ISP Exclusive Interview with Brazil Football Legend Raí

Raí who played for São Paulo and Paris St Germain in his career, won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994. After leaving professional football as a player, Rai founded - with Leonardo, another famous Brazilian player - the NGO 'Fundação Gol de Letra' (www.goldeletra.org.br), which aims to provide culture and education to children from poor communities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Dear Raí, thank you for giving us some of your time. First of all, how do you see the chances of your beloved national team, Brazil, in the upcoming World Cup?
Raí: Brazil are the favorites to win and, like every other World Cup, we have world class players in every position in the team. So I have no doubt that we can win the World Cup again.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Which team is Brazil’s biggest rival?
Raí: Argentina and Italy.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: What about Germany, as the hosts?
Raí: Playing at home gives them an advantage. However, after seeing recent matches like the one against Italy, its clear that the team is not in good shape. But as the home team, they still have a small chance.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Do you watch the German Bundesliga?
Raí: Yes, I watch highlights each week and sometimes I watch a full game if I can. Why do you ask?

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: There are several Asian players who play in the Bundesliga, such as Iranian star, Ali Karimi. Have you seen him in action?
Raí: Yes. I am aware of him. He is a good player.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Did you know that he is nicknamed “Maradona of Asia”?
Raí: (Smiles) Well, I didn’t know that. I am looking forward to seeing him in the World Cup. And will watch him carefully to see if he really deserves that title.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Do you see any Asian teams such as Iran or Korea making it to the later stages of the tournament?
Raí: I don’t think that any of the small teams will go far this year. This tournament will mostly be dominated with the traditional teams and I don’t think we will have a team like Korea in the semi-final stage again. I will be surprised to see Iran advancing, even though they might have some skillful players. Teams like Portugal and Mexico are very strong and they also have the potential to reach the semi-final stage.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Today we saw an excellent performance from Corinthians star, Tevez. Do you think he has the quality to become the best player in 2006?
Raí: We will have to wait. He is a great player. His physical and technical skills are superb, but we need to wait and see how he can adjust his skills in such a huge tournament.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Who do you see as best player in Germany 2006?
Raí: No doubt, Ronaldinho Gaúcho will perform well, and I will also have an eye on Messi.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: So is your ultimate favorite Brazil, for winning the trophy?
Raí: No question, yes.

IRANSPORTSPRESS.COM: Thank you for your time and we wish you all the very best.
Raí: Sure no problem. See you in Germany.

IranSportsPress.com would like to thank Kelly Matos for helping with the translation, and Mr. Antonio Matos for making this interview happen. We would also like to thank Ali Elyassi, Ali Attarpour, Camilla Carreta and Sara Simone Ferreira Neves for being a great help to ISP in Sao Paulo/Brazil.