"If I scored that goal nowadays, it would be even more memorable." Those are the words of Rivaldo, ambassador of Betfair in the special episode of "Fala, Rivaldo!", anniversary edition, featuring questions from fans and national idols like Cafu and Giovanni. The full interview with the soccer star is available on Betfair’s channel on YouTube.
"Giovanni is a brother that football gave me. We always have a lot of contact, we are always together playing for the veteran Barcelona team. He's a guy who helped me a lot when I went to Greece, with our friendship during the 1998 World Cup, and even when I arrived at Barcelona, his friendship was always very important to me."
Responding to the question about the memorable game, Rivaldo highlighted the match against Valencia, the 3-2 victory in the Spanish Championship. "There are several games, but the one that stood out the most was against Valencia in 2001. I would like to relive that game, if I scored that goal nowadays, with social media and everything we have today, that 3-2 would be even more memorable for the fans," he commented.
He also recalled the situation of that match and how the victory was crucial for the Catalan club. "It was the last game of the championship and Valencia played for the draw, while Barcelona needed to win to secure fourth place and a spot in the Champions League. And scoring the goal the way I did, at the end of the match, which gave Barcelona the qualification, was spectacular," said the birthday boy to Betfair.
Cafu, the captain of the Penta
Another idol of Brazilian football who participated in Rivaldo's birthday wishes was Cafu, captain of the Brazilian National Team's five-time World Cup victory in 2002. The right-back for Brazil in three World Cups sent a special message to the Betfair ambassador:
"Rivaldo, Captain Cafu speaking. Many congratulations Rivaldo, health and much peace. May you continue to be this unique guy, what pride, honor, and satisfaction to have known you and played with you. Those who don't know you, don't know what a wonderful person you are! I'm very proud to have played with you. Congratulations," said Cafu.
Emotional, Rivaldo described his national team friend: "Cafu was a great captain. Respected by all and with a giant history, playing three World Cups. He lives in my heart and has always been a partner who was always with the players," Rivaldo said during the program.
But the big surprise was the question from the former right-back of the national team: "Rivaldo, have you ever had a ninja coach?" The question that sparked everyone's curiosity was answered in parts, leaving a mystery in the air by Rivaldo. "I can say that I know a ninja coach, but explaining it is harder. I'll let him explain on his birthday," joked the five-time champion.
The best player of the Penta
One of the questions from fans of the Betfair ambassador was about the feeling of not winning the best player award of the 2002 World Cup. According to Rivaldo, his main goal was achieved, which was to bring the Penta to Brazil.
"I'm glad he mentioned that, it's a sign that I did well in 2002. But the most important thing for me was to play well and be a world champion, especially after coming close in 98 against France. I wanted to be a champion and not be the best of the World Cup because the title would be marked for me, for my family, and for all of Brazil," he recalled.
He also commented on how this question has been recurring since the 2002 World Cup. "If I had won the award, it would have been great. But I wasn't sad because I played very well in the World Cup and I always see the fans saying that I was the best of the World Cup, besides winning the title, which was the most important," he commented during the episode that can be watched in full here.
Europe being the showcase for Brazil
Answering a fan's question about the changes within Brazilian football, Rivaldo commented that Brazil has reversed roles with the European continent, with Europe now being the showcase and Brazil mirroring the football developed by them.
"Everyone knows that Brazilian football has changed a lot. Today Brazil looks up a lot to European football and before it was the opposite, the whole world looked at our football and how our players played. Today all Brazilian coaches and players look at European national teams and clubs and try to apply that here," he analyzed for Betfair.
The Betfair ambassador also pointed out how this change hampers the individualism of the game, which, according to him, is a hallmark of the Brazilian National Team. "You no longer see players with the same skills as before because nowadays football is simpler to play and we don't have players who take more risks, who try to dribble more, and who will try a one-on-one play. In my time, players had more personality to play. Today Brazilian football looks up a lot to European football and this situation ends up making it difficult for us to have great players here in Brazil," he concludes.
One of the world's largest providers of online sports betting, Betfair is the official sponsor of the Cruzeiro team. The company, founded in London in 2000, was a pioneer in offering peer-to-peer betting (Betfair Exchange) and manages a complete set of online sports betting, entertainment events, and gaming products for over four million customers over 18 years old worldwide.
Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, the platform offers a wide range of products that allows betting with your own odds and odds offered by other users. Betfair is licensed to operate online betting and other games in 19 countries, including Spain, Italy, Malta, and Great Britain. Play responsibly.
Source: GMB
