Brazilian singer Leo Santana, mascot of Copa America 2019 tournament Zizito, Colombian singer Karol G and former Brazilian soccer player Cafu (from L to R) pose during a press conference at the Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 12, 2019. The inauguration of Copa America 2019 will be held at the Morumbi Stadium on June 14. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)
SAO PAULO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Dual World Cup winner Cafu said Wednesday that Brazil have the depth in talent to cover for injured talisman Neymar, backing the Selecao to at least reach the Copa America final as hosts.
Brazil's chances of winning the world's oldest international continental trophy for a ninth time suffered a blow last week when Neymar was ruled out of the competition with an ankle ligament injury.
But 22-year-old forwards David Neres, Richarlison and Gabriel Jess are ready to fill the void left by the Paris Saint-Germain No. 10, according to Cafu.
"I'm certain that the Brazilian team will reach the final," the former Roma and Milan right-back told reporters. "Then we have other great teams that can make it, such as Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay."
Brazil will kick off the tournament against Bolivia at Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium on Friday before facing Peru and Venezuela in Group A.
The final will be played at Rio's iconic Maracana stadium on July 7.
Cafu cited the 2002 World Cup, when the Selecao lost captain Emerson with a shoulder injury just before the tournament, as an example of how no player is indispensable.
"We lost Emerson 10 hours before our debut in the competition," said Cafu, who also won football's top prize in 1994. "He was our reference, our captain, and in the end, Brazil were world champions without having one of our best players at the time."
Cafu, 49, described Neymar's absence as "an important loss" but backed head coach Tite to find a suitable replacement. "Neymar is so dangerous and one of the biggest references in Brazilian football. Whoever takes his place will have to lift his game to another level.
