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Former Brazilian team coach regrets participation in World Cup |
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11:21, June 27, 2007 |
Legendary footballer ArthurAntunes Coimbra, a.k.a. Zico, said on Tuesday to a cable TV sportsprogram that he regrets having participating in the coaching committee of the Brazilian team for the FIFA World Cup 1998, in France.
Zico, who took part in three World Cups as a player (1978, 1982and 1986) and in two others as a coach (1998 and 2006, when he managed the Japanese team), revealed that he did not draft Ronaldofor the final game, against France. The striker, who currently plays for Milan, had had a convulsion in the afternoon before the match and, after receiving medical care, joined the Brazilian squad, which was defeated 3-0 by the French.
According to the coach, the physician who led the national team's medical committee at the time, Lidio Toledo, was the one toblame for the decision, which is regarded by Brazilians as the main reason for the squad to miss the chance to win its fifth World Cup title in 1998.
"In the afternoon, Dr. Lidio said that Ronaldo had no conditions to play the game," said Zico. He added that, when he got to Stade de France's locker room, he found out that medical tests presented no obstacles to Ronaldo's participation in the game.
"And that was how it was decided that he would play," summed upthe manager, who currently coaches Turkey's team Fenerbahce.
Toledo talked to the local press on Tuesday, confirming that Zico really did not make that decision by himself. However, he highlighted that Ronaldo had undergone tests in "the best hospitalin Paris," which led to the thinking that he was in perfect conditions for the game.
Zico also said that he should have not taken over the responsibility for the dismissal of striker Romario from the same Cup, allegedly due to an injury during practices.
"I never drafted anyone for the team, how could I dismiss?" heasked, stressing that he still kept some resentment for some members of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), who have a special influence over the definition of rosters.
Source: Xinhua
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