* r e c. Sport. Soccer ' s
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Two sentences say it all: Brazil is the only country to have played in all World Cup finals, and, by virtue of having been the first nation to ever win three world cup titles, it is the rightful owner of the Jules Rimet trophy (prior to 1970, the trophy would be in the possession of the prevalent World Champions).
gifted football wizards that wore them are household names around the globe. A Brazilian travelling abroad has only to mention his nationality and a stream of names will start pouring from the mouths of people, from cab drivers and waiters to scientists. Pele, Garrincha, Rivelino, Jairzinho, Socrates, Zico, and Falcao are only a few of the players that are regularly mentioned. The exodus of the country's top players to European teams which started during the 1980's can be highlighted as a major factor preventing the formation of a cohesive side. Different schedules between European and Brazilian tournaments, plus the unwillingness of clubs to release players for training or friendly internationals have all contributed to Brazil's troubles during this period. Add to that the fact that players sent to the World Cup finals who are still playing on home soil tend to use the opportunity to showcase their talents and land multi million dollar contracts, therefore play for individual glory rather than for the team's benefit.
longer as well off financially as they were, while Brazilian clubs are being restructured and now offer better rewards for the home talent. Also, while the team that represented Brazil in Italy in '92 has now matured, a new generation of players has emerged and there is no shortage of skill to choose from. W.C. qualifying Ecuador 0 x 0 Brazil Venezuela 1 x 3 Brazil Bolivia 2 x 0 Brazil Uruguay 1 x 1 Brazil Brazil 2 x 0 Ecuador Brazil 6 x 0 Bolivia Brazil 4 x 0 Venezuela Brazil 2 x 0 Uruguay Romario (2)
Mexico 0 x 1 Brazil (Rivaldo) Brazil 2 x 0 Argentina Bebeto(2) Brazil 3 x 0 Iceland Canada 1 x 1 Brazil (Romario) Brazil 8 x 2 Honduras (Romario 3, Bebeto 2, Dunga, Cafu, Rai) A convincing and thorough beating of Uruguay in the last game of the qualifying series lifted Brazil to the top of its group and ensured the continuation of a perfect participation record in the W.C. finals. However, the defeat by Bolivia, partly avenged by the six-goal win in the home leg, was Brazil's first ever defeat in a qualifying competition.
clearly showed that it takes more than individual talent to win a game. Some of the media said it takes a coach too. The performances were irregular and reflected the consequences of assembling a team just prior to the matches. The side should have been put together during the Copa America, but European clubs refused to release players at that time. Many Brazilians feared that the team might not make it to USA '94.
come, as the team started to shape up and only allowed Uruguay to equalise as a result of an individual mistake by newcomer Antonio Carlos, who took the pitch as a substitute without time for a proper warm-up. The home matches hoisted Brazil to the top of the group, buying Carlos Alberto Parreira, the coach, more time to prove his defensive style. Most fans would rather see Tele Santana lead the team, but apparently he'll not get another chance after blowing it in 1982. Tele, now coaching Sao Paulo, the current Toyota Cup champions, tends to assemble teams whose style pleases the crowds and play the traditional Brazilian ``happy'' football. Parreira, aided by Zagalo who coached the brilliant 1970 team, has a different philosophy, leaning towards a more defensive style of play. Dunga, a player much criticized by most of the media and fans, personifies this style and seems to have a guaranteed place in the squad. Brazil's key players are the following:
Missed the 1990 finals due to injury, and was only recalled to action for the last match of the qualifying round, when he promptly scored twice and appointed himself as the savior of Brazilian football. His explosive personality, and at times dumb remarks have been the cause of much aggravation and kept him from joining the team earlier. It is feared that his self-centred personality and little regard for his team mates might disturb the whole atmosphere of the team. However, he should shine in the US and is expected to be one of the top goal scorers.
Bebeto is a proven goal scorer both at international and club level. His teaming-up with Romario should produce a very effective combination and bring samba-flavoured football to the tournament. MULLER (Forward, Sao Paulo): A very skilled, quick winger who has yet to perform to his ability with the national team and is expected to fulfil his potential in this year's World Cup finals.
