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Brazil’s new golden boy
Kaka might steal all the headlines but Luis Fabiano has emerged from the Confederations Cup as one of Brazil’s new golden boys.
Kaka might steal all the headlines but Luis Fabiano has emerged from the Confederations Cup as one of Brazil’s new golden boys.
The Sevilla striker was the tournament top scorer with five goals, including his crucial brace in the final on Sunday that helped Brazil recover from two down to beat the United States 3-2.
With his team in trouble, the athletic, lithe and technically gifted striker rose irresistibly to the challenge to underline his status as the undisputed number one goal-getter for the South American champions.
But it hasn’t always been so easy for Fabiano, who has battled with several other players, including injury-plagued star striker Ronaldo, for the coveted number nine shirt.
“He scores goals, he’s always doing it,” said his coach Dunga. “I'm extremely happy with him. He is very hungry to play and get goals.”
The 28-year-old joins Romario, Ronaldinho and Adriano as the fourth Brazilian to go home from the Confederations Cup with the Golden Shoe.
“I'm delighted that everything worked out as planned in the final,” he said. “I hadn't scored in my two previous games but as it turned out well.”
