Brazil legend Cafu has backed his nation to win a sixth World Cup in Qatar and has spoken highly of the ‘talent’ in England’s squad, although he does not consider them favourites.
The defender lifted the trophy himself 20 years ago when Brazil triumphed in Japan and South Korea in 2002, defeating the Three Lions en route to their fifth World Cup crown.
Much has been made of the Selecao’s failure to win the tournament since that triumph in 2002, famously crashing out after a humiliating 7-1 defeat on home soil by Germany in 2014, and 2018. I had failed again.
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Speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of the tournament, Caifo explained: “I think Brazil will win this year.
“This is the strongest group of players since 2002 and the team does not rely on Neymar as much as in the past. Brazil is strong in all areas: defense, midfield and attack.”
Discussing the wait for another win, Cafu added: “Twenty years without winning a World Cup or appearing in a final is too much for Brazil. I’m sure it will end in Qatar.”
He was complimentary of the competition, though, also: “Brazil are ahead of every other team. But I think Argentina are also very strong. They are playing well and Lionel Messi is a genius. France have the same team that Won four years. Aug. These three favourites.
“England have talent,” he continued: “They have very good players. Harry Kane, for example, is a top centre-forward. The World Cup is a very special tournament. It depends. Which team you’re going to face, that particular moment, how you feel on the day of the match. That’s why it’s very difficult to win. But the England team is very good and has a lot of potential.”
Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals in 2018 and were runners-up at Euro 2020, but lost in the last eight to Brazil 20 years ago.