RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 28 -- Former AC Milan and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has admitted that Brazil's quarterfinal exit at the 2006 World Cup remains one of the most bitter memories of his career.
Brazil entered the tournament as firm title favorites, owing largely to an attacking quartet of Kaka, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Adriano that was the envy of the football world.
However, then-Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who had guided Brazil to World Cup glory 12 years earlier, was unable to bring the best out of his high-profile squad amid reports that some players were more interested in experiencing Germany's nightlife than playing football.
After failing to hit top gear during victories over Croatia, Australia, Japan and Ghana, Brazil crashed out of the tournament with a 1-0 loss to France in the last eight.
"I think that the team could have done a little bit more," Kaka told Brazil's SporTV. "I think something was missing. Maybe we needed somebody to speak up.
"It was difficult to see that at the time but now, years later, you can analyze it and realize that it was a mess."
Kaka is one of five Brazilian winners of the FIFA World Player of the Year award, having joined Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho in 2007.
He said that while he was not the most naturally gifted member of the quintet, he was likely the most disciplined.
"Of the five Brazilians who were the best in the world, I'm probably not the most talented of them," the 36-year-old said. "But I'm probably the most professional of them all. I knew that talent alone wouldn't get me far and that I needed to train harder than those guys."
Kaka, who retired last year after finishing his career at Orlando City, described Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph as the highlight of his playing days, despite watching most of the tournament from the bench.
"Even though I played only 23 minutes against Costa Rica, it was fantastic. Winning a World Cup is a major thing. If I had to choose the best moment of my career, that would be it."
体坛英语资讯:China trounce Japan to advance to final for Asiad womens volleyball
国内英语资讯:World air route development forum opens in Guangzhou
体坛英语资讯:Wimbledon champion Kerber survives toughest Larsson to move on at US Open
国内英语资讯:HK to issue special stamps to commemorate launch of high-speed railway
体坛英语资讯:Four things to look out for in Spains matchday 3
体坛英语资讯:Pavon helps Boca Juniors jump to third
国际英语资讯:Turkish foreign minister recognizes Pakistans role to defeat terrorism, extremism
国际英语资讯:Egypt records no illegal immigration case since 2016: president
国内英语资讯:Spotlight: Chinas reform and opening up efforts highly valued in Britain
哪所大学的毕业生最好找工作?国际排名表告诉你
秋季到了 这份养生攻略请收好
国内英语资讯:China Focus: Xi, Maduro agree to promote Sino-Venezuelan ties to higher level
国内英语资讯:China, Japan, S. Korea pledge to enhance sports communication, cooperation
国内英语资讯:Chinese delegation introduces Tibets development in Japan
体坛英语资讯:German Zverev into U.S. Open third round for first time
My View on Man-made Beauty 我对人造美的看法
川普取消爱尔兰行程!只因当地人都不待见他!
国际英语资讯:Arab League urges intl pressure on Israel to halt demolition of Palestinian village
国际英语资讯:Land-focused commitments announced to mitigate climate change
国际英语资讯:EU not to consider lifting sanctions on Russia, but dialogue to continue: Merkel
国际英语资讯:UNGA President: Climate change, SDGs to remain hot topics at upcoming UN General Debate
Should Science and arts Education be Separated? 该分文科理科班么?
国际英语资讯:German Chancellor to visit Algeria on Monday to strengthen ties
体坛英语资讯:Luka Modric crowned UEFA best mens player in Europe for 2017-18
国际英语资讯:Mexican govt confident of NAFTA deal by years end
国内英语资讯:China adds 375 million jobs in past 40 years
体坛英语资讯:Barca score 8 to go into international break as leaders in Spain
国际英语资讯:Former U.S. vice president underlines need for U.S. return to Paris Agreement
体坛英语资讯:China crowned womens basketball champs at Asiad
国际英语资讯:Feature: China-sponsored project to ease water shortage in Kenyan county