Qualification Phase, Role 7 (Brazil 1994 Fifa The World Loving Cup Qualifiers)
July 22, 2019
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Brazil’s 1994 World Cup qualifications took identify inwards the summertime into the Fall of 1993.
Brazil were led past times Carlos Alberto Parreira, who had been appointed inwards belatedly 1991 next the dismissal of Paulo Roberto Falcao too the brusk interim of Ernesto Paulo.
He was regarded equally a defensive minded Manager too his tactics did non delight most Brazilians. His intent was farther highlighted when he appointed Mario Zagallo equally his assistant (another perceived apostle of defensive Football).
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Photo From: World Soccer, September 1993 (Carlos Alberto Parreira) |
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2473, August 31, 1993 (Mario Zagallo too Carlos Alberto Parreira ) |
Prior to these qualifiers, Brazil had been involved inwards 2 back-to-back competitions, the 1993 U.S. Cup (in June) followed past times the Copa America.
C.A. Parreira had wisely selected a weaker squad for the Copa America, to save his stars with the World Cup qualifiers inwards mind. The Copa America was used for experimentation to plough over playing fourth dimension to generally home-based youngsters.
Parreira would base of operations his squad upon the foreign-based stars along with the home-based players from essentially Sao Paulo too Palmeiras.
Sao Paulo had won the Copa Libertadores for 2 direct seasons too inside a few months would win back-to-back Intercontinental (Toyota Cup) titles. Palmeiras had also spent heavily to construct a competitive squad.
The start selection goalkeeper was Claudio Taffarel, who was regarded past times many equally Brazil’s most reliable goalkeeper since Gilmar.
The defense forcefulness was marshaled past times Ricardo Raimundo Gomes of Paris St. Germain. It was a company too experienced backline that included the Bayern Munich right-back Jorginho, left-back Branco (a veteran from 1986, 1990 WCs), equally good equally Ricardo Rocha (back to Brazilian Football after a spell at Real Madrid).
Just behind them inwards the pecking company were youngsters such equally Cafu too Marcio Santos, with veteran defender Aldair however inwards frame but struggling at AS Roma.
Benfica veteran Carlos Mozer would remove hold been purpose of the squad but he was dropped on July 7th after beingness embroiled inwards a case with a paper that had claimed he had AIDS. His dismissal had paved the agency for Parreira to telephone telephone upward Marcio Santos.
In midfield, Brazil’s of import Number 5 seat (occupied past times the likes of Cerezo inwards the past) was entrusted to Mauro Silva. He had simply finished an splendid flavour at Spain’s Deportivo La Coruna, who were nigh to overstep away a ability inwards Castilian Football.
The steely Carlos Dunga was however ever acquaint inwards midfield. He had left Italian Football for Germany’s VfB Stuttgart for much needed start squad action.
The star of the squad was Rai, blood brother of the keen Socrates. He had led Sao Paulo to the above-mentioned titles too had also joined his compatriots Ricardo Gomes too Valdo at Paris St. Germain too much was expected of him.
The tireless runner Zinho completed C.A. Parreira’s start selection midfield.
Leonardo too Luis Henrique were also options inwards midfield. Much to the surprise of many, Paris St. Germain’s Valdo appeared out of favor with C.A. Parreira, despite impressing inwards France. He was neverthless purpose of the squad, but never fifty-fifty made the bench for the qualifiers.
For his options upfront, Parreira relied on 1989 Copa America hero Bebeto.
Bebeto had fallen out with Parreira’s predecessor Falcao. He had been rejuvenated after his splendid flavour at Deportivo La Coruna, along with his compatriot Mauro Silva.
The other striker should remove hold unremarkably been the goalscoring machine Romario.
However, Romario had fallen out with Parreira too was out of the National Team Set-up (for the fourth dimension being).
Veteran striker too 1990 Captain Antonio Careca was however available but past times his prime number too he was nigh to bow out of the International Arena.
Luckily Parreira had many other options upfront, such equally Luis Muller (1986 too 1990 WCs veteran), Evair, Palhinha too Valdeir alongside others.
They were able to deputize Romario, until the dispute was resolved.
Brazil were drawn inwards a Group along with Uruguay, Bolivia, Republic of Ecuador too Venezuela.
