Deadspin | Matt Fitzpatrick slips into playoff, beats Scottie Scheffler at RBC Heritage Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images England’s Matt Fitzpatrick birdied the first playoff hole with a 13-foot putt to win the RBC Heritage after world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler forced the extra play Sunday in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Fitzpatrick, whose bogey at No. 18 gave Scheffler new life, won for the second time this year to go with a runner-up finish in The Players Championship. He has four career victories on the tour, including two in this tournament (also 2023). Fitzpatrick has four top-10 finishes in nine tournaments this year. Scheffler recorded 67 and Fitzpatrick had 70 in the final round. They each posted 18-under 266s at Harbour Town Golf Links. Scheffler, who played alongside Fitzpatrick in the final grouping, made up three strokes across the last four holes to force the playoff. Fitzpatrick posted birdies on two of the first three holes — sinking putts from 10 and 17 feet — and then dialed up pars nearly the rest of the way. South Korea’s Si Woo Kim’s birdie on No. 15 closed the gap to two strokes. Then Scheffler’s birdie on the 15th also drew him within two shots of Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick saved par on No. 16 after his tee shot was in the rough before Scheffler sank a birdie putt to make it a one-stroke margin. On the 18th, Fitzpatrick’s first shot rolled into a fairway sand trap. He got out fine, but his chip onto the green stopped about 23 feet from the cup, and he ended up with his first bogey in 29 holes. The tournament ended in a playoff for the fourth time in five years. Kim (68) placed third at 16 under. Collin Morikawa (67), Harris English (69) and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (70) shared fourth place at 13 under. Aberg’s double bogey on No. 16 proved costly. Bud Cauley (70) was seventh at 12 under. Michael Kim’s bogey-free 62 marked the best score of the round. That put him at 8 under and tied for 25th place. Defending champion Justin Thomas posted 66 on Sunday for his only sub-70 round of the tournament. He ended up at 3 over and tied for 77th place. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Matt #Fitzpatrick #slips #playoff #beats #Scottie #Scheffler #RBC #Heritage

Deadspin | Matt Fitzpatrick slips into playoff, beats Scottie Scheffler at RBC Heritage
Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick birdied the first playoff hole with a 13-foot putt to win the RBC Heritage after world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler forced the extra play Sunday in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Fitzpatrick, whose bogey at No. 18 gave Scheffler new life, won for the second time this year to go with a runner-up finish in The Players Championship. He has four career victories on the tour, including two in this tournament (also 2023).

Fitzpatrick has four top-10 finishes in nine tournaments this year.

Scheffler recorded 67 and Fitzpatrick had 70 in the final round. They each posted 18-under 266s at Harbour Town Golf Links.

Scheffler, who played alongside Fitzpatrick in the final grouping, made up three strokes across the last four holes to force the playoff.

Fitzpatrick posted birdies on two of the first three holes — sinking putts from 10 and 17 feet — and then dialed up pars nearly the rest of the way.

South Korea’s Si Woo Kim’s birdie on No. 15 closed the gap to two strokes. Then Scheffler’s birdie on the 15th also drew him within two shots of Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick saved par on No. 16 after his tee shot was in the rough before Scheffler sank a birdie putt to make it a one-stroke margin.

On the 18th, Fitzpatrick’s first shot rolled into a fairway sand trap. He got out fine, but his chip onto the green stopped about 23 feet from the cup, and he ended up with his first bogey in 29 holes.

The tournament ended in a playoff for the fourth time in five years.

Kim (68) placed third at 16 under. Collin Morikawa (67), Harris English (69) and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (70) shared fourth place at 13 under. Aberg’s double bogey on No. 16 proved costly.

Bud Cauley (70) was seventh at 12 under.

Michael Kim’s bogey-free 62 marked the best score of the round. That put him at 8 under and tied for 25th place.

Defending champion Justin Thomas posted 66 on Sunday for his only sub-70 round of the tournament. He ended up at 3 over and tied for 77th place.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Matt #Fitzpatrick #slips #playoff #beats #Scottie #Scheffler #RBC #Heritage

Sports news April 21, 2026

Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick birdied the first playoff hole with a 13-foot putt to win the RBC Heritage after world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler forced the extra play Sunday in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Fitzpatrick, whose bogey at No. 18 gave Scheffler new life, won for the second time this year to go with a runner-up finish in The Players Championship. He has four career victories on the tour, including two in this tournament (also 2023).

Fitzpatrick has four top-10 finishes in nine tournaments this year.

Scheffler recorded 67 and Fitzpatrick had 70 in the final round. They each posted 18-under 266s at Harbour Town Golf Links.

Scheffler, who played alongside Fitzpatrick in the final grouping, made up three strokes across the last four holes to force the playoff.

