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Brazilian goalie Taffarel hits big time in Turkey
Posted: Thursday July 09, 1998 11:27 PM
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Taffarel is not just a hero in Brazil -- his big save against the Netherlands made him an icon all over the world (AP) |
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Taffarel is not only a hero for Brazilians. But
for Turks as well. Reigning Turkish league champion Galatasaray
of Istanbul is proud to have signed him on for next season.
Especially after saving two penalty kicks by Dutch strikers to secure
Brazil's place in Sunday's World Cup final against France.
"It is proven that we made a correct decision," Galatasaray coach Fatih
Terim said. "We will reach out to great successes in Europe and at home
with Taffarel." Taffarel signed a two-year, $1.5 million
contract with the 12-time league champion Galatasaray on June 24 in
Paris. His performance in the World Cup quickly pleased Turkish
fans and the media. "We kiss you Taffarel," headlined daily
Sabah on Wednesday. The 32-year-old warded off shot after
shot against the relentless Dutch strikers. But he saved the best for last,
blocking two attempts in a penalty-kick shootout -- that ranks as one of
the most important in Brazil's soccer history. Galatasaray
president Faruk Suren said the club, which will represent Turkey in the
European Champions Cup next year, will not have any problems in goal.
The club has been desperately seeking a goalkeeper for the past few
years worthy of the champion team. "Taffarel relieved
Galatasaray fans with saves like those of a panther," the sports daily
Foto Mac said Thursday. But fans have already started to
worry that Taffarel's position in the Brazilian national team could hurt
Galatasaray if he misses too many domestic games. "I am very
glad that he joined Galatasaray, he is superb," said Candan Kurkcuoglu, a
fan. "But, I hope he won't leave us too often." Taffarel was a
starter on Brazil's World Cup team in 1990. Brazil was knocked out in the
second round and Taffarel began a long slide that reached a low point when
he was benched on Italy's
Parma. In 1994, he allowed only three goals during the World
Cup, in which Brazil won an unprecedented fourth title. In that final, he
also saved a spot kick in a penalty shootout against Italy. It
was downhill again after that, and Taffarel seemed to be playing out his
career on Atletico Mineiro until Brazilian coach Mario Zagallo wanted his
experience on the renewed national team he was assembling this year.
"I promised the championship to Galatasaray fans after signing the
contract," daily Fanatik quoted Taffarel as saying on Thursday. "I will
keep my promise." His wife, Andrea, visited Istanbul last month
to look for a house. Galatasaray finished last season with a
23-6-5 record and 75 points, four points ahead of rival Fenerbahce.
Taffarel's transfer would boost Galatasaray's power against Fenerbahce
which recently transferred another Brazilian soccer player, Sergio Neves
from Saudi
Arabia's Alahari team. Fenerbahce won championships under
famous Brazilian coaches Walderia Didi in early 1970s and Alberto Parreira
in 1996.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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