  |  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 Cafu
 Cafu Brazil | Defender Achievements: World Cup Winner 1994, 2002; runner up 1998 In 2002 Brazil's record-breaking fullback became the first man to play in three consecutive finals. In 2006 he has every chance of making it four in a row -- and of completing a rare hat-trick of World Cup winner's medals. At 36, the AC Milan defender is not quite the rampaging presence he once was, but he still has the pace and skill that have made him an institution on the Brazilian right for more than a decade. Cafu came into Brazil's squad in time for the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., but only got his chance when first choice fullback Jorginho was injured early in the final against Italy. In a match that fizzled out in a dull goalless draw, Cafu caught the eye with some eye-catching runs as the Brazilians claimed their first world title since 1970 following a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Four years later in France, Cafu was a permanent fixture in the Brazilian defense, only to suffer disappointment as the defending champions slumped 3-0 against the hosts in the final. In Japan-South Korea, Cafu led Brazil for the first time at the World Cup in the absence of injured regular captain Emerson and lifted the trophy following their 2-0 win over Germany in the final. Many assumed it would be the fullback's final tournament but, four years later, Cafu will play a key supporting role once again as a new generation of Brazilian stars such as Ronaldinho and Kaka bid to make their own impression on football's greatest stage. 
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| © 2007 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. Site Map. |
 |
|
External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
Pay service with live and archived video. 
