23817: (pub)Hermantin: Reunion not a loss (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Sun, Nov. 14, 2004


SOCCER EXHIBITION
Reunion not a loss
The members of the 1994 World Cup-winning team dropped an exhibition but
raised money for Haitian victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne.
By SANTOS A. PEREZ
sperez@herald.com

The speed and skills no longer resemble what they were at the peak of their
careers, but Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team members still capture
their fans' interest.

A pro-Brazil crowd of 18,312 cheered 1994 stars Romario, Bebeto, Dunga and
Taffarel on Saturday night in a reunion match against the Haitian national
team in the Orange Bowl. The 2-1 victory by Haiti proved insignificant to
the match's purpose.

Proceeds of the UNICEF sponsored game benefited the children of Haiti, who
were affected by Tropical Storm Jeanne. Although he never scored, Romario
promised to donate $2,000 for every goal in the match.

''The important reason we were here was for the kids,'' Taffarel said.
``Hopefully our contributions will be a big help.''

The Brazil-Haiti match preceded a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier between
Mexico and St. Kitts and Nevis. Mexico had its way in a 5-0 victory.

''Being together with my teammates again always brings good memories,''
Bebeto said. ``They were the best moments of my life.''

Brazil could not recapture its World Cup magic Saturday night. There were
glimpses of their impressive decade-old championship run, but plays often
ended without scoring attempts.

''They are a much younger team, some of them 20 years younger than us,''
Taffarel said of the Haitians. ``Running too much against them was risky.''

Ricardo Pierre Louis scored the game-winner in the 89th minute to break a
1-1 tie. Pierre Louis deflected Brazil reserve goalkeeper Ze Carlos'
clearing attempt into the goal.

Brazil's roster also included a special invitee -- former Mexico national
team goalkeeper Jorge Campos. But instead of tending goal, Campos was used
as a forward and scored the team's only goal in the 83rd minute to tie the
match.

Haiti struck first on Ulcena Richardson's goal in the 10th minute. Cherry
Mones' pass found Richardson on the left wing, and Richardson dribbled deep
inside the box, where he converted on a shot, which landed inside the right
post.

The goal set up an entertaining 10-minute stretch of offensive attacks from
both sides. Bebeto nearly tied the match in the 11th minute when his shot
was deflected by Haiti goalkeeper Beauzile Loidigi.

A minute later, Richardson was denied a second goal after Taffarel deflected
his 10-yard header.

Bebeto had another scoring opportunity denied in the 20th minute, this time
caused by a goal post deflecting his free shot from 25 yards.

In the final minute of the first half, Richardson dribbled unmarked for 15
yards until he reached 6-yard box area. But Taffarel came out of the goal
area and cut Richardson's angle and shot.

Meanwhile, Jose Fonseca scored three goals as Mexico improved to 5-0 in
CONCACAF's Group C. Hector Altamirano and Sergio Santana added Mexico's
other goals.






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