Tired of criticism, the coach would talk to the family to decide whether to continue in the role
The Brazilian team that won the fourth title in the United States is, perhaps, the one that suffered the most criticism in the preparation phase. In 1993, still in the Qualifiers, after the defeat to Bolivia, in La Paz, the group, led by Carlos Alberto Parreira, was attacked by the fans and the press. In the last game, against Uruguay, which would be decisive for the national classification, the duo Parreira and Zagallo had to swallow Romário.
The sports notebook Folha de S.Pauloedition of September 8, 1993, had the following title: “Parreira summons Romário today” and explained: “Coach doesn’t trust Valdeir and Evair and calls Barcelona striker to replace Müller”. The duo of Parreira and Zagallo bowed down to requests to call up the striker, who had been out of the national team since the disagreement with the coaching staff at the end of 1992. To journalists, the Brazilian coach explained: “Evair, Valdeir and Luís Henrique, as they hadn’t been playing, are out of rhythm”. About Romário: “There’s no reason not to call him now. Tomorrow [08.09.93]more calmly, I will talk to Zagallo and Américo Faria [supervisor da seleção] on the subject. But be clear that the decision depends only on me.”.
On September 19, 1993, a Sunday, more than one hundred thousand fans filled the Maracanã and were treated to a gala performance by Romário. Against the Uruguayans, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira selected the team as follows: Taffarel; Jorginho, Ricardo Rocha, Ricardo Gomes and Branco; Mauro Silva, Dunga, Raí and Zinho; Bebeto and Romário. After a goalless first half, Romário scored with a header, in the 26th minute, after a cross from Bebeto, from the right. The ball bounced off the ground and passed between goalkeeper Siboldi’s legs. At 36, Mauro Silva launched Romário who, alone, dribbled past the Uruguayan archer and put the ball into the back of the net: 2 to 0. The team, after countless setbacks, maintained its claim to be the only team present in all World Cups.
After the game, speaking to journalists, Parreira considered leaving his position, but considered: “If I just consider the reason, I have to continue, but the pressures were a lot, the exhaustion was enormous, and I don’t know if I should go through that again”. For the coach, the team reached its peak in that match. The CBF confirmed that he would be the coach in the World Cup, despite pressure from fans for a new name.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
