Time to move on
Brazil prepares to enter next century with new coach
Posted: Wednesday July 29, 1998 08:24 PM
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Paulo Cesar Carpeggiani is considerd the top candidate to take over in Brazil Mark Thompson/Allsport |
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) -- With its runner-up finish roundly
claimed a disaster, the Brazilian soccer confederation now is
looking to rebuild for Japan-South Korea in four years, and the
2006 World Cup -- which it has eyes on staging itself.
The CBF took its first step to recovery from the 3-0 loss to
France in the World Cup final 2 1/2 weeks ago by
dismissing coach Mario Zagallo and his entire technical staff -- and
opening the speculation season on who will replace the man at the
top.
On top of the list of most analysts is Paulo Cesar Carpeggiani,
a Brazilian who qualified Paraguay for the first time since 1986
and led it all the way to the quarterfinals before a 1-0 extra time
loss to France ended its hopes. Some critics called it a
"dignified" performance.
But Carpeggiani might be better remembered as the Flamengo coach
that crushed Liverpool 3-0 in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup in
Tokyo.
Then comes Paulo Autuori, who directed Cruzeiro to the 1997 Copa
Libertadores title, and Wanderley Luxemburgo.
A decision could drag until the end of August, when the CBF is
expected to announce new appointments.
Complicating, or also occupying, the CBF's decision is the 2006
World Cup, which Brazil would like to bring home for the first time
since 1950.
The main problem is the competitors for the 2006 tournament --
namely England and Germany, and South Africa, which new FIFA
president Sepp Blatter already has voiced strong support for.
Brazil wants to start as early as possible at winning full
support from the Latin American region.
CBF president Ricardo Teixeira said he will open the venue
campaign Wednesday, when he is scheduled to travel to Paraguay.
"It is not my dream. It is the Brazilian people's dream,"
Texeira said.
After advancing all the way to the final in France only to be
crushed by the only moderately respected host, most Brazilians
think that the goal of winning a fifth World Cup would be easier on
home soil.
Zagallo ended his reign by dropping more salt in the wounds left
by the France fiasco by criticizing Brazil's performance in the
World Cup final.
"That day, Brazil would not beat anybody," he said.
He still defended his decision to start Ronaldo in the title
game despite reported vomiting and convulsions suffered by the
21-year-old striker earlier in the day.
"Without any doubt," he told reporters when asked if he would
make the same decision today. "The player came to the technical
commission saying he was all right and wanted to play. We did not
lose because of Ronaldo's performance, but because of the impact of
his problem among the players."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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