World Cup legend Cafu: Brazil's squad can win without Neymar, Lucas Paqueta has matured
- Heinrich Griessel
- 28 November 2022
Two-time World Cup winner Cafu is confident Brazil's squad depth is deep enough to absorb the absence of Neymar, while he has also been impressed by Lucas Paqueta.
The Serie A juggernaut, who is in both Roma and AC Milan's respective halls of fame, believes the Brazil squad is more well-rounded than it has been in previous tournaments.
The Selecao kicked off their World Cup Group G campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia, and will take on Switzerland and Cameroon in their remaining group games.
"We are stronger than the last editions, we have a wider squad and experienced players. In 2018 we depended on Neymar, not anymore," said Cafu, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"His absence will be felt, but Brazil cannot depend only on him. Even without Neymar we remain very strong, everyone has to take responsibility.
"The only thing missing is the Brazilian victory and then it will be the perfect year."
Asked about 25-year-old West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta's performances so far, Cafu said: "Now he has more personality and knows how to stay on the pitch.
"At Milan he was too young and the team gave him too much responsibility."
