By Simon Fudge/whitecapsfc.com
Brazil's final group game at this year's FIFA World Cup sees them take on Portugal this morning in Durban, South Africa. One player that will be keen to see Brazil's progress at the tournament is Whitecaps midfielder
Nizar Khalfan
.
Earlier this month, the 22-year-old stepped away from his duties with Teitur Thordarson's side to travel back to his native Tanzania and play in a high-profile international friendly against the five-time World Cup winners.
In front of his fellow countrymen at the Tanzania National Main Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Khalfan featured in all 90 minutes of the June 7 contest. Playing in central midfield, he faced some of world soccer's finest talent. This included Real Madrid star Kaka, former Arsenal man Gilberto Silva, and Benfica midfielder Ramires.
Though Tanzania succumbed to a 5-1 defeat versus 'A Seleção', Khalfan felt it was a great privilege for him and his 'Taifa Stars' teammates to play the South American giants. "It's always good to play a big team like Brazil, as you always want to play against big teams," the young East African told whitecapsfc.com. "Brazil were fast and strong as an opponent, so for me, it was a very good experience to play this game."
The midfielder also claimed one of Brazil's famous yellow jerseys after the match. Proudly donned in his Vancouver home is the long-sleeved #9 shirt of striker Luis Fabiano. The 29-year-old is a familiar face to soccer fans around the world, having won back-to-back UEFA Cup titles with Spanish club Sevilla. Last Sunday in South Africa, Fabiano scored twice in a 3-1 World Cup victory over Côte d'Ivoire.
With the friendly taking place on a Monday, Khalfan faced a long journey back to Vancouver. From Tanzania on the Tuesday, the midfielder flew to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and then Minneapolis, Minnesota, before returning home on the Wednesday.
Two days later, Khalfan was on the move again, as he joined the Whitecaps in Texas for their away match with top USSF D-2 Pro League club Austin Aztex on Saturday night. He then capped an eventful week by coming off the substitutes' bench and scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory on June 12. It was Khalfan's first-ever goal for the club.