Has shown great form and skill during recent matches. At club level plays in midfield, but has performed very well at right back when substituting for Jorginho. =============================================================================== C A M E R O O N Reproduced from UPI Reports =============================================================================== COACH: Henri Michel (French national team, 58 caps, former manager of France) GOALKEEPERS: Age Caps Goals 1. Joseph-Antoine Bell St. Etienne (Fra) 39 76 1 21. Thomas Nkono unattached 38 22. Jacques Songo'o Metz (Fra) 30 43 0 DEFENDERS: 2. Andre Kana-Biyik Le Havre (Fra) 28 58 18 3. Rigobert Bahanag Song TKC Yaounde 18 0 0 4. Samuel Ekeme Ndiba Canon Yaounde 27 5. Victor Ndip Akem Olympic Mvolye 26 54 0 13. Raymond Kalla Canon Yaounde 19 0 0 14. Stephen Tataw [C] Olympic Mvolye 30 69 8 15. Hans Agbo Olympic Mvolye 26 40 0 17. Marc Vivien Foe Canon Yaounde 19 5 0
6. Thomas Libih unattached 27 8. Emile Mbouh-Mbouh Nadi Qatar (Qat) 27 69 27 11. Emmanuel Kessack Mabouang Rio Ave (Por) 25 40 0 12. Paul-Serge Loga Prevoyance 24 6 0 18. Jean-Pierre Fiala Fiala Canon Yaounde 25 8 2 FORWARDS: 7. Francois Oman-Biyik Lens (Fra) 27 72 48 9. Roger Milla Tonnerre Yaounde 42 38 17 10. Louis Mfede Canon Yaounde 33 16. Alphonse Tchami OB Odense (Den) 23 29 16 19. David Embe Belenenses (Por) 20 8 2 20. Georges Mouyeme-Elong Troyes (Fra) 23 0 0 Qualification for USA '94 -------------------------
Oct. 18 Swaziland (WCQ1) Won 5-0 Yaounde 1993 Jn. 10 Zaire (WCQ1) Won 2-1 Kinshasa Jn. 17 Swaziland (WCQ1) Drew 0-0 Mbabane Fb. 29 Zaire (WCQ1) Drew 0-0 Yauoude Apr. 18 Guinea (WCQ2) Won 3-1 Youande Jl. 4 Zimbabwe (WCQ2) Lost 0-1 Harare Jl. 18 Guinea (WCQ2) Won 1-0 Conakry Oct. 10 Zimbabwe (WCQ2) Won 3-1 Yaounde Prospects for USA '94 --------------------- It must be remembered that although everybody thinks of Roger Milla when they recall Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup, he was merely the most visible member of a very talented team, and much of that talent still survives and is augmented by some promising new blood. In Francois Omam-Biyik, Cameroon has a striker capable of scoring against anyone -- as he showed against Argentina on that glorious June day in 1990. The 28-year-old, who plays for Lens in the French First Division, scored twice in the vital 3-1 win over Zimbabwe and has a good all-round game. He is likely to be partnered by promising newcomer Alphonse Tchami, who plays in Denmark for Odense. Attacking midfielder David Embe, who plays for Portugal's Belenenses, is another new addition with plenty of potential. Most of the squad now plays in Europe with Jean-Claude Pagal (Martigues), Andre Kana-Biyik (Le Havre) and 'keeper Joseph-Antoine Bell (St Etienne) all plying their trade in the French League. The 39-year-old keeper has starred for five French clubs and is liked for his showmanship as well as his solid performances. He missed the 1990 finals after a run-in with manager Valeri Nepomniachi and will be relishing his chance this time. He is not guaranteed a place though, as long-time rival Thomas Nkono is making a late push -- much to Bell's annoyance. However, the make or break area for Cameroon is its defense. Ill-discipline in the 1990 quarterfinal gave England two penalties and the chance of a semi-final spot was gone. Even that team was severely weakened by suspensions after a series of yellow cards that blighted its otherwise crowd-pleasing performances. Rejuvenated captain Stephen Tataw, full-back Victor Ndip-Aken and Jean-Claude Pagal are all veterans of the 1990 finals but will need to show more self- control than they did four years ago. In comparison with fellow-African qualifier Nigeria, Cameroon's build-up has been chaotic -- and that's a kind description. While the Nigerians fly to Holland for a month of intensive preparation, Cameroon is in a mess. An April match against Zambia was postponed at the last minute -- with no official reason given and the March 16 game against Egypt was treated as little more than a training run. "I am completely disappointed with the performance of the team," said Alphonse Tchami.
