MUSCAT: Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Silva said the ‘Selecaos’ are capable of claiming the World Cup honours in Qatar World Cup 2022.
Silva, a defensive midfielder, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, was in the Sultanate of Oman to unveil the original World Cup trophy in Muscat on Friday.
“The present Brazil team is very much capable of winning a sixth World Cup for the country,” Silva said during an interaction at a special function organised by Coca-Cola at the Royal Opera House.
“There are talented and superstar players along with experienced ones in the current lot. We hope to pick the best squad for the soccer extravaganza in Qatar.”
The former Arsenal player and Premier League winner said however the campaign may not be easy for his home country.
“Without doubt, it will be a tough challenge with many countries putting up impressive squads for the World Cup. There are many top teams who themselves are in top form at the moment. It will be a tough task for Brazil,” he added.
Silva said he was happy to be in Oman along with local icon Ali al Habsi.
“It was a great honour to be in Oman for unveiling the trophy during its global tour. I’ve seen first-hand the passion for football across the Middle East. With 51 stops across the world, I’ve no doubt the Tour by Coca-Cola will inspire and engage an unprecedented number of fans and future rising stars from this region.”
In a message to Oman footballers, the Brazilian called on the local players to dream big and work hard towards fulfilling it.
The legendary Oman goalkeeper, who had an illustrious career in English Premier League, said he was proud to be part of World Cup trophy tour.
“This World Cup trophy is very much inspiring for me as well as Oman footballers. We hope to qualify soon for the big event and make a memorable debut at the World Cup,” the former Oman captain, who led the country to its first Gulf Cup title in 2009, said.
Muscat leg is a part of the trophy tour which spans across 51 countries and territories.
Al Habsi said: “The trophy tour will also encourage more players to get into sports and make their country proud. Finally, seeing the original Fifa World Cup Trophy is also a huge motivation for us as it gives us hope that we too will win this trophy some day and not just host it.”
For the first time ever, the tour will visit all 32 Fifa World Cup qualifying countries, inspiring fans across the world through exclusive consumer experiences.
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