Memorable day: National football legend Datuk Santokh Singh (right) shaking hands with former Brazil player Gilberto Silva during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: With five World Cup wins, Brazil still stands as the most successful footballing nation. Adding a sixth this year will only reconfirm that.
And former Brazil and Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, who was in Kuala Lumpur yesterday as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, has many reasons to be hopeful that the Selecao can lift the coveted trophy at the 23rd edition of the World Cup taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada in June.
Silva, who was part of Brazil’s golden squad that won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea-Japan, believes Carlo Ancelotti’s side has the quality to end Brazil’s 24-year wait to reclaim football’s most prestigious prize.
He also praised the current generation, describing the national team as a group of highly talented players, most of whom are playing for top clubs across Europe.
However, to win it, the team will need thorough preparation and, most importantly, the intelligence to seize opportunities, just as Brazil did in 2002 to claim their fifth World Cup – a feat that no other nation has managed to match to this day.
“We have a very good generation of players. When you look at them, especially those in the national team, most are playing in Europe at the best clubs in the world. And if anyone asks why they are there, it is because they have quality,” said Silva.
“They are doing well. I hope that in the remaining months before the World Cup begins, they can grow stronger and become even more focused as they prepare to play another World Cup for the country and represent us in the best possible way.
“I think this is what we want from them. Winning the trophy will be a consequence of what they do. But above all, what we always want from them is passion and the desire on the pitch to fight from the first whistle to the final minute.’’
The FIFA World Cup trophy has been on public display since Jan 3 and is set to visit 30 FIFA member associations, covering 75 stops and more than 150 tour days.
Silva admitted that returning to Kuala Lumpur brought back memories of his time with Brazil while preparing for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea-Japan.
During that visit, they also played a friendly match against the Harimau Malaya at Stadium Bukit Jalil, winning 4-0 thanks to goals from Ronaldo, Juninho, Denilson and Ronaldinho.
“Back in 2002, we stopped here (Kuala Lumpur) for our final preparations. It was a great experience, and the fans were amazed by us. Today (yesterday) was just as special. We had an event this morning shortly after I arrived, and it was fantastic to see the number of people there, all waiting for the trophy to be unveiled and for the ceremony to begin. Seeing their excitement really made me happy.
“The smiles on people’s faces are priceless for me. Honestly, when people ask me what it feels like to win the World Cup, I never have a single answer. For me, the best way to describe it is through those smiles – when they see the trophy, when we talk about the World Cup.
“I share this moment with them, because the joy of winning is not mine alone.
“It belongs to all the people,” added Silva.
