There were questions asked if it was ideal to replace Ronaldinho, a flamboyant playmaker, with Cafu, a full-back. Any concerns surrounding the switch were done away with, as Cafu rose to the occasion to guide Goa 5s into the Premier Futsal semifinals here on Thursday.
The former Brazil captain got into the groove with a sweet volley in the early minutes, which forced a save from the Bengaluru goalkeeper.
Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner (1994 and 2002), created many chances and was also solid in defence. He may have not scored a goal, but it was a job well done.
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Did he feel any pressure, given that he was asked to step into the shoes of his celebrated countryman?
“Ronaldinho and I are two totally different players. He is an attacker and I’m a defender, so there is no comparison. I did not feel any pressure, because I love to play my own style,” Cafu said.
The former Roma and AC Milan player stated that he did not speak to Ronaldinho before his arrival here.
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The most-capped Brazil international explained that he received an invitation to feature in his tournament from Chennai 5s futsal specialist, Falcao.
“I was asked to come here by Falcao. He is from my country — he is a very good friend of mine. I could not say no to him. I have also been to India many times in the past, for various reasons. I’ve always loved India, and I’m thrilled to be here,” he said.
Cafu added, “The transition from football to futsal is very difficult, as this is a shorter and faster version. We have no time to think, but I’m trying to adapt the best I can.”