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Del Piero goal could save his World Cup

June 14, 2002
FIFAworldcup.com

Written by Simon Evans

OITA, Japan (Reuters) - Alessandro Del Piero's 85th minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Mexico did more than give Italy a precious point to ensure passage to the second round -- it revitalised his World Cup.>

Del Piero, one of the biggest names in Italian football, flopped in France four years ago and, having been left on the bench for all three of Italy's group games, looked set for another tournament of underachievement.

With Ecuador surprise winners over group G challengers Croatia, Del Piero's goal led to a huge sigh of relief across Italy, who avoided becoming the third pre-tournament favourites to go out in the first round, after France and Argentina.

"It is a stupendous feeling to come off the bench and get us a goal that could calm us all down," Del Piero told reporters.

"Everyone, when they are on the bench, wants to come on and get an important goal," added the striker.

Del Piero has cut a forlorn figure at times in the Italy camp but importantly he has avoided any damaging rows about coach Giovanni Trapattoni's decision to leave him on the sidelines.

The striker said that while it was hard to swallow life on the bench he has never given up believing in himself.

"I have been out of the side, but I never gave up and obviously to come on and get the goal is great. I have felt in good shape even though I haven't been playing," said Del Piero.

Trapattoni revealed that he had talked at length with Del Piero recently to clarify his position in the squad.

"About 4 or 5 days ago I had a talk with him to clear up what I wanted from him and to talk clearly about his role. I was very transparent and he showed that he is available to take on the role," said Trapattoni.

After a disappointing performance from Filippo Inzaghi, Del Piero will now have a strong claim to a starting place in the second round game alongside Christian Vieri -- a partnership Del Piero would clearly be happy to reform.

"It goes well with Vieri because for two years we played together at Juventus," said the striker.

As runners-up in group G, Italy face the group D winners -- which could be co-hosts South Korea, who currently top the group, the United States or Portugal -- in the Korean city of Taejon next Tuesday. The last group D matches will be played on Friday.
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