Brazil were clearly ever regarded equally favorites too for many the interrogation was who would destination behind them too based on History, Uruguay appeared equally the probable leading challengers.
However, the continent would hold out surprised with the emergence of Bolivia, who gave Brazil a run for their coin inwards these qualifiers too would deservedly qualify along with Brazil at Uruguay’s expense.
Brazil had decided to start off with all their away qualifiers at first.
For the start qualifier, Brazil were to confront Republic of Ecuador at Guayaquil on July 18th. Just 4 days prior, Brazil had a played a preparatory friendly at Rio’s Estádio de São Januário too defeated Paraguay (2-0). This would hold out at a toll since Ricardo Rocha would hold out injured inwards the match.
At Guayaquil, Brazil had to settle for a scoreless tie. Parreira must remove hold been pleased with an away betoken equally the standards across the continent had improved too ‘easy’ matches were rare.
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Photo From: Jornal create Brasil, July 19, 1993 (July 18, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Ecudor 0-Brazil 0) |
Luiz Henrique would start inwards midfield ahead of Dunga, though the latter would later on come upward on.
Parreira chose Careca to partner Bebeto upfront.
Marcio Santos too Valber started inwards defense forcefulness inwards identify of the injured Ricardo Gomes too Ricardo Rocha.
These injuries forced Parreira to telephone telephone upward Antonio Carlos Zago (on July 22nd).
Just a calendar week later on on July 25th, Brazil made their perilous journeying to the high height of La Paz to confront Bolivia.
Spanish Manager Xabier Azkargorta had instilled a feel of confidence on the Bolivians who were ambitious to qualify. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 calendar week earlier, they had trounced Venezuela (7-1) inwards an away match. Bolivia’s principal star was Marco Antonio Etcheverry, who was earning praise across the continent rare for a Bolivian footballer.
After the disappointing depict against Ecuador, the Press had criticized Parrerira on his tactics an selection of players. The Press clamored for the Careca to hold out replaced with Muller upfront (and of course of study Romario). In addition, the Press wanted to run into Cafu, Palhinha too Leonardo ahead of Luiz Henrique, Zinho too Branco.
Whether past times his ain or through pressure, Parreira did brand modifications. He included Cafu ahead of Jorginho at right-back too also installed Leonardo at left-back ahead of Branco.
Valber too Marcio Santos i time once again deputized for the 2 injured Ricardos (Gomes too Rocha). Dunga was i time once again missing too deputized past times Luis Henrique.
Brazil would combat inwards playing at the high height of La Paz, non to scream the fact that this was non their settled squad with all the changes.
As early on equally the 40th minute, Luiz Henrique would hold out replaced past times Jorginho, equally he was suffering from the effects of the altitude.
Cafu was pushed inwards midfield to occupy Henrique’s spot too Jorginho reclaimed his right-back position.
Unable to create create with the high altitude, Brazil would crumble inwards the closing stages of the fit past times giving upward goals inwards the 88th too 89th minutes inwards a (0-2) loss.
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Photo From: El Grafico Number 3852, 1993 (Bebeto, July 25, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Bolivia 2-Brazil 0) |
Brazil goalkeeper had fifty-fifty stopped a penalization boot earlier, but his error led to the start goal v minutes later on equally he deflected Marco Etcheverry’s cross from the left side into his net.
This fit against Republic of Bolivia would overstep away downwards equally of the most disappointing episodes concerning the Brazilian National Team. Brazil would lose for the start fourth dimension ever a World Cup qualifier.
The loss farther heightened the demands for Parreira’s sacking.
Parreira had stated that his selection of players had been after consultation with doctors givin the problems with altitude; equally a outcome Brazil could non compete with a cohesive unit.
Parreira too Zagallo would also blame the press for conducting a motility to destabilize the squad (especially the allies of Tele Santana inwards the press).
Shortly afterwards, a poll inwards ‘Folha de Sao Paulo’ had 70% of people bespeak for him to hold out sacked with Tele Santana equally the favorite replacement.
On their agency dorsum home, in that location was such discontent too hostility with the populace that Zagallo was involved inwards an declaration with a taxi driver at the airport.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 60, Jan 1994 (Carlos Alberto Parreira too Mario Zagallo) |
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Photo From: World Soccer, Nov 1993 (Mario Zagallo) |
Fortunately for Brazil, their adjacent away fit was on August 1st, at San Cristóbal vs. Venezuela, which was considered a formality. Brazil easily won (5-1) with Bebeto scoring twice.
