Cafu said Friday he can envision plenty of sambas if Brazil win for the second straight time. The veteran defender, who will turn 36 during the World Cup, can become the only captain to win two world championships,

"I can imagine Brazil reaching the final and myself lifting the trophy again," he said. "I can imagine Brazil winning the title and celebrating."

Cafu was on Brazil's team that won the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He was captain when Brazil were runners-up to France in 1998, and in the winning campaign of 2002 in South Korea and Japan.

"In 2002 it was unforgettable," Cafu said. "Let's just hope I can repeat what happened then in 2006."

If Cafu plays in three matches in Germany he will break the national record of 18 World Cup games, held by Dunga and Taffarel. With 13 victories, Cafu has already won more World Cup matches than any other Brazilian.

Cafu believes he still has a lot to prove despite all his accomplishments.

"It's been hard for me since the beginning," Cafu said. "I have to overcome obstacles every day."

Many have questioned the AC Milan defender because of his age, saying Real Madrid's Cicinho would be better as a starter for Brazil. Cafu became famous in Brazil as a youngster for failing several dozen tryouts before getting a chance to play professionally.

"Some journalists at the time said I wouldn't go very far because of my name," he said. "And here I am, playing in my fourth World Cup."

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has already assured Cafu will start in the team's opener against Croatia on June 13, and has constantly praised the defender for his top form.

Cafu, who has fully recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery in February, recently said he's not yet thinking about retirement, and that playing in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is not out of the question.

"I'll stop when I see I can't do it anymore," he said.

Brazil, which is in Group F with Croatia, Australia and Japan, will play their last warm-up match before the World Cup on Sunday against New Zealand in Geneva.