is that however well the players perform and whatever income is generated, the subsequent profits disappear into a bureaucratic black hole. FIFA gave the Cameroon FA $200,000 to help its preparation but little of that seems to be finding its way to the sharp end. Recently installed coach Henri Michel of France is a pawn in the game being played out by the warring factions of the national federation, and all the time national President Paul Biya is standing by with his casting vote. For any other country, all the behind-the-scenes problems would be a distraction, but the Cameroonians seem to thrive on them. So, when the "Indomitable Lions" pull on their green shirts and run on to the pitch to face Sweden on June 19, their attention will be concentrated only on soccer -- just as it was four years ago against Argentina. And look what happened then.
1.5.94 S Korea A 2-2 9.5.94 Greece A 3-0 11.5.94 Bolivia Athens 1-1 The Coach and Key Players of Cameroon ------------------------------------- Coach HENRI MICHEL, Age: 46. As a player he captained France and was capped 58 times in a distinguished career. Went on to coach the French national team in the 1986 World Cup finals and to gold in the 1984 Olympics. Took over the Cameroon side from Leonard Nseke in Dec 1993 after qualification for the 1994 finals was clinched. JOSEPH-ANTOINE BELL (Goalkeeper, St Etienne(FRA)) 39 years old, 66 Caps: Flamboyant veteran who is not afraid to speak his mind. Took over the No. 1 jersey for Cameroon's last four World Cup qualifiers, allowing just three goals and should be first choice in the United States. Has played with 10 clubs in his career, playing predominantly in Africa until 1985 and in France since 1986. Earned his first cap in 1975 and has been named Cameroon's player of the year on three occasions. Has the distinction of being one of two professional players (along with Dutchman Ruud Gullit) serving on FIFA's "Task Force 2000," a working party created to look at ways of improving the game.
Long-serving sweeper and captain. Lost his place last year after a series of poor domestic performances but came back for the March match with Egypt and adds invaluable experience. ANDRE KANA-BIYIK (Midfield, Le Havre(FRA)) 28 years old, 59 caps: Has 18 international goals to his credit but is making slow progress this year in recovering from injury.
Another long-term absentee who returned to the squad when World Cup qualification began to look likely. One of the stars of 1990, full of ideas but sometimes loses concentration. FRANCOIS OMAM-BIYIK (Forward, Lens(FRA)) 28 years old, 72 caps: Etched his name in African soccer history with the goal that beat Argentina in the opening game of Italia '90. Also scored twice in the 1994 qualifying clincher against Zimbabwe and has 48 international goals. Since moving to Lens in Sept. 1992 has developed into a top-class performer and is probably his country's best player. ALPHONSE TCHAMI (Forward, Odense(DEN)) 23 years old, 7 caps: One of the new generation who will add a spark to the team. Scored on his debut against Swaziland and was one of the stars of the qualifying campaign.
