|
Roberto Carlos is one of best attacking fullbacks in
the world. So much so, that he's often confused as an
outside midfielder. Carlos is not a defensive-minded
fullback, but the 29-year-old's speed up and down the
flanks effectively gives Brazil an extra attacker up
the left side.
Carlos has one of the best left feet in the world;
his crosses and set pieces are considered the best part
of his game, and they're vital to Brazil's chances in
2002, considering that one of the more glaring weaknesses
of the current Brazilian side is in its midfielder ranks,
who are usually responsible for playmaking.
Carlos is a goal-scoring threat, too. One of his more
memorable goals was a spectacular free kick with the
outside of the foot against France at Le Tournoi in
1997.
He moved from Inter Milan, a powerhouse of the Italian
Serie A, to Spanish dynasty Real Madrid in 1996, where
he has since been an essential part of three Spanish
league titles, two Spanish Cup crowns and two European
Cups since that time.
Although he's Real Madrid property for the moment,
it's been rumoured that Manchester United has been in
touch with him over a possible transfer. However, there's
been no confirmation by Man U.
Carlos was left off of Brazil's World Cup championship
team in 1994, but was a key member of their runner-up
side in 1998.
He has appeared in 84 games with the Brazilian national
team, including a silver medal performance at the 1996
Atlanta Olympics, and he's one of the most experienced
members of a side that's had to cope with a series of
nagging injuries to a number of its best players, including
Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
It's the sort of thing that has a lot of soccer insiders
thinking Brazil might be ripe for an upset. While Group
C opponents Turkey relish the chance to upset the four-time
World Cup champs, Carlos is mindful of not appearing
cocky, especially while Brazil's ranks are in their
current depleted state.
"It would be egotistical of me to say Brazil is
better than Turkey, and the reality of soccer doesn't
allow me to say this," said Carlos. "In soccer
we have to have professionalism and respect."
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
