Interview courtesy MARCA

MANOEL TOBIAS SAYS THAT BRAZIL MUST LEARN FROM SPAIN

The Brazilian star admits that the best futsal league in the world is the Spanish one. Manoel Tobias, chosen twice as the best futsaler in the world, declared that his country must follow "the example" of Spanish futsal in organizing a domestic championship.

"Spain has the best league in the world. We must not let patriotic feelings get in the way here, and instead recognize that they have the best organization. In Brazil great players are always coming to the fore, but we lack the right structure," pointed out the 31-year-old Tobías.

The footballer from Salgueiro in the state of Pernambuco, who is in training with the Brazilian national team to prepare for the futsal competition of the VII South American Games, emphasized that he is "a
great fan of Spanish futsal because with work and good organization they got to be champions of the world."

Tobias remembered that defeat at the hands of Spain in Guatemala 2000 futsal world championship "was beneficial" for Brazil.

"We were sad to come away with such a significant defeat, but looking at it now with a cool head it was beneficial because it has improved the level of the sport. It demonstrated that there could no longer be an invincible team, and that now it is necessary to learn from the errors."

Exclaiming, "God knows that we will beat Spain," Tobias recognizes that it would be "a privilege" to be part of the Brazilian team that competes in the world championship in 2004.

"We are going to recover the title, but it will not be out of a feeling of revenge. Our duels with the Spaniards always have been filled with respect and they have already become a World Cup classic."

Claiming to receive many offers from European teams every year and that in the "distant future" he will perhaps leave for the Old Continent, the Brazilian maintains a desire to see futsal become an Olympic sport someday.

"Futsal was created here and this is a great dream of Brazil. I hope that it happens in 2004 because it could fulfill my desire to compete in the Olympic games. If it happens in 2008, it could be a bit late for me -- but it could also happen for me because if God wants it nothing is impossible."