The Hindu : Sport / Football : An early birthday present

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 26, 2006

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Sport - Football

An early birthday present

BERGISCH GLADBACH: Cicinho got an early birthday present from Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira — a World Cup start.

The defender's strong performance in Brazil's 4-1 win over Japan on Thursday, however, isn't likely to get him another start anytime soon. But that has more to do with Cafu than anything else.

Cicinho, who turned 26 on Saturday, was among five reserve players fielded on Friday by Parreira in Brazil's final Group F match. It was his first World Cup appearance.

On Saturday, the Real Madrid defender was celebrating both his birthday and the strong showing.

"(Parreira) wished me a happy birthday, asked me how old I was. ... He congratulated me and told me I have the ability to play in two more World Cups," Cicinho said. "It's a special birthday, to be here with the team. Without a doubt it's my happiest birthday."

Besides getting a chance to play, Cicinho even got a celebratory birthday samba composed and sung by teammate Robinho.

Setting up

Cicinho started at right back against Japan in place of Cafu. He set up Ronaldo's first goal, which helped the striker break Pele's record as Brazil's all-time leading scorer.

"When I went onto the field I knew that I was replacing one of the best defenders of the world of Brazilian soccer," said Cicinho, who is widely expected to replace Cafu when the captain retires. "It was fantastic to play those 90 minutes. The coach knows I can do it."

Parreira, who said he would announce his line-up for Brazil's next match just before kick-off, is expected to start the regulars against Ghana in the second round.

But Parreira said he had wanted to give some of the younger players — like Cicinho — a chance to play in the tournament.

"Some of the players had never played in a World Cup and it was very important for them to play, to build up their confidence," Parreira said.

"I don't want to preoccupy myself with one name or another. All of them played well and Brazil needs options when it goes onto the field."

Cafu's retirement

When Cafu will retire is another question. The 36-year-old defender has said he may play for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Cicinho is not pushing the issue either.

"I don't want anything bad to happen to my captain and my companion," Cicinho said. "I have a lot of respect for Cafu and he respects me."

Cafu, too, has good things to say about Cicinho.

"He plays just as well as the other (reserves)," Cafu said. "I never doubted in him. He is an important player for the team."

Roberto Carlos, who plays at Real Madrid with Cicinho, also wasn't startled with Cicinho's strong debut. "That he played well doesn't surprise me," Roberto Carlos said. "If I had him, I would want him to play." — AP

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