Relaxed Robinho's eyes on the prize
19 May 2006
It is almost a year since Robinho wowed a global audience with his stunning repertoire of feints, step-overs and dribbles at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany. After playing his part in Brazil?s impressive march to lift that particular trophy, the impish forward now wants to do it all again at the FIFA World Cup? and help his country celebrate a sixth world title on 9 July in Berlin.
?Not making the final would be hard to take, as Brazil are expected to win every competition, especially the World Cup,? Robinho told FIFAworldcup.com. Nevertheless, while the snake-hipped front man is setting his sights justifiably high, he is also taking nothing for granted, insisting that Brazil's tag as hot favourites guarantees nothing. ?For me, teams can only be favourites off the pitch," he said. "Once the game gets going it?s 11 versus 11. I believe that Brazil can beat any team out there, but I also believe we could lose to any of them, which is why we have to remain humble and keep our feet on the ground.
?We know there are some very strong teams who always perform well at these tournaments, countries like Argentina, England, and Germany, who also have the advantage of playing at home in front of their passionate supporters. That said, Brazil are good enough to beat anyone."
By the time Robinho was six years old, he was already raising eyebrows with his sensational ball skills, and it was no surprise that Santos brought him into their youth academy at the first opportunity. When asked recently about the youngster?s prospects, the great Pele, himself a Santos graduate, said modestly: ?He has all the qualities needed to be better than me.? When we mention this to a clearly embarrassed Robinho, the player replies: ?I don?t like comparisons much, although it makes me proud to hear things like that. However, Pele is Pele: incomparable and truly one of a kind.?
Last summer, after five years at Santos, the then 21-year-old decided to try his luck in Europe with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, whom he recently helped secure runners-up spot in La Liga. ?We didn?t win anything (this season), but we worked extremely hard," he reflected. "The team haven?t been doing that well of late, but next season we?re going to improve and win trophies for our fans.?
On a personal level, it has been a particularly good year for the Brazilian. ?I think it?s gone quite well considering it was my first season," he said, "although I still have a lot more to give. I?m capable of doing much more and will continue working hard with this end in mind. Spain is a country that enjoys a very close affinity with Brazilian football, and the more I play here the more I?ll benefit from this.?
By contrast, things have not gone so well for his Madrid and Seleção team-mate Ronaldo, who has endured an injury-plagued season and had his form and fitness called into question ahead of this summer?s showpiece tournament. Robinho, however, is quick to dispel any doubts about his colleague.
?Ronaldo is the best striker in the world," he insisted. "People were also worried about him before the last World Cup as he was recovering from a very serious injury, yet he finished up being the tournament?s best player. The fans have to realise that even though he hasn?t been at his peak this season physically, when he arrives in Germany he?ll be back to his best, doing his utmost to play well and score. Ronaldo is Ronaldo.?
In 2002, Robinho followed Ronaldo's exploits on TV, scarcely imagining that three years later he would be wearing the prized Verdeamarelha shirt and dazzling fans en route to glory at the FIFA Confederations Cup. He said of the tournament: ?It was a very important experience for the national team, and a tough competition. Of course, it?s not as challenging as a World Cup, but even so, it was an excellent learning experience.?
The joy of football
With Parreira?s side extremely close-knit both on and off the pitch, Robinho?s time with the national team has given him the opportunity to learn from, and enjoy the company of, his teammates. ?Get-togethers with the Brazilian squad are not tense, nervy affairs," he revealed, "even though we?re obviously very focused. At the end of the day, football is what we enjoy most, which is why we?re always very happy.?
The group?s habits are certainly not what you would call run-of-the-mill. Not for them a contemplative silence on the bus as the team approaches its date with destiny. Instead, a cacophony of noise generated by agago bells, drums and tambourines ? all the instruments you need for a decent samba ? is more to their liking.
?We often have music before our games and joke around. When we?re playing football out on the pitch, we try to convey the same infectious pleasure that we get from being friends off it,? explains Robinho.
Yet, for all their good humour and inner confidence, even the mighty Brazilians look to a higher power before taking to the field: ?We always ask the Lord to help and protect us, as well as the opposition, in the hope that no-one gets injured," said Robinho. "Only then do we run out and play."
Given his jovial and outgoing nature, Robinho is very much in his element in this milieu. ?I?ve always been like that. My family is happy and healthy, and I?m doing what I like best: playing football. It?s enormously satisfying. You know I?m a cheerful guy by nature, so when I?m among friends, it?s only natural that people can see just how happy I?m feeling.?
And what of his short-term objectives? ?My personal goal is to win the World Cup,? he says without hesitation. ?After that I?m sure I?ll have other dreams to fulfil, like winning the player of the tournament award
How adorable is his smile? 
