JOHANNESBURG // First is Pele, followed by Ronaldo, Romario, Zico and Bebeto. Luis Fabiano, the Brazil striker, at 29 and taking part in what, in all probability, is his first and last World Cup, has left it too late to muscle his way into the country's top five scorers. But he has arrived in South Africa intent on making the most of his opportunity on the world stage.
Fabiano has 25 goals in 38 matches for the Selecao, five of which came in the space of five matches in South Africa last summer; the country and climate clearly suit the Sevilla forward. However, since his exploits at the Confederation Cup - the dress rehearsal for the World Cup last summer - where he scored twice against the United States in their 3-2 final victory he has managed just one goal in nine games.
It is not the sort of ratio that breeds confidence, especially when the Brazil team, for the first time in 16 years, revolves around perspiration rather than inspiration. Yet Fabiano, speaking at a press conference held at the national team's hotel in Randburg, appears jovial and at ease with his form. "I know it's normal, I have to keep trying and the ball will eventually go in. I can't worry about it, it's how it goes for strikers," said Fabiano, who failed to score in pre-tournament routs of Zimbabwe and Tanzania. "I'm not worried, they were different types of matches, the idea here was to see if I was fit from my recent [thigh] injury."
Often deployed as a lone striker by Dunga, the coach, Fabiano is back to full fitness and, despite not getting his name on the scoresheet of late, he is expected to be on Tuesday's teamsheet when Brazil open their campaign against North Korea at Ellis Park. "Now will be the time to show that I'm well, to start playing and scoring goals again," Fabiano said, before adding that while the Golden Boot would be warmly welcomed, the team's results are more important. "Strikers are there to score, but first I will try to help Brazil win their matches. If I become the leading scorer, the better." Brazil's second match will be against the Ivory Coast on June 20 and the third against Portugal five days later. @Email:gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
