The former captain of the Brazilian football team, Kafu, said today that the Serbian team can be one of the surprises at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. Kafu, in an interview with France Press, was asked which national teams could surprise, and he mentioned Serbia, Belgium, Denmark and Portugal “how much however incredible it may seem.”
The match against Serbia will be the first that Brazil will play at the World Cup, within Group G.
“Serbia qualified for the World Cup as the first in its group. They played very well in the qualifiers. They have a strong team and are not afraid to play football against any opponent,” Kafu said.
He stated that France, which will defend its title in Qatar, will also be very strong.
“France will be very strong, just like in the last World Cup. They come with the label of current world champions and will fight for the double. It is one of the strongest teams to beat,” said the 52-year-old Cafu.
Speaking about the selection of his country, he pointed out that he believes that Brazil can “break the European dominance” in Qatar.
Brazil has not won the World Cup for more than two decades, and it was Cafu who was the last captain of that selection to lift the trophy intended for the world champions, in Japan and South Korea in 2002.
Kafu is now betting that Brazil can win a sixth World Cup title (after 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), but also warns against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, who he sees as “big favourites”.
“The World Cup in Qatar is a great opportunity to break the European dominance. It is the perfect time for Brazil to break the curse and win the title. Argentina and Brazil are the two favorites. Brazil is going to Qatar after great performances, and Argentina also has a good team. Both countries have great potential to win the World Cup,” Kafu said.
Asked what he likes most about the team led by coach Tite, Kafu answered the team as a whole.
“We have a very good group of players who can turn the game around at any time. Their strength is their unity, they know they don’t depend on one player to win the World Cup and that will help them,” Cafu said.
Kafu stated that everyone is pinning their hopes on Neymar, but pointed out that the Paris Saint-Germain star is not playing alone.
“With Neymar in good form, we have a very good chance to win the World Cup, because he is a player who really makes a difference on the pitch. We are hoping for his talent, but he does not play alone. If he plays well, I am sure he will motivate the other players and make them feel important so they can win,” he said.
The World Cup in Qatar begins on November 20, and the match between Serbia and Brazil in the first round of Group G is scheduled four days later.