Fitzpatrick posted birdies on two of the first three holes — sinking putts from 10 and 17 feet — and then dialed up pars nearly the rest of the way.

South Korea’s Si Woo Kim’s birdie on No. 15 closed the gap to two strokes. Then Scheffler’s birdie on the 15th also drew him within two shots of Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick saved par on No. 16 after his tee shot was in the rough before Scheffler sank a birdie putt to make it a one-stroke margin.

On the 18th, Fitzpatrick’s first shot rolled into a fairway sand trap. He got out fine, but his chip onto the green stopped about 23 feet from the cup, and he ended up with his first bogey in 29 holes.

The tournament ended in a playoff for the fourth time in five years.

Kim (68) placed third at 16 under. Collin Morikawa (67), Harris English (69) and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (70) shared fourth place at 13 under. Aberg’s double bogey on No. 16 proved costly.

Bud Cauley (70) was seventh at 12 under.

Michael Kim’s bogey-free 62 marked the best score of the round. That put him at 8 under and tied for 25th place.

Defending champion Justin Thomas posted 66 on Sunday for his only sub-70 round of the tournament. He ended up at 3 over and tied for 77th place.

–Field Level Media

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Indore News: अब महिलाएं सिखा रहीं प्राकृतिक खेती और किचन गार्डन के आधुनिक तरीके, महू से शुरू हुई अनूठी पहल

Deadspin | Jordan Martinook’s goal in 2nd OT lifts Hurricanes over Senators Apr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Dennis Gilbert (6) and Carolina Hurricanes left wing Eric Robinson (50) chase after the puck during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Jordan Martinook made amends after an earlier overtime opportunity went awry by scoring with 6:07 remaining in the second OT, lifting the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Monday at Raleigh, N.C. Martinook scored coming down the slot to end the game and send the Hurricanes to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Logan Stankoven and Sebastian Aho scored the first two goals for Carolina. Frederik Andersen made 36 saves for the win. Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens had Ottawa’s goals, with Jake Sanderson assisting on both tallies. Goalie Linus Ullmark seemed dialed in to steal a victory for Ottawa, making 43 saves. The Hurricanes appeared to win it on a Mark Jankowski goal with 2:42 left in the first overtime, but an offside ruling after a video review negated the score and reset the clock to slightly more than three minutes. Yet Martinook was awarded a penalty shot as part of the sequence, with Ullmark making the stop to extend the game. Game 3 is Thursday night in Ottawa. There were stretches, including in overtime, when Ullmark and Andersen seemed to take turns making game-saving stops. Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle nearly ended it in OT, but his shot bounced off the post. Stankoven converted on the game’s first power play 6:31 into the game off a feed from Taylor Hall, who was stationed behind the net. Stankoven has scored the first goal in both games in the series. Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk was in the penalty box for roughing. Aho’s first goal of the postseason came 7:50 into the second period in transition after he took a pass from Jordan Staal. Ullmark’s recovery for a save on Hall’s blast prevented Carolina from taking a three-goal lead. The Senators didn’t score for the first 90 minutes of the series, and then they notched two goals in less than a six-minute stretch. Batherson scored by shoveling the puck into the net after a deflection ended back near his stick on the left side of the net. Cozens pulled the Senators even with 3:20 to play in the second period. The pace was much accelerated from Game 1, with the Hurricanes holding a 28-16 edge in shots through two periods. The Senators outshot Carolina 8-5 in the scoreless third, which was played without a penalty called. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Jordan #Martinooks #goal #2nd #lifts #Hurricanes #Senators

#Deadspin #Jordan #Martinooks #goal #2nd #lifts #Hurricanes #Senators">

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Apr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Dennis Gilbert (6) and Carolina Hurricanes left wing Eric Robinson (50) chase after the puck during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Jordan Martinook made amends after an earlier overtime opportunity went awry by scoring with 6:07 remaining in the second OT, lifting the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Monday at Raleigh, N.C.

Martinook scored coming down the slot to end the game and send the Hurricanes to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Logan Stankoven and Sebastian Aho scored the first two goals for Carolina. Frederik Andersen made 36 saves for the win.

Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens had Ottawa’s goals, with Jake Sanderson assisting on both tallies. Goalie Linus Ullmark seemed dialed in to steal a victory for Ottawa, making 43 saves.

The Hurricanes appeared to win it on a Mark Jankowski goal with 2:42 left in the first overtime, but an offside ruling after a video review negated the score and reset the clock to slightly more than three minutes. Yet Martinook was awarded a penalty shot as part of the sequence, with Ullmark making the stop to extend the game.

Game 3 is Thursday night in Ottawa.