The most famous name in African soccer. Starred as 38-year-old super-sub in Italia '90 after coming out of retirement. After a turbulent four years he looks all set to do the same again this time -- 19 years after making his international debut -- thanks again to the personal intervention of Cameroon President Paul Biya. ===============================================================================
1. Stanislav Tsjertsjesov Dynamo Dresden (Ger) 30 20 0 16. Dimitrij Kharin Chelsea (Eng) 25 20 0
3. Sergej Gorlukovitsj Bayer Uerdingen (Ger) 32 31 1 4. Dimitrij Galjamin Espanol (Spa) 31 27 0 5. Jurij Nikiforov Spartak Moscow 23 6 0 6. Vladislav Ternavskij Spartak Moscow 25 1 0 18. Viktor Onopko Spartak Moscow 25 19 1 21. Dimitrij Khlestov Spartak Moscow 23 12 0
2. Dimitrij Kusnetsov Espanol (Spa) 27 24 2 7. Andrej Pjatniski Spartak Moscow 26 9 3 8. Dimitrij Popov Racing Santander (Spa) 27 10 3 12. Omar Tetradse Dynamo Moscow 24 9 0 13. Aleksander Borodjuk Friburg (Ger) 31 11 5 14. Igor Kornejev Espanol (Spa) 26 13 3 17. Ilja Tsimbalar Spartak Moscow 25 2 1 20. Igor Ledjakov Spartak Moscow 26 14 1
9. Oleg Salenko Logrones (Spa) 24 4 0 10. Valerij Karpin Dynamo Moscow 25 10 1 11. Vladimir Besjastnykh Spartak Moscow 20 5 0 15. Dimitrij Radsjenko Racing Santander (Spa) 23 12 3 19. Aleksander Mostovoj Caen (Fra) 25 19 5 22. Sergej Yuran Benfica (Por) 25 26 7
28 Oct 92 Russia 2-0 Luxembourg Yuran 4', Ratchenko 23' 14 Apr 93 Luxembourg 0-4 Russia Kiryakov 11', 46', Shalimov 58', Kulkov 90' 28 Apr 93 Russia 3-0 Hungary Kanchelskis 55', Kolivanov 60', Yuran 86' 23 May 93 Russia 1-1 Greece Dobrovolski 70'; Mitropoulos 45' 2 Jun 93 Iceland 1-1 Russia Sverrisson 26'; Kiryakov 38' 8 Sep 93 Hungary 1-3 Russia Nikiforov (og) 20'; Pyatnichki 14', Kiryakov 53', Borodyuk 90' 17 Nov 93 Greece 1-0 Russia Mahlas 68'
Jly 28 France Lost 1-3 Cannes Spt. 9 Hungary Won 3-1 Budapest Oct. 10 Saudi Arabia Lost 2-4 Dammam 1994 Jun. 29 USA Drew 1-1 Seattle Feb. 2 Mexico Won 4-1 Oakland Mar. 23 Ireland Drew 0-0 Dublin Apr. 20 Turkey Won 1-0 Bursa May. 29 Slovakia Won 2-1 Moscow Russia's midfield has changed completely since the qualifying tournament, lacking Shalimov, Kanchelskis and Kolyvanov. The first-choice lineup will most likely contain Ilya Tsymbalar on the left, Andrei Pyatnitsky in the middle and Dmitri Popov on the right. The ideal front line for Sadyrin will be Racing's Dmitri Radchenko and Alexander Mostovoi providing support for No. 1 spearhead Oleg Salenko of Logrones. If this does not work, Sadyrin always can turn to Sergei Yuran of Benfica.
Championships than in the World Cups. It became the first European champion in 1960, and has finished second three times since. Although it has played in six World Cups, the USSR managed to reach the World Cup semifinals only once, in 1966 in England.
made one of the brightest impressions in the 1986 finals in Mexico and then reached the final of the European Championships two years later, losing to Holland.
good mutual understanding between the players, a thing the current Russian squad is lacking even more than speed or technique. Getting ready for the World Cup, Sadyrin has never been able to assemble his squad for more than a few days before the match and the often squalid living conditions at training camps have hardly been conducive to developing team spirit. Before the loss to Greece, players had to train on a snowy pitch and sleep fully-clothed in unheated rooms. In its World Cup group B, Russia is probably stronger than Cameroon, equal to Sweden and is obviously weaker than the group seed Brazil. "Brazil is the World Cup favorite," said Sadyrin. "We know it and we are realistic comparing our and their capabilities." "I don't see superstars in our team now, even among those who refused to play," he admitted. "And Brazil has many world-class players." "Our main goal is to move to the next round," said Sadyrin, adding he wouldn't make any further forecasts. Sadyrin believes that high spirits and strong will are now as important as ever to his crippled team. "For such an event like the World Cup a maximum of self-sacrifice is needed," he said. "Only those people who want to defend the honor of our soccer can play in the national team. Eagerness is much more important to us than technical qualities."
