Cafu closing in on new record

Brazil captain Cafu admits fewer things in his career give him more pleasure than breaking records.

Today the 36-year-old defender aims to set another one for the reigning champions.

Cafu will achieve a Brazilian record of 19 appearances in World Cup finals if, as expected, he plays against Ghana in the second round.

He won his first cap against Spain in September 1990 and that was the start of a glittering international career.

Cafu went on to play in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 tournaments, and is in Germany looking for more glory.

He said: “I love breaking records. It is so important for me and gives me confidence to go on.”

Ghana are high on confidence themselves in this their first finals after successive victories against the Czech Republic and the United States.

The only African side left in the competition, they have a reputation for physical play but Cafu welcomed the challenge.

“If Ghana makes a lot of fouls it will be better for us,” he claimed. “For we have a lot of skilful players who are able to punish them.”

Brazil are favourites to progress but they are also expected to win the tournament.

And, while they have not impressed so far, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is more important in results than style.

He said: “Nobody is here to show off but to win the game. That is the important thing. Winning the World Cup is about the team, not one player.

“We have a lot of pressure on our shoulders but we must be calm and focused. We are motivated for this game and prepared for extra-time and penalties.

“Ghana are a tough opponent. They defeated the Czech Republic and have a lot of skilful players. They are physically strong.”

Kaka has been one of Brazil’s most impressive players so far but he believes one man stands out in the tournament – Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

“He is the best player at the moment,” he said “I think I am playing well and helping Brazil. But teams do not just want to play well, they want to win and we are doing that.”

Adriano is tipped to join Ronaldo in attack as Robinho is struggling with a thigh injury.

Parreira was keeping his cards close to his chest about his line-up.

“There is no mystery about my team,” he said. “But it is my decision not to announce it until the day of the game.”