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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