YOKOHAMA, Japan, 29 June — The King backs Brazil — but Der Kaiser backs Germany. Brazilian legend Pele is backing his country to win a record fifth World Cup here tomorrow.

But former World Cup-winning German libero and coach Franz Beckenbauer is backing his own compatriots to pull off a shock. Pele said the final would be a contrast in styles between the free-flowing football of Brazil and the defensive excellence of Germany — and he said the final lineup had made a mockery of both teams’ problems in qualifying.

“Four months ago nobody would have thought these two teams would make the final,” he said yesterday. “However, for me the two strongest teams are here. This will be a match of attackers versus the defense, as Brazil has the best scorers and Germany has the best defenders.

“Brazil could do it, I trust Brazil. But I don’t want to say Brazil is the favorite, as all the favorites have gone home,” he added. Beckenbauer flatly disagreed with Pele’s conclusion.

“I will stick my neck out and say Germany will win 1-0 after extra time — with a golden goal from Miroslav Klose,” said Beckenbauer, who will spearhead Germany’s 2006 organizing campaign.

“We have in Oliver Kahn easily the world’s best ’keeper and Germany have unbreakable team spirit,” he added.

Pele picked out midfielder Ronaldinho as the outstanding player of the tournament after the 22-year-old made a stunning breakthrough in these finals which he is expected to cap with a return to Brazil’s starting lineup for the final against Germany after missing the semifinal through suspension. “Ronaldinho has been the most impressive player,” said Pele. “He is a player who surprises me.” Ruud Gullit has no clear favorite — but says the Germans deserve credit for making the final with several top stars injured.

“The Germans have deservedly reached the final. They began the tournament with criticism from home ringing in their ears but have managed to raise their game.

“They were really strong against South Korea in the semifinal,” said the former AC Milan hero, who agreed with Beckenbauer that Kahn could well hold the key. “Kahn is absolutely superb — but I already knew that,” said Gullit.