The FIFA World Cup 2022 is all set to kickstart on November 20 in Qatar with the host country taking on Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium. While focus will be on the tournament opener, fans are eagerly expecting major teams like Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France among others to be in action in the showpiece event.
Two-time World Cup winner and former Brazil captain Cafu, in an exclusive interview with Revsportz, talked about a range of things starting from the difference between the Brazilian team under his captaincy in 2002 and the current Selecao team, whether Neymar could be the difference in the marquee event in Qatar, his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and much more.
Here are the excerpts:
Q) What is the major difference between Brazilian team under your captaincy and the current Brazil squad?
Cafu: Back in our time we defended and attacked with the same intensity to stand out. We had an incredible passion to play for our country. When we walked out we put our lives on line for the badge. Today we have great players both defensively and offensively that can play in the same fashion as we did.
Q) Do you think Brazil, also pre-tournament favourites, can go all the way and end the 20-year wait for the World Cup?
Cafu: This is a great Brazilian team. I wouldn’t like to talk about any single player but both offensively and defensively Brazil have some good players. I hope Brazil can have a great performance in the World Cup. I hope that Brazil has great results with a full chance of winning the World Cup.
Q) This is potentially the last World Cup for both Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal). Can they end it with the glittering trophy?
Cafu: I hope so! Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are two great players and for this being their last World Cup, we hope they can really fight for the World Cup which I’m sure will happen.
Brazil’s Qatar 2022 squad
Goalkeepers
Alisson (Liverpool)
Ederson (Manchester City)
Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders
Alex Sandro (Juventus)
Alex Telles (Sevilla)
Bremer (Juventus)
Danilo (Juventus)
Dani Alves (Pumas)
Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Midfielders
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Casemiro (Manchester United)
Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo)
Fabinho (Liverpool)
Fred (Manchester United)
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United)
Attackers
Antony (Manchester United)
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Pedro (Flamengo)
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Richarlison (Tottenham)
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)