There were stretches, including in overtime, when Ullmark and Andersen seemed to take turns making game-saving stops. Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle nearly ended it in OT, but his shot bounced off the post.

Stankoven converted on the game’s first power play 6:31 into the game off a feed from Taylor Hall, who was stationed behind the net. Stankoven has scored the first goal in both games in the series. Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk was in the penalty box for roughing.

Aho’s first goal of the postseason came 7:50 into the second period in transition after he took a pass from Jordan Staal.

Ullmark’s recovery for a save on Hall’s blast prevented Carolina from taking a three-goal lead.

The Senators didn’t score for the first 90 minutes of the series, and then they notched two goals in less than a six-minute stretch.

Batherson scored by shoveling the puck into the net after a deflection ended back near his stick on the left side of the net.

Cozens pulled the Senators even with 3:20 to play in the second period.

The pace was much accelerated from Game 1, with the Hurricanes holding a 28-16 edge in shots through two periods. The Senators outshot Carolina 8-5 in the scoreless third, which was played without a penalty called.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jordan #Martinooks #goal #2nd #lifts #Hurricanes #Senators">Deadspin | Jordan Martinook’s goal in 2nd OT lifts Hurricanes over Senators

Apr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Dennis Gilbert (6) and Carolina Hurricanes left wing Eric Robinson (50) chase after the puck during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Jordan Martinook made amends after an earlier overtime opportunity went awry by scoring with 6:07 remaining in the second OT, lifting the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Monday at Raleigh, N.C.

Martinook scored coming down the slot to end the game and send the Hurricanes to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Logan Stankoven and Sebastian Aho scored the first two goals for Carolina. Frederik Andersen made 36 saves for the win.

Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens had Ottawa’s goals, with Jake Sanderson assisting on both tallies. Goalie Linus Ullmark seemed dialed in to steal a victory for Ottawa, making 43 saves.

The Hurricanes appeared to win it on a Mark Jankowski goal with 2:42 left in the first overtime, but an offside ruling after a video review negated the score and reset the clock to slightly more than three minutes. Yet Martinook was awarded a penalty shot as part of the sequence, with Ullmark making the stop to extend the game.

Game 3 is Thursday night in Ottawa.

There were stretches, including in overtime, when Ullmark and Andersen seemed to take turns making game-saving stops. Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle nearly ended it in OT, but his shot bounced off the post.

Stankoven converted on the game’s first power play 6:31 into the game off a feed from Taylor Hall, who was stationed behind the net. Stankoven has scored the first goal in both games in the series. Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk was in the penalty box for roughing.

Aho’s first goal of the postseason came 7:50 into the second period in transition after he took a pass from Jordan Staal.

Ullmark’s recovery for a save on Hall’s blast prevented Carolina from taking a three-goal lead.

The Senators didn’t score for the first 90 minutes of the series, and then they notched two goals in less than a six-minute stretch.

Batherson scored by shoveling the puck into the net after a deflection ended back near his stick on the left side of the net.

Cozens pulled the Senators even with 3:20 to play in the second period.

The pace was much accelerated from Game 1, with the Hurricanes holding a 28-16 edge in shots through two periods. The Senators outshot Carolina 8-5 in the scoreless third, which was played without a penalty called.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jordan #Martinooks #goal #2nd #lifts #Hurricanes #Senators

Deadspin | Leody Taveras’ 12th-inning grand slam propels Orioles past Royals Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Leody Taveras’ grand slam highlighted a five-run 12th inning, after Samuel Basallo forced extras with a two-out, opposite-field RBI single in the ninth, and the Baltimore Orioles handed the host Kansas City Royals an eighth straight loss with Monday night’s 7-5 victory. Baltimore had three hits through 11 innings, but tripled that total in the 12th, when 21-year-old catcher Basallo broke a 2-2 tie with his second RBI single. Then with the bags full, Taveras sent a pitch from Alex Lange (0-2) over the center-field wall for his first grand slam, which helped the Orioles win for just the second time in seven contests. The Orioles managed only Taylor Ward’s first-inning double through the first eight innings. Then in the ninth, Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg walked three batters, and with two out and runners on first and second, Basallo lined a hit to left to tie things at 1-1. Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who dropped his ERA to 1.15 in five 2026 starts, allowed Ward’s double, and also walked four over seven strong innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish yielded 10 hits and three walks, but only Jac Caglianone’s homer, while also striking out seven on 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings. Nick Loftin had a three-run double in the 12th, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had three of the 14 hits for Kansas City, which stranded 16 runners, including the bases loaded in three different innings without scoring. The Royals’ eight-game losing streak is their longest since dropping 10 straight in 2023. Kansas City filled bases with one out in the first, but came up empty after Carter Jensen grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. The Royals, though, needed only one swing from Caglianone an inning later to go up 1-0. They loaded the bases again in the third, this time with nobody out. But Bradish got Michael Massey to ground into a pitcher-to-home force out, then fanned Caglianone and Isaac Collins. In the sixth, the bags were filled with Royals and two out. However, Baltimore’s Rico Garcia, who has not allowed a run or hit in 11 innings of 11 appearances this season, struck out Vinnie Pasquantino. Anthony Nunez (1-0) allowed an unearned run over two innings for the win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals

#Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals">

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Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Leody Taveras’ grand slam highlighted a five-run 12th inning, after Samuel Basallo forced extras with a two-out, opposite-field RBI single in the ninth, and the Baltimore Orioles handed the host Kansas City Royals an eighth straight loss with Monday night’s 7-5 victory.

Baltimore had three hits through 11 innings, but tripled that total in the 12th, when 21-year-old catcher Basallo broke a 2-2 tie with his second RBI single. Then with the bags full, Taveras sent a pitch from Alex Lange (0-2) over the center-field wall for his first grand slam, which helped the Orioles win for just the second time in seven contests.

The Orioles managed only Taylor Ward’s first-inning double through the first eight innings. Then in the ninth, Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg walked three batters, and with two out and runners on first and second, Basallo lined a hit to left to tie things at 1-1.

Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who dropped his ERA to 1.15 in five 2026 starts, allowed Ward’s double, and also walked four over seven strong innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish yielded 10 hits and three walks, but only Jac Caglianone’s homer, while also striking out seven on 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings.

Nick Loftin had a three-run double in the 12th, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had three of the 14 hits for Kansas City, which stranded 16 runners, including the bases loaded in three different innings without scoring. The Royals’ eight-game losing streak is their longest since dropping 10 straight in 2023.

Kansas City filled bases with one out in the first, but came up empty after Carter Jensen grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. The Royals, though, needed only one swing from Caglianone an inning later to go up 1-0.

They loaded the bases again in the third, this time with nobody out. But Bradish got Michael Massey to ground into a pitcher-to-home force out, then fanned Caglianone and Isaac Collins.

In the sixth, the bags were filled with Royals and two out. However, Baltimore’s Rico Garcia, who has not allowed a run or hit in 11 innings of 11 appearances this season, struck out Vinnie Pasquantino.

Anthony Nunez (1-0) allowed an unearned run over two innings for the win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals">Deadspin | Leody Taveras’ 12th-inning grand slam propels Orioles past Royals

Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Leody Taveras’ grand slam highlighted a five-run 12th inning, after Samuel Basallo forced extras with a two-out, opposite-field RBI single in the ninth, and the Baltimore Orioles handed the host Kansas City Royals an eighth straight loss with Monday night’s 7-5 victory.

Baltimore had three hits through 11 innings, but tripled that total in the 12th, when 21-year-old catcher Basallo broke a 2-2 tie with his second RBI single. Then with the bags full, Taveras sent a pitch from Alex Lange (0-2) over the center-field wall for his first grand slam, which helped the Orioles win for just the second time in seven contests.

The Orioles managed only Taylor Ward’s first-inning double through the first eight innings. Then in the ninth, Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg walked three batters, and with two out and runners on first and second, Basallo lined a hit to left to tie things at 1-1.

Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who dropped his ERA to 1.15 in five 2026 starts, allowed Ward’s double, and also walked four over seven strong innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish yielded 10 hits and three walks, but only Jac Caglianone’s homer, while also striking out seven on 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings.

Nick Loftin had a three-run double in the 12th, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had three of the 14 hits for Kansas City, which stranded 16 runners, including the bases loaded in three different innings without scoring. The Royals’ eight-game losing streak is their longest since dropping 10 straight in 2023.

Kansas City filled bases with one out in the first, but came up empty after Carter Jensen grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. The Royals, though, needed only one swing from Caglianone an inning later to go up 1-0.

They loaded the bases again in the third, this time with nobody out. But Bradish got Michael Massey to ground into a pitcher-to-home force out, then fanned Caglianone and Isaac Collins.

In the sixth, the bags were filled with Royals and two out. However, Baltimore’s Rico Garcia, who has not allowed a run or hit in 11 innings of 11 appearances this season, struck out Vinnie Pasquantino.

Anthony Nunez (1-0) allowed an unearned run over two innings for the win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals

Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.

Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.

He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.

“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.

“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”

Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.

He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.

“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”

Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.

ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awarded

Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.

“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.

“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.

“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.

Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win">

Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awardedEndrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win

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Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.
Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.
He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.
“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.
“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”
Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.
“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.
He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.
“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”
Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.
ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awarded
Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.
“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.
“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.
“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.
Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.
Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win">Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again