France striker Thierry Henry admits world champions Brazil are the only five-star team in world football but claims playing against the South Americans in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday excites him no more than playing Switzerland.

France, like England, wear one gold star on their jerseys in recognition of the fact they have won the World Cup once.

However, Henry admits playing a team that has the right to wear five gold stars - one for each of their World Cup triumphs - puts the Brazilians in a league of their own.

"They (Brazil) have five stars on their jerseys, you have to recognise what they have achieved since the dawn of time," said Henry.

"But I am not more excited ahead of our match with Brazil than I was before the Swiss game."

Henry is one of six surviving members of the France 98 squad that beat Brazil 3-0 in the World Cup final but doubts the memories of the match in Paris will affect the outcome of Saturday evening's showdown in Frankfurt.

"I don't know to be honest," said Henry when asked if the 1998 match would have any bearing.

"It's a different match and there are always surprises.

"There is a new generation of players even if a few remain. They are the world champions now."

Asked about Brazil's performances in the 2006 tournament so far, Henry replied: "They are fearless and like to attack.

"When you see what Juninho does in (French) Ligue 1 and you see he can't get into the starting line-up, it makes you think.

"They are good players whom we know well - sometimes you can see a weakness in defence but that's normal when a team attacks like they do. They play good football and win while doing it."

Henry believes Brazil will provide stiffer opposition than a Spain team the French beat 3-1 in the last-16 stage.

"Unlike Spain, Brazil have experience of important games and most of the teams who have reached the quarter-finals are already used to these sorts of games," said the Arsenal forward.

"Brazil have an identity to defend and if they don't play good football it's treated like a disaster even if they win 3-0.

"It means they are never far from a final."