Ronaldinho is confident Brazil will not suffer the same fate as eight years ago when they take on France in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final in Frankfurt.

The Samba Boys lost 3-0 in the 1998 final against Les Bleus in Paris and, for the defending champions, the thought of another defeat at the hands of the French has not crossed their mind.

"This is a matured Brazilian team," said the Barcelona playmaker.

"We know how to face certain games and to score when we need to."

France stunned Spain with a 3-1 second-round victory and the Brazilians know what to expect this weekend.

"We know them very well and we will not be surprised by them," said Ronaldinho.

"I wasn't in the 1998 final but those players who were told me about it and I know Saturday's game will be nothing like that."

The World and European Player of the Year insist he has not been affected by criticism from the Brazilian press regarding his performances in the tournament so far.

Ronaldinho was the star as Barcelona won the Spanish league and the Champions League last season but has struggled to impress in Germany.

"Of course, I would like to score a goal in the World Cup," he said.

"But it's not an obsession.

"My role in this team is different, I am here to provide assists for my team-mates to score.

"I do what my coach tells me and I'm here to help Brazil win the Cup."

Ronaldinho knows the pressure his team will be under to win tomorrow.

"As I always say, if Brazil were to finish second, it would be the same thing as to finishing last," he said.

The match will be special for Ronaldinho as it will be his final duel with France and Real Madrid great Zinedine Zidane.

The pair have faced off numerous times in the Spanish league in recent years and Ronaldinho admits the 34-year-old will be a great loss to the game.

"I admire Zidane a lot for everything he has given to football," said Ronaldinho.

"All my team-mates respect him.

"He plays great football and he is a good man.

"This means tomorrow's game will be a great game."

Brazil's midfield duo Kaka and Emerson were continuing to receive treatment on their respective injuries on Friday.

Both are doubtful for Saturday's clash and it appears coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will not make a decision on their fitness until the day of the game.

However, Lucio and Robinho will both be available to play if selected.

Robinho injured a thigh in training two days before Brazil's last-16 win over Ghana but is ready to return.