The statement certainly comes across as something of an insult to the rest of the planet.
Europe has won less than half of history's World Cups and 2002 made it clear that the competition from other continents will only become fiercer.
In terms of club football there is nothing to argue about.
Europe is clearly the capital of the world - in no small part because its money can attract the best players from all over the globe.
An Argentine player, Alfredo di Stefano, was the most influential factor behind the growth and popularity of the old European Cup.
From him through to contemporary stars like Didier Drogba, players from the periphery of the global economy have played a massive part in the success of the European club competitions.
The absence of these players can be felt when the time comes for Europe to concentrate on its national teams.
"Sometimes it's more complicated to play Chile than Germany, with their robot football," said current Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on the eve of Sunday's World Cup qualifier in Santiago.
"The South Americans, in general, are capable of doing the unexpected."
It could even be argued that Europe is over-represented at the World Cup.
Nowadays the continent's worst teams are among the weakest in the competition - and are certainly the dullest.
For all this, Euro 2004 will be followed closely in South America. Cable TV and afternoon kick-off times will restrict the number of people able to watch the games.
But the top European national teams are held in considerable respect.
And, after all, South America has a vested interest.
The continent's teams want to have a close look at sides they could be facing in Germany in two years' time.
Europe has won less than half of history's World Cups and 2002 made it clear that the competition from other continents will only become fiercer.
In terms of club football there is nothing to argue about.
Europe is clearly the capital of the world - in no small part because its money can attract the best players from all over the globe.
An Argentine player, Alfredo di Stefano, was the most influential factor behind the growth and popularity of the old European Cup.
From him through to contemporary stars like Didier Drogba, players from the periphery of the global economy have played a massive part in the success of the European club competitions.
The absence of these players can be felt when the time comes for Europe to concentrate on its national teams.
"Sometimes it's more complicated to play Chile than Germany, with their robot football," said current Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on the eve of Sunday's World Cup qualifier in Santiago.
"The South Americans, in general, are capable of doing the unexpected."
It could even be argued that Europe is over-represented at the World Cup.
Nowadays the continent's worst teams are among the weakest in the competition - and are certainly the dullest.
For all this, Euro 2004 will be followed closely in South America. Cable TV and afternoon kick-off times will restrict the number of people able to watch the games.
But the top European national teams are held in considerable respect.
And, after all, South America has a vested interest.
The continent's teams want to have a close look at sides they could be facing in Germany in two years' time.
