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Zagallo: Denilson to stay a sub
Brazil's coach responds to fans' criticism of Bebeto
Posted: Wednesday July 01, 1998 07:12 PM
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Bebeto's role has been one of opening spaces for team superstar Ronaldo (AP) |
OZOIR-LA-FERRIERE, France (Reuters)
-- It has become almost a routine in Brazil's World
Cup matches.
Veteran striker Bebeto is taken off midway through the second half to
a chorus of jeers from the Brazilian fans and replaced by 20-year-old
Denilson, who is greeted with resounding applause.
But coach Mario Zagallo said on Wednesday that the squad would stick
by Bebeto and argued that Denilson's qualities were better utilized when he
came on during the game.
"I think it is important to have Denilson on the bench so he can
provide us with an alternative option in the second half," said Zagallo,
making it clear that Denilson will continue to be used as a substitute.
Denilson's electrifying pace has made him into the world's most
expensive player. Yet, he has only started one game in this World Cup,
against Norway.
Denilson replaced Bebeto against Scotland and
Chile and
played only the last five minutes in the 3-0 win over Morocco.
Denilson is the nearest thing in the World Cup to an old fashioned
left-winger. A huge sense of anticipation hangs over the Brazilian
supporters whenever he gets the ball.
Denilson's electrifying pace has helped make him one of the world's most expensive players (AP) | |
Bebeto's role has been more one of opening spaces for team superstar
Ronaldo, as opposed to the 1994 World Cup when he was one of the stars
alongside Romario and scored three goals.
Zagallo admitted that he was to blame for the jeers by making an
unpopular decision -- which, in typically defiant style, he said he would
stand by.
"Of course, nobody likes to be booed or substituted. But everybody
likes Denilson, and Bebeto suffers the consequences. Nobody wants Ronaldo
to come off so when I want to make a change, it's always Bebeto who gets
it.
"I think the Brazilian fans should be aware that Bebeto has been
playing well but his contribution is not always so obvious."
Bebeto, who has scored 35 goals in a 71-match international career
that stretches back to 1985, said, "The people who jeer me are not real
Brazilian fans.
"I'm relaxed about this. My life has been full of difficult
situations, which I have always overcome. I'm a world champion."
Bebeto, whose career spans three World Cups, said he was satisfied
with what has become a supporting role for Ronaldo and said he had
developed a good understanding with the world's top player.
"The most important thing is that Zagallo has always believed in me
and given me his backing," he added."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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