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Deadspin | Anthony Kim’s comeback complete with stunning LIV Golf win at Adelaide

Deadspin | Anthony Kim’s comeback complete with stunning LIV Golf win at Adelaide

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Jan 11, 2026; Lecanto, Florida, United States; Anthony Kim reacts to his third place in the LIV Golf Black Diamond Ranch golf tournament at Black Diamond Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images

Anthony Kim added a stunning-yet-true chapter to his storybook return to professional golf by winning LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday.

The 40-year-old American came from five strokes back after three rounds with an emphatic three-shot victory after his bogey-free round of 9-under 63 at The Grange Golf Club.

“I really don’t know what to say right now,” said Kim, who has been open and honest about his past struggles and how he got sober. “It’s been overwhelming. I’m never not going to fight for my family. God gave me a talent and I was able to produce some good golf today. I knew it was coming. Nobody else has to believe in me but me. For anybody who’s struggling, you can get through anything.”

The build-up to Sunday focused on Jon Rahm of Spain and American Bryson DeChambeau, co-leaders at 19 under after three rounds and arguably LIV Golf’s biggest stars. Kim, at 14 under, was somewhere out of the frame even though he was in third place.

The current stars were basically left in his dust, as Kim carded birdies at Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 9, then a run from Nos. 12-15 and on the par-4 No. 17 as an exclamation point to his first professional win in nearly 16 years since the 2010 Shell Houston Open on the PGA Tour.

Rahm shot 1-under 71 for finish three strokes back at 20 under for his second consecutive second-place finish. His unremarkable round featured birdies at Nos. 4 and 16 — both par-4 holes — and a bogey at the par-4 No. 8.

DeChambeau posted a 2-over 74 to fall to a tie for third with England’s Tyrrell Hatton (67 on Sunday) and Peter Uihlein (68) of the United States.

DeChambeau encountered trouble on the front nine with bogeys at Nos. 2, 3, 6 and 7. He birdied the first two holes of the back nine and made par on the rest.

Kim’s bogey-free effort — which tied the course record — followed rounds of 67, 67 and 68 with a total of three bogeys and one eagle in the third round at the par-5 No. 9. He also collected the $4 million prize for first place.

His tournament performance is all the more impressive because of his journey to be in this position, which was his first start as a member of 4Aces GC.

Kim joined Dustin Johnson’s LIV Golf team before the second event of the 2026 season, replacing Patrick Reed on a full-time basis.

The one-time rising star, who turned pro in 2006, returned from a 12-year hiatus in 2024 and played the past two seasons on this tour as a wild card. However, he was relegated after the 2025 season and had to go through the Promotions event, where he made the cut on the number before finishing third to regain his place in the league.

But it wasn’t until Reed announced his intention to return to the PGA Tour that a spot on a team finally opened up for Kim. It wasn’t an automatic yes for Kim, who said he was drawn to the 4Aces because he likes Johnson and fellow new teammates Thomas Pieters and LIV newcomer Thomas Detry.

A three-time winner across six seasons on the PGA Tour in his 20s, Kim had Achilles tendon surgery in 2012 and has been open about his rehab from drug and alcohol addiction during his hiatus from professional golf.

Kim failed to finish better than 36th and placed 50th or worse in five of 11 LIV Golf events in 2024. He played in 13 events last year, with a T25 in Dallas and a T29 in Miami his only finishes better than T44.

Kim wound up in the relegation zone, and it appeared his LIV Golf days could be numbered. But he rebounded to earn a wild-card spot in the Promotions event and then was signed to 4Aces after opening the season with a T22 in Riyadh last week.

In addition to his T22 last week, Kim closed out 2025 with a T5 at the PIF Saudi International. He has risen from 4,221st in the Official World Golf Ranking two years ago to No. 847, and that climb can continue with LIV players now receiving world rankings points for top-10 finishes. The win Sunday will boost Kim that much more up the rankings.

Ripper GC claimed the team title at 55 under after a 15 under on Sunday. Lucas Herbert (69) tied for third individually at 16 under and team captain Cameron Smith (70) tied for eighth.

Rahm’s Legion XIII placed second at 53 under after 8 under on the day, and 4Aces GC, boosted by Kim’s winning effort, finished third at 52 under.

–Field Level Media

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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 #SenatorsApr 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 #RoyalsApr 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

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 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

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