Jorginho, Ricardo Rocha too Branco were dorsum inwards the defense, with Marcio Santos deputizing for Ricardo Gomes.
Dunga started for the start fourth dimension to reclaim his customary spot. Instead of Zinho, Parreira selected the to a greater extent than prepare on minded Elivelton, equally Brazil needed to marking to a greater extent than goals against a weaker opposition.
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Photo From: Jornal create Brasil, August 2, 1993 (August 1, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Venezuela 1-Brazil 5) |
Careca partnered Bebeto upfront, inwards what would overstep away the veteran’s in conclusion ever fit for Brazil. He would withdraw from the squad on August 3rd too retire from the National Team (he was also off to Japan, to play inwards the novel J-League).
The fact that fans would chant “Romario! Romario!” every fourth dimension he would touching the ball must remove hold weighed on him.
The next 24-hour interval on August 2nd, Brazil were beset with to a greater extent than problems. Back-up goalkeeper Zetti (along with the Bolivian Miguel Rimba) were temporarily suspended after drug tests revealed traces of cocaine. Both players insisted upon their innocence too said that they had been drinking tea with coca leaves (a remedy for height sickness).
Zetti was regarded equally a human being of impeccable character too many rushed to his defense. It was reported that Rai had said that he would pose ‘his manus inwards fire’ for Zetti. (Brazilian human face for believing inwards someone).
Taffarel equally good defended him too called the determination a ‘slander’.
FIFA would eventually clear both players on August 16th.
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Photo From: World Soccer, Oct 1993 (Zetti) |
Brazil had the fourth dimension for i to a greater extent than friendly at domicile at Maceió vs. United Mexican States (1-1) on August 8th before heading off to Montevideo to play their in conclusion away qualifier vs. Uruguay on August 15th.
Parreira imposed v days of intensive preparation for his squad for this match.
The preparation sessions were prepare inwards the morning time hours because according to Parreira they would non extra strength inwards Montevideo.
Brazil presented the same defense forcefulness equally the Venezuela fit with Marcio Santos however inwards the squad for the injured Ricardo Gomes.
Zinho was dorsum inwards the midfield too with Careca out of the picture; Muller was instantly Bebeto’s hitting partner.
Brazil came away with a creditable away betoken (1-1) with Rai scoring for Brazil.
However, Ricardo Rocha was sent off too would hold out suspended for their adjacent match.
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2472, August 24, 1993 (Rai too Enzo Francescolli, August 15, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1) |
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2474, September 7, 1993 (Bebeto too Santiago Ostolaza, August 15, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1) |
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Photo From: Don Balon, Republic of Chile Edicion, Issue 155, June 12-18, 1995 (Carlos Dunga, August 15, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Uruguay 1-Brazil 1) |
However, Ricardo Rocha was sent off too would hold out suspended for their adjacent match.
The phase was prepare instantly for the qualifiers on domicile soil too Brazil were confident too eager to acquaint a ameliorate confront at domicile (not to scream revenge against Bolivia).
However, the domicile crowd were however non satisfied with the National Team too allow their frustrations hold out known during the team’straining sessions.
Taffarel (perhaps for his error vs. Bolivia) was instantly a target too during the sessions, whenever he touched the ball he was jeered patch his back-up Zetti was cheered. Parreira would nonetheless stick with Taffarel, equally good equally Dunga, roughly other favorite target of the critics.
There were also concerns with Rai’s piteous shape that had dipped since the previous season. In an interview, Parreira said that he stuck with Rai, because he had no other alternatives inwards his position.
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2473, August 31, 1993 (Brazil players training) |
Ecuador were the start opponents on domicile soil, at São Paulo on August 22nd. Ricardo Gomes was dorsum inwards defense. Marcio Santos was i time once again drafted this fourth dimension to deputize for the suspended Ricardo Rocha.
The residual of the squad was intact equally Muller i time once again partnered Bebeto upward top.
Brazil won (2-0) with goals past times Bebeto too Dunga to prepare their qualification plan on course. It was imperative to win inwards forepart of a domicile crowd after struggling away from home.
