Speaking on Tuesday night in Rio at the launch of the World Cup 2014 ball the brazuca, the former captain of the Selecao said the host nation would welcome Australia in their group but will be wary even after their 6-0 drubbing of the Socceroos in October's friendly.
 
“We would like to play Australia,” he told international media through a translator. “Just like any other national team that comes - all national teams are in a condition that they can possibly win.”
 
Australia has been drawn in pot two for Saturday morning’s draw (Australian time) and could potentially meet the red hot Brazilians.
 
“In terms of learning from Brazil, it’s a very warm, happy and beautiful and affectionate people and I think that it’d be lovely to take that back to Australia,” he added.
 
Cafu was part of the official presentation of the brazuca to the media with Clarence Seedorf and Fred also joining him on stage in front of around 300 media from around the world.
 
Dani Alves, Steven Gerrard and Lionel Messi have all given the ball their seal of approval – a relief no doubt to the sports company who copped flak for the unimpressive “Jabulani” ball at the 2010 World Cup.
 
Gerrard likened the brazuca to the UEFA Champions League ball.
 
To celebrate the new ball, adidas in Brazil has launched "Eu sou brazuca" meaning "I am brazuca" where all children born in the country on this day (Dec 3) will be entitled to receive the ball.
 
Meanwhile Cafu gave Messi his nod as best player on the planet, ahead of Portugal’s Ronaldo.
 
“Messi is a phenomenon," he said. "And a lot will be expected of him. But I think he has a great future, a joyful person.
 
"If the Argentinians don’t see him as such, they will suffer because he is the best player in Argentina. Actually he’s the best in the world.
 
"And even if he’s injured lately or not doing as well, that’s normal if he’s having a bit of a low because he’s had a very big high over the past eight years.
 
“He will recover for the World Cup and will do well if the team sees him as a reference and acknowledge his worth. If that’s the case it’ll be difficult to beat them.”