NIRAJ PRABHU
PANAJI
India international Denzil Franco says he was inspired by Brazilian legend Cafu to go on to become right-back, and his heart beats for the ‘Samba boys’ every time since the FIFA World Cup France.
The 32-year-old former ATK and Churchill Bros defender has followed World Cup action since 1998. “The first time I watched World Cup was in 1998 and my favourite team was Brazil as I loved Cafu, Ronaldo and Rivaldo...Cafu remains the all-time favourite legend as he was dynamic, hard-working and energetic. (In fact) I took up right-back position only by getting motivated by his tactics and play,” Denzil told The Goan.
Denzil, who played for India from 2010-14 that includes the triumphant 2012 Nehru Cup campaign, feels it is difficult to predict the winners of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. “At the moment, it’s very difficult to predict as there are many tough competitors, but I would definitely love Brazil to win the Cup. In fact, Brazil go into every World Cup expecting to win. For me, Brazil will always remain my favourite country at World Cup,” vouched the Saligao-based footballer.
While India have improved in their rankings of late, the progress up the World Cup qualification remains a distant reality for footballers. Nevertheless, no player can stop dreaming.
“World Cup is the ultimate dream to play in or watch for any player whether he is a professional or not. The quadrennial showdown is a very important way to measure the good players and the great ones. It is the test of a footballer,” explained Denzil, who loves watching the late-night matches with close friends and family members in party atmosphere.
Asked what advice he has for youngsters, Denzil said: “If one has passion for the game, then you got to earn your place in football world with loads of sacrifices. Hard work being the main asset, nothing can deprive you from being a great footballer if you follow simple rules of life. Dedication and ability to sacrifice in life, hold the key while the principle to follow is ‘hit the line hard’.”