game to students in St. Petersburg. Russia joined FIFA in 1912 but five years later disbanded its national team after the Bolshevik revolution. Shortly after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia's membership in FIFA was restored and its national team record resumed. On Aug. 16, 1992 Russia played its first match, beating Mexico 2-0 in Moscow, and has lost just two matches since. Key Players:
Being Moscow Spartak's obvious leader, he is one of the few Russian players capable of taking charge of a game. Very hard-working and amazingly versatile. Very good in the air. He was voted Russia's player of the year in 1993 and is likely to be team captain in the United States.
May become the team's leading striker if he performs to his full potential. An expressive, emotive player but doesn't enjoy the physical side of the game.
Bright, rapid striker who hasn't really found the form that made him shine in the '92 European Championships. Not the most gifted of players but full of running and aggression. Although good with both feet he prefers the left side. ===============================================================================
Marek Repinski =============================================================================== COACH: Tommy Svensson GOALKEEPERS: Age Caps Goals 1. Thomas Ravelli IFK Gothenburg 35 107 0 12. Lars Eriksson IFK Norrkoping 29 14 0 22. Magnus Hedman Solna AIK 21 15 0 DEFENDERS: 2. Roland Nilsson Sheffield Wednesday (Eng) 31 59 1 3. Patrik Andersson Borussia M'ngladbach (Ger) 23 20 0 4. Joachim Bjorklund IFK Gothenburg 23 19 0 5. Roger Ljung Galatasaray (Tur) 28 45 2 13. Mikael Nilsson IFK Gothenburg 26 12 0 14. Pontus Kamark IFK Gothenburg 25 9 0 15. Jan Eriksson F.C. Kaiserslauten (Ger) 27 32 4 MIDFIELD: 6. Stefan Schwarz Benfica (Por) 25 27 5 8. Klas Ingesson PSV Eindhoven (Neth) 26 40 10 9. Jonas Thern Napoli (Ita) 27 44 6 16. Anders Limpar Everton (Eng) 29 48 5 17. Stefan Rehn IFK Gothenburg 28 38 6 18. Hakan Mild IFK Gothenburg 23 11 3 21. Jesper Blomqvist IFK Gothenburg 20 5 0 FORWARDS: 7. Henrik Larsson Feyenoord (Neth) 23 6 4 10. Martin Dahlin Borussia M'ngladbach (Ger) 25 26 16 11. Tomas Brolin Parma (Ita) 26 28 16 19. Kennet Andersson Lille (Fra) 27 22 11 20. Magnus Erlingmark IFK Gothenburg 26 23 1 Swedish Soccer - history ------------------------ When you mention Sweden and soccer in the same sentence most people think of Sweden's fiasco in Italy '90 with three 1-2 loses (Brazil,Scotland and COSTA RICA!). It became a national disaster and many have tried to explain how a very good team (probably the best team Sweden ever had) could fail so completely. However Sweden is well out of it's "black period" (75-84) and has after all, always been one of the better nations in WC-history: 1934 lost in Quarterfinals 1938 4th place overall 1950 3rd place in Final Group (Bronze!!) 1958 Runner-up (Silver!!!) 1970 3rd place in their Group 1974 5-6th place overall 1978 Last in their Group 1986 Last in their Group In the legendary team of 1958 were players later prised away by Italian clubs. These included Kurre Hamrin, Gunnar Gren, Nisse Liedholm and Lennart "Nacka" Skoglund. In the late 60s and early 70s Swedish soccer changed tactic. They stopped building the national team around individual players (like in '58), and team effort, good organization and loyalty became landmarks for Swedish soccer and this philosophy remains today. However, two strikers, Ralf Edstrom (70s) and Tobjorn Nilsson (80s) reached "star"-status. The way to USA - results from European Qualifying Group 6 --------------------------------------------------------- Yüklə 361,24 Kb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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