Exactly 20 years ago Captain of Cafu is Brazil at the FIFA World Cup. On June 30, 2002, the legendary right back raised the famous trophy at Yokohama Stadium, in Japan, after the Seleção beat Germany 2-0 thanks to a Ronaldo brace.
This is Cafu’s third appearance in the FIFA World Cup final, following Brazil’s victory over Italy in 1994 and defeat to France four years later. Cafu remains the only person to have played three finals.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Brazil’s victory, we spoke to Cafu about his legendary career and look forward to this year’s tournament in Qatar, which will run from November 21 to December 18.
Fans interested in attending Qatar 2022 they should click here for Hayya’s latest tickets, accommodation and information.
It’s been 20 years since you lifted the trophy in Japan. In retrospect, how did you feel in that moment?
I feel so proud and so happy that I represented Brazil and I had the opportunity to lift the World Cup. The memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was so happy to participate in this historic moment.
When you grew up, did you think you would win the World Cup?
Of course, every player has a dream: first to become a professional, and then play for a great team and take part in the World Cup. When you play in the World Cup, the dream is to be world champion. I had a dream and it came true. I am very proud of what we have achieved.
You won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002. How do the two wins compare?
Both are very important. Winning the World Cup at the age of 24 was a dream in 1994. In 2002, we won the trophy for the fifth time and I was the captain, so for me personally, the weight of 2002 was even higher.
You lost the World Cup final against France in 1998. Did it help you be motivated in 2002?
You see, it’s part of football, in our profession you win or you lose. People say we lost the final in ’98, but I say we reached the final; that’s not easy. Of course, four years later, we just want to win.
What do you think of when you remember the 2002 final against Germany?
Before the match, I just thought of winning the World Cup final. We are in a position to achieve our goal. My main memories of the match are lifting the trophy, winning the cup for Brazil and celebrating another world title. They are some of the best memories of my career.
As captain, do you remember what you told the players before the game?
I clearly remember what I said before the game: “Don’t do anything different from what you’ve done so far to reach the World Cup final, be the best at what you’ve been doing.”
How did you feel when you heard the last whistle?
It is a feeling of success, of joy, of happiness. There are no words to describe that moment.
What do you think of the current Brazilian team, which is going to Qatar with the goal of winning a sixth title, a record?
I think it’s a very good team. He has a good mix of youth and experience. The team has many rival players in their clubs, who have already made history on the national team and achieved great things in their clubs. Brazil is in a good position for the World Cup in Qatar: the players are motivated, and I hope they meet our expectations and have a great tournament.
Players like Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo have shown that they are in good shape at Real Madrid, do you think they will have a big impact on Qatar?
Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo stand out at Real Madrid. There are still five months before the World Cup and many things can happen. However, if these players and others come in the same form as today, Brazil has a good chance of winning the World Cup. Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo had the opportunity to make history.
What will fans expect when they come to Qatar for the World Cup?
First of all, I think all football fans should travel to Qatar, because here they will have the opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup, the greatest spectacle in the world. Furthermore, this will be the first World Cup in the Middle East, so a chance to be part of something that will be a first in football history. I know from my own experience that everyone is welcome in Qatar and that the country is excited to open its arms to fans from around the world.
It will be a great contest and an incredible opportunity to explore what for many will be the new part of the world. They will have the opportunity to see the best players in the world competing in incredible stadiums designed to offer the best possible experience to us, the fans. At this point, every fan can have a dream that their country will win the World Cup, and if that happens, being in the stadium as they lift the trophy celebrating with friends and family will be a memory for a lifetime. .
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
