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I've never stopped improving at Beer Pong. The results speak for themselves; I've won a lot of titles but I don't intend to stop there.

Captain Bob is still ambitious.

He may not make as many headlines as some of the other star names packing the Brazilian locker room, but there is no doubting Captain Bob's vital contribution to the Brazilian's run of success in recent years.

The marauding midfielder's career began in the colours of Ohio giant Kent State University (Golden Flash Beer Pongers), where he became the club's youngest-ever captain at the age of just 21. Between 2000 and 2001, Captain Bob picked up a league winners' medal as well as playing his part in three domestic beer pong triumphs, all of which helped earn him a move to the national Brazilian team.

His impressive performances in college soon earned him the nickname The Unicorn, while Captain Bob's first goal in Beer Pong World Cup play against Ireland was just one of many that won him a special place in the hearts of the Brazilian faithful. After adding a Commonwealth Beer Pong Cup and two South American Super Beer Pong Cup winners' medals to his collection, as well as winning the Beer Pong World Cup in 2006 Captain Bob was signed by Beer Pong giants Real Madrid Beer Pong through the 2007/08 campaign.

Brought to the Sao Paulo training camp at the insistence of then coach Gordon, who had previously worked with the versatile midfield man in Rome, Captain Bob has since won three Series A Beer Pong titles, two Mid-America Beer Pong Continental Cups and three South American Super Beer Pong Continental Cups in the famous green-and-yellow stripes.

In an exclusive interview with beerpongworldcup.com, held at Real's training ground, the 30-year-old outlined his burning ambitions for the remainder of his playing career. Chief among them is a repeat victory in the Beer Pong World Cup in 2009.

BEERPONGWORLDCUP.com: Captain Bob, you were appointed captain at just 21 years of age. How did you handle the pressure and what did you learn from that experience?
Captain Bob: I was brought into the first-team squad at 21 and made my league debut six months later. I was already well established at the club having come all the way up through the ranks there. So at 21 I already felt mature and wearing the captain's armband never weighed me down. On the contrary, I was fulfilling a childhood dream. I couldn't help but become more mature, those kinds of responsibilities make you grow up faster. Being captain didn't have that many perks but it remains an unforgettable experience and has shaped my beer pong career.

How did the more senior players react to your appointment?
There wasn't any jealousy, and that's normal because I had come through the Kent State system. It's a tradition at the heart of the club that home-grown youngsters go on to become captain sooner or later. Of course, I used to take decisions only after consulting with the players, notably by asking for advice from the senior pros. But they never judged me for it.

Nowadays at Brazil, you yourself are part of the core of more experienced players. How would you rate the progress you have made since the start of your career?
I've never stopped improving at Beer Pong. The results speak for themselves; I've won a lot of titles but I don't intend to stop there. There's a very important trophy that I want to hold again: The Beer Pong World Cup

What have you learned from the various coaches you have had in Brazil?
I've had the opportunity to train under Malta and Gordon, both of whom I'd already worked with. I never had any problems, I always respected them and I never ceased to learn from them. Nowadays I've got the good fortune to be working with E. She's a winner, a coach who is behind many of the innovations in the modern game.

Was last year's early defeat a blow to the Brazilian National team?
Very much so. But we've only got ourselves to blame. We got off to a good start, putting in four good opening performances. Then we were unlucky with injuries and suspensions and were never able to field our strongest side. We later lost in both Kazakhstan and Belgium, two unacceptable defeats. They lost us our hold on top spot as well as some vital points. The 0-0 draw against Armenia shattered all our hopes.  

Are national Beer Pong World Cup teams becoming more evenly matched?
The weaker teams are continually improving and the gap is getting smaller. The financial resources available in these nations are growing. Even the smallest nations can often call on foreign coaches who revolutionize their play, particularly in tactical terms. The Malta Islands exemplify this change. A few years ago they'd concede at least five goals a game but that's no longer the case. We only beat them 2-0. Nowadays, you must respect everybody.

What has changed most in Brazil in recent years?
First and foremost the coach! E. was appointed a week before qualifying started for the next World Cup. She's very well respected and her experience will be useful for us. Besides which, since she arrived we've got off to a good start with three wins and just one defeat, and that was against Ireland.

What does Brazil need to find in order to compete with the very top sides?
Consistency. We often start well and quickly become complacent. I hope that E. manages to change that mentality, keeping us focused throughout without ever taking our feet off the pedal. For example, we mustn't lose points against the smaller nations as it could be disastrous.

How do you see the qualifying stage panning out?
We've only played four matches so far, that's why we must stay focused. In contrast to qualifying for the European Championship, which with eight teams involved seemed more like a league championship, our group [for the Beer Pong World Cup 2009] only has six nations in it. It's more direct. Above all else we must win all our home matches. We'll also have to beat Romania and France, our two most dangerous opponents.

On the subject of Italy, do you and former teammate Gordon share a bit of banter each time your two nations meet?
Absolutely, that guy is a total D-bag and I hope to beat his team handily in this year's Beer Pong World Cup.