By Martin Parry
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 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 No.1 goal-getter for the South American champions.
It hasn't always been so easy for Fabiano 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 No.9 shirt.
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"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.
He was also voted the tournament's second-best player, after new Real Madrid signing Kaka.
"I'm delighted that everything worked out as planned in the final," Fabiano said. "I hadn't scored in my two previous games but, as it turned out, there was no better way for me to reach that target of five goals in as many games."
Fabiano has set his personal target of scoring a goal a game With a successful Confederations Cup defence under their belt, Brazil are now looking towards the World Cup and the possibility of a sixth title.
Fabiano is excited at the prospect and has set his personal target of scoring a goal a game if Brazil qualify and make it back to South Africa in 2010.
"It would be nice to keep the average going at the World Cup here in 2010. I'll be working hard to do just that," he said.
Despite his prolific performances the man they call "O Fabuloso" is taking nothing for granted as far as his and Brazil's participation in the 2010 showpiece tournament is concerned.\
"We haven't made sure of qualification yet and there's still a year to go before the finals. All I know is that in a country like Brazil nothing is ever certain and that you always have to fight for your place."
With Ronaldo making a comeback at Corinthians, and fellow veterans Adriano and Fred also playing well, Fabiano is taking nothing for granted.
He said the best way to keep his place was to keep the goals flowing.
"Scoring goals is my life. It's my job," he said. "It's what I'm expected to do. And if my goals can help us achieve more wins like today, then I'll be a happy man." - Sapa-AFP
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This article was originally published on page 23 of Cape Times on June 30, 2009
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