The last time Brazil won the World Cup, Gilberto was a key member of their squad. In fact, our former midfielder played every minute of the 2002 tournament, providing an effective shield in front of the Selecao’s back four to help his country to a fifth title. Four years ago, hopes were high of Brazil lifting the trophy again, this time on home soil. A demoralising 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-final prevented that, but Gilberto is confident that his countrymen have recovered from that result. “Now I can say that most people are very optimistic in terms of the team after 2014 back home, which was a big tragedy for us,” Gilberto told Arsenal Player. “I think this happened...
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