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1/8 Final - Brazil, Zagallo singles out players to praise |
Brazil coach Mario Zagallo was so happy with his team's 4-1 demolition of Chile on Saturday that, in an almost unprecedented move, he dished out individual praise.
Midfielder Cesar Sampaio, who returned from suspension to score two more goals to add to the one he grabbed against Scotland, was given top marks by the "Old Wolf."
But midfielder Rivaldo, striker Ronaldo and fullback Roberto Carlos, the three players who have not quite yet lived up to their reputations in the World Cup, received glowing tributes from the veteran coach.
Zagallo rarely talks about individual performances.
But, after a turbulent week which followed Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Norway, the coach was evidently overcome by his huge relief at making it to the quarterfinals.
Perhaps his tributes were also a response to criticism that has been heaped on the "R" trio in the Brazilian media this week.
Roberto Carlos, in particular, had suffered a rough time after striker Romario -- axed by Brazil because of injury on the eve of the tournament and now working as television commentator -- described him as "Brazil's worst player" in the Norway game.
"In the second half, Robeto Carlos was played almost as a left winger," said Zagallo. "He had to get forward more and let himself go a bit. It was his best game of the World Cup so far."
He said that Ronaldo had improved greatly in the second half of a game which saw him score Brazil's other two goals, the first from a penalty.
But, Zagallo added, "He has more to give. I'm sure that he will live up to expectations by the end of the championship."
The kindest words, however, were saved for Cesar Sampaio, who admitted before the tournament that he feared his international career might have been over when he moved to Japan -- where Brazilian players are largely out of sight of the coach.
The player had been sorely missed in the Norway game, when, without him to protect the back line, the vulnerabilities of Brazil's defense were exposed.
"Cesar Sampaio had a perfect game, not just for the two goals but for his positioning and for the way he came forward to help the attack. He was complete," Zagallo said.