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2474, September 7, 1993 (Luis Muller, August 22, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Brazil 2-Ecuador 0) |
On August 29th Brazil hosted Republic of Bolivia at Recife. As a thing of pride, Brazil were determined to evidence that the loss on July 25th was a fluke too was only due to the problems related to altitude.
They attacked relentlessly from the start too had scored v goals past times halftime. They would roughly other inwards the 2d one-half for a convincing (6-0) win.
Brazil had presented its most settled squad with both Ricardos (Gomes too Rocha) dorsum inwards defense. Carlos Dunga would hold out sent off too missy Brazil’s match.
Brazil took over the leadership of the Group after this win (on goal difference) too gained a stair out of revenge.
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2473, August 31, 1993 (August 29, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Brazil 6-Bolivia 0) |
Despite the win, the media was however at odds with Parreira’s tactics. In an interview, Parreira likened his role equally beingness similar a ‘Robocop’. He would later on scream upward that the media were then prepare against him that fifty-fifty after defeating Republic of Bolivia (6-0) a Sao Paulo paper had complained that his side had played likewise defensively.
Brazil’s adjacent qualifier was the relatively slowly affair against Venezuela at Belo Horizonte on September 5th. Given the character of the opposition, Parreira chose to residual roughly of the starters.
Palhinha would hold out called upward to supplant the suspended Dunga. Bebeto was also suspended for the accumulation of xanthous cards.
Muller would also hold out rested for this match. In their places Valdeir too Evair would start upfront. Brazil would comfortably too predictably win (4-0).
Brazil’s in conclusion qualifier was scheduled 2 weeks later on on September 19th at the Maracana vs. Uruguay.
While Brazil were busy with their qualifying motility inwards the summer, Romario had joined Johann Cruyff’s Barcelona squad. His impact had been instantaneous too he had been scoring goals inwards bucket loads.
Not only satisfied with his attacking options, Carlos Alberto Parreira decided it was fourth dimension to mend fences with Romario too re-integrate him into the National Team.
For this vital qualifier, Brazil would acquaint its strongest squad with all its cardinal elements including Dunga dorsum from interruption too Romario upfront with Bebeto.
True to fashion, Romario would brand a triumphant supply too marking twice inwards Brazil’s (2-0) win to qualify them to the World Cup.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 60, Jan 1994 (September 19, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Brazil 2-Uruguay 0) |
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Photo From: French Republic Football, Issue 2477, September 28, 1993 (Romario, September 19, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Brazil 2-Uruguay 0) |
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 60, Jan 1994 (Romario, September 19, 1993, World Cup Qualifier, Brazil 2-Uruguay 0) |
Brazil would win the qualifying Group outright after this win.
In a poll, Brazilian fans selected Bebeto equally Brazil’s best thespian inwards the qualifiers with Rai beingness chosen equally the worst. Rai would combat inwards his start flavour at Paris St. Germain too it affected his play inwards the National Team (eventually losing his identify during the World Cup).
In the summer, Brazil would terminate a 24-year hold off past times winning the World Cup inwards USA with Romario inwards impressive form.
C.A. Parreira had to pose with a daily barrage of calls for his sackings from the fans too the press, but stuck to his principles too selected his players.
Brazil had uncharacteristically struggled inwards the qualifiers but triumphed inwards the terminate with a company too steely defense.
Despite the World Cup triumph, Parreira’s tactics would hold out scrutinized too criticized to the end.
Upon leaving his post service equally Brazil Manager next the terminate of the World Cup, he said at to the lowest degree hewon’t remove hold 150 Million People breathing downwards his neck.
References:
France Football, Issue 2468, July 27, 1993
France Football, Issue 2469, August 3, 1993
France Football, Issue 2471, August 17, 1993
France Football, Issue 2472, August 24, 1993
France Football, Issue 2473, August 31, 1993
France Football, Issue 2474, September 7, 1993
France Football, Issue 2477, September 28, 1993
Onze-Mondial, Hors Serie 16, May 1994
Onze-Mondial, Issue 60, Jan 1994
Seleccao Brasileira -90 Anos 1914-2004, Authors Antonio Carlos Napoleao, Roberto Assaf
World Soccer, Oct 1993
World Soccer, Nov 1993
World Soccer, March 1994
Jornal create Brasil