In an interview with AFP ahead of the World Cup (November 20-December 18), the last Brazilian captain to have lifted football's most coveted trophy, in South Korea and Japan in 2002, bets on a sixth historical coronation of Brazil (after 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), but also warns against "the great favorite", Argentina of Lionel Messi.

Q: Brazil haven't won the World Cup for two decades.

Can the World Cup in Qatar end this series?

A: "The World Cup in Qatar is a great opportunity to break European dominance. It's the perfect time for Brazil to break the curse and win the title. Argentina and +Seleção+ are the two favourites. On the one hand, Brazil are coming off a very good season with great performances, on the other, Argentina also have a very good team. These two countries have great potential to win the World Cup."

Q: What do you like about the Tite team?

A: "The team as a whole. We have a very solid group of players who can turn a game around at any time. The strong point is their unity, they know they are not dependent on one player to win the World Cup, and that will help them."

Neymar "makes the difference"

Q: Does Neymar's good level increase the chances of winning a sixth title?

A: "With Neymar in good form, we have a very good chance of winning the World Cup, because he is a player who really makes a difference on the pitch. We pin our hopes on his talent, but he does not play alone By playing well, being motivated, I'm sure he will motivate the other players and make them feel important so that they can win."

Q: Danilo regularly plays at right-back.

The question is who will be able to compete with him, what do you think of a central defender like Éder Militão in this role?

Cafu (centre) with his former teammates Ronaldo (left) and Rivaldo on June 30, 2022 on the 20th anniversary of Brazil's victory in the 2002 World Cup MAURO PIMENTEL AFP/Archives

A: "I really like the idea of ​​using a central defender as a full-back, even though Militão has already played on one side. Depending on the phases of the game, Tite can release him in attack or use a three-man defence."

Q: Qatar will be the last World Cup for several stars.

Are young players, like Vinicius Jr or Kylian Mbappé, up to those retiring?

A: "It's a shame to see these great players retire, but it's the natural law of football. You have to know when to stop. Even if they are very good, at the moment they (the youngsters) are not at the level of these great champions like Neymar, Messi, Lewandowski or Cristiano (Ronaldo), who are the best in the world."

Q: Which selections are likely to surprise?

A: "Belgium, Denmark, Portugal and Serbia, as unbelievable as it may seem. Serbia (which is with Brazil in group G, editor's note) qualified in first place in their group. They played very well in qualifying for the World Cup. They have a strong team and are not afraid to play football against any opponent. France, too, will be very strong, as they were in from the last World Cup. They will arrive as reigning world champions and will fight for the double. They will be one of the great teams to beat."

"Brazil is back"

Q: What memories do you have of the "Seleção" of 2002?

A: "For me, it was the best Brazilian team in recent years. A winning team: seven matches, seven victories, best attack, best defense. Being world champion against Germany is a memory that will remain engraved in memories all our lives. And to have the opportunity to lift the cup as captain, too. It's wonderful to hold the cup in your hand, that feeling of accomplishment, of being world champion. If I could, I would like to be world champion every day, it's a great feeling."

Q: You have won two World Cups and lost the final in France in 1998. Does this defeat weigh on you?

A: "We learn a lot from this kind of defeat. I do not retain our place of finalist, on the contrary: I retain that we were vice-champions, we reached the final of a competition as important as the World Cup. That's what we have to keep in mind."

Q: Brazil came to the 2002 World Cup with their heads full of doubts.

This year he is the favourite.

What is the best situation?

A: "It's always good to arrive as a favourite, it's a big motivation. People respect you, they value your work, they know that at any time, if they falter, they lose the part."

Q: The Brazilians haven't won for several years, why?

A: "The fact that Brazil haven't won the title for twenty years affects the fans a bit and takes away some credibility from the national team. But this year I think Brazil are back. "

© 2022 AFP