lost their concentration that led to the 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.

Lula, who played an instrumental role in Rio de Janeiro winning the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, urged Brazilians not to lose faith in their national team and promised that the Selecao would reclaim the World Cup title at home when they play host in 2014.

"I will follow the finals hoping that the best side will win, but my heart will be broken. Being the very first time that I am speaking after Brazil was eliminated, I could only say to the Brazilian people and our players that, that is life."

He added: "Life is made up of defeats and victories and we need to know that the struggle goes on, we will not lose enthusiasm and we should get prepared for the World Cup in 2014".

BDST: 2210hrs, July 6, 2010