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Ecstatic Zagallo reveals penalty secret
Posted: Tuesday July 07, 1998 08:48 PM
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Zagallo kisses Ronaldo who led Brazil to the World Cup Final (AP) |
MARSEILLE (Reuters) -- Brazil coach
Mario Zagallo, emotionally overcome after Tuesday's World Cup semifinal
victory over the Netherlands
, revealed his words of encouragement were behind their penalty shootout
success.
The Old Wolf, who wept on the pitch after Taffarel saved the fourth Dutch
penalty to send the world champions into their sixth final, said his words
of wisdom made the difference.
Ronaldo, Rivaldo, substitute Emerson and captain Dunga all strode forward
and confidently stroked their penalties into the net to give Brazil a 4-2
win in the shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time.
"I went to each player who was going to take a penalty, one by one,"
Zagallo said. "I said 'We are going to win this championship, we are going
to win this match'.
"Penalties are a lottery but passing on confidence like this is
fundamental.
"Knowing how to pick the players was also crucial," he said, referring to
his surprise decision to pick Emerson. The Bayer Leverkusen player has only
five international caps and has made only two appearances as a substitute
in the cup.
"A lot of people must have been surprised by Emerson, but from what I saw
in training I knew he was a penalty taker and he took his penalty just as
he did in training. It was an important choice for us."
Zagallo appeared ecstatic with every aspect of his side's performance.
"There must a tremendous carnival going on back home now," he said. "We
who are here want to win, represent the country, this green and yellow. Our
win showed the dedication of each one."
"It was a magnificent win which did Brazil proud. We can't celebrate
until the last game. There's just one [match] to go. We will get there."
France and
Croatia play
in the other semifinal on Wednesday for the right to play Brazil in
Sunday's final.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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