LONDON: Brazil legend Pele (pic) admires the current Spain side but insisted that Vicente del Bosque's men are not as good as the Brazilians' World Cup winners of 1970.

Having become the first side to win three consecutive major tournaments on the back of their Euro 2012 success, La Roja are now being touted as the finest international team of all time.

Pele, however, still believes that Brazil who triumphed in Mexico 42 years ago had more truly great players within their ranks.

"If I were playing, we would win, no doubt," the former Santos star told Reuters. "The 1970 side set the standard by which others are measured.

"These comparisons will always be there, but you cannot compare them individually. But the 1970 team had better players than Spain, who have only two or three great players.

"But without doubt, this Spain team play the football that I have enjoyed watching the most over the past two generations."

As well as Pele, who is regarded by many as the greatest player of all time, Mario Zagallo's World Cup winners also boasted fellow footballing legends such as Carlos Alberto, Clodoaldo, Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao and Rivelino.

- mD