Cafu picks all-time Brazil XI ahead of the World Cup… but there’s no room for Romario, Ronaldinho or Neymar
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FOOTBALL legend Cafu has picked his all-time Brazil XI ahead of this summer's World Cup... with some shock exclusions.
The 142-cap full-back has had his say on which stars from down the years would make his "super offensive" line-up.
Writing for the Guardian, Cafu revealed there was no room for Neymar, Romario or Ronaldinho, but still promised "five goals per game".
Cafu wrote: "Wow, choosing the Brazil best XI of all time – that’s a tough one. There are so many brilliant players in each position.
"My team is set up in a super offensive formation. We might concede a lot of goals, but I can guarantee five goals every game!"
GOALKEEPER
Claudio Taffarel
CAFU has plumped for 1994 World Cup winner Taffarel as his No1.
On his choice of stopper, he revealed: "He was so calm, smooth and peaceful, always giving us confidence on the field.
"He didn’t do anything fancy, never jumped or dived unnecessarily and always had the ball under control.
"He played three World Cups, always as Brazil’s No1. That is not an easy achievement."
DEFENDERS
Carlos Alberto, Lucio, Aldair & Roberto Carlos
A STAR-STUDDED back-four follows, but Cafu opted to NOT name himself - and instead go for Carlos Alberto.
On his selections, Cafu claimed: "Whether defending or attacking, [Alberto] was always good. Carlos was a great leader, but his technique was even more incredible.
The two central defenders are Aldair and Lucio. They never played together, but I believe that they would form an amazing partnership.
"Aldair was very calm, never made a bad tackle and his positioning was incredible. Lucio was more aggressive and intense.
"Left-back, for sure, is Roberto Carlos. A world champion, he played at a high level for many years, with the same quality and intensity whether defending or attacking.
"He was a giant. I have never seen a shot as powerful as his. He had a missile in his leg!"
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MIDFIELDERS
Falcao, Zico, Rivellino & Rivaldo
CAFU'S midfield is arguably the best-looking quartet in world footballing history.
On his picks, the full-back said: "The best form of defence is to have the ball.
"A team with Falcao, Zico and Rivellino at its heart could play for years without making a mistake in possession.
"[Falcao] was a smart player, a legend with an elegance rarely seen on a football pitch. The king of assists, he never misplaced a pass or made a mistake.
"Rivellino's elastico move was beautiful, like something from another planet. I love him! He was the best dribbler of a football ever.
"Zico was intelligent, had incredible vision and could strike a superb free-kick.
"As for Rivaldo, he was a genius. Come on! It was so wonderful to see him with the ball. Rivaldo was brilliant."
STRIKERS
Ronaldo & Pele
DESPITE leaving out Romario, Neymar and even Bebeto, Cafu evidently has no regrets in opting for Ronaldo and Pele.
On his attacking selections, Cafu claimed: "Picking the two attackers is easy. The first is the best player of all time – Pele. Do I need to say anything more?
"The athlete of the century, he scored more than 1,000 goals, and won the World Cup three times. He was complete. Pele is Pele. No one can beat him.
"Pele’s partner up front is Ronaldo. He was incredible too. You had to pay attention to both feet with Ronaldo as they were as good as each other.
"Ronaldo was essential to us in 2002 when we became world champions."