| |
Careca was the most prolific Brazilian striker of the 1980s. Simon Bruty/Allsport |
Careca's game was based on unmatchable pace and unstoppable shooting power, a combination that made him Brazil's most prolific striker throughout the 1980s.
Injury kept Careca out of the 1982 finals when a Brazilian team that was considered by many to be as talented as its 1970 predecessor fell short of expectations by failing at the second round stage.
In Mexico four years later Careca was fit, in form and hungry for goals, and he scored five times as Brazil reached the quarterfinals. But its World Cup campaign again finished frustratingly as it was eliminated by France on penalties after their classic 1-1 draw in Guadalajara, in which Careca's early goal was cancelled out by Michel Platini.
After the World Cup Careca would team up with Diego Maradona at Napoli, firing the goals that lifted the southern side to the Italian title and the UEFA Cup.
The 1990 finals in Italy started promisingly for Careca as he scored twice in Brazil's opening win over Sweden. But the goals dried up and Brazil suffered another disappointing exit in the second round against Argentina.
