Classic Coaches (8): Mario Zagallo
(FIFAworldcup.com)
Updated: 2006-06-06 15:45
Despite his successes, Zagallo has often been criticised for his
tactical choices. The indisputable quality displayed by the 1970 team shielded
his system from the slightest reproach, but the ¡®defensive¡¯ mindset of the teams
he coached alongside Carlos Alberto Parreira in 1994 and alone in 1998 provoked
stinging attacks in the Brazilian press. In those two FIFA World Cups, the
Sele?ao played in a classic 4-4-2 formation with two defensive midfielders -- a
concession to the principle that not losing possession has become the priority
in the modern game. In Brazil, this was received as heresy and players like
Dunga, Cesar Sampaio and Branco never really stirred the passion of the crowds.
However, they all fulfilled crucial roles for Zagallo, who could point to
results for all the justification he needed. And the Professor was one of the
first managers to introduce attacking full-backs, a concept he has always
remained loyal to -- as the importance of Cafu, Leonardo and Roberto Carlos to
the Sele?ao¡¯s forward play in 1994 and 1998 stands to prove.
Did You
Know?
A horoscope enthusiast, Zagallo was supremely confident ahead of the
quarter-final against England in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. ¡°England are a lucky
team for us,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve faced them three times, beaten them on each
occasion and then gone on to win the title. That¡¯s exactly what will happen this
time.¡± He was right.
Legend has it that whenever this very superstitious
Brazilian buys a new car, he registers it in the little village of Espiritu
Santo so he can have the word ¡°Victoria¡± (victory) and the lucky figure 13 on
his number plate.
The bond linking Zagallo to the FIFA World Cup? goes back
to 1950, when he worked as a steward during the famous Brazil-Uruguay final at
the mythic Maracana Stadium in Rio.
On 20 November 2002, Zagallo briefly
took over the Sele?ao for a friendly against Korea (3-2). Friendly though it may
have been, the game had the added spice of marking the trainer¡¯s 100th match in
this role.
Management
Career
National team
1970 - 1974 Brazil
1993 - 1994 Brazil (Technical Director)
1994 -
1998 Brazil
International honours
1970 FIFA World Cup Mexico? Champion
1998 FIFA World Cup France?
runner-up
1997 South American Champion
Club
1966 - 1970 Botafogo
1971 - 1972 Fluminense
1972 - 1973 Flamengo
1978 - 1979 Botafogo
1979 Al Hilal (KSA)
1980 Al Nasr (KSA)
1980
- 1981 Vasco de Gama
1984 - 1985 Flamengo
1986 - 1987 Botafogo
1988
- 1989 Bangu
1990 - 1991 Vasco de Gama
2000 Portuguesa
2000 - 2001
Flamengo
Club honours:
1986 Brazilian Champion
1967, 1968, 1971, 1972 Rio de Janeiro State
Champion
1979 Saudi Arabian Champion
Playing Career
International career:
37 International appearances, 4 goals
International honours:
1958 FIFA World Cup Sweden? Champion
1962 FIFA World Cup Chile? Champion
Played 12 matches, scoring 2 goals in the finals
Clubs
1946 - 1950 America
1951 - 1957 Flamengo
1958 - 1965 Botafogo
Club honours:
1953, 1954, 1955, 1961, 1962 Rio de Janeiro State Champion
1962 Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament Champion
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