World Cup: Dida's place under threat

Brazil may look for a new goalkeeper if Dida's poor form continues.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says he's not worried about Dida's recent mistakes but warned that they will have to do something if the goalkeeper keeps on making the mistakes. Dida, who is expected to be Brazil's starting goalkeeper in the World Cup in Germany, is coming off a series of blunders with Italy's AC Milan.

HT Image

"I'm not worried with these last matches that Dida didn't play well," Parreira told Globo TV on Friday. "It was only two or three matches.

"But if these mistakes keep happening until the World Cup, we will have to do something," the coach said without elaborating. Dida, known for his consistency and calmness under the net, failed to stop an easy long-distance shot in Milan's 1-1 draw against Sampdoria last Saturday, and earlier in January allowed a goal after dropping an easy cross in the team's 4-3 win over Parma. Parreira also said he expected 35-year-old defender Cafu, Dida's teammate at Milan, to perform well in Germany.

"Cafu can play well in the Cup despite his age," Parreira said. "But if something happens, we can rely on Cicinho or Belletti." Cafu, who played in the final of the last three World Cups, has not started all matches for Milan this season.