Brazil after soccer win

Press, 30 September 1988, Page 14

Brazil after soccer win

NZPA-Reuter Seoul Brazil is looking for a golden stop on the road to the next World Cup when it plays the ruggedly effective Soviet Union in the Olympic final tomorrow. The coach, Carlos Alberto Silva, has made no secret of the fact that his Olympic side will form the nucleus of the national squad for the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy. The splendid spontaneity of its play, backed by a defensive resolve rare in recent Brazilian teams, has won the current side praise from discerning fans at home and made it a clear favourite for the Olympic title. But the suspension of two key players, who picked up their second bookings of the tournament in the dramatic semi-final victory over West Germany, will make the task more difficult. Influential midfielders Geovani and Ademir will be sorely missed as Brazil attempts to go one better than in Los Angeles four years ago when it was beaten 2-0 in the final by France. The Soviet Union’s gangling Alexei Mikhailichenko will exploit any midfield weaknesses. He has scored five goals and inspires a workmanlike Russian team which wields the broadsword as effectively as Brazil uses the rapier. “If just for the way he lifts a team, Mikhailichenko is one of the best players in the world at the moment,” said the Soviet Union coach, Anatoli Bychovets. “But we have other good players. We play as a team and that’s important I have not seen Brazil play but I know they are a side of quality.” : Although it goes into the final as underdog, the Soviet Union has a far better Olympic record than opponent Brazil. It struck gold at the 1956 Melbourne Games and was the bronze medallist in 1976 and .again on home soil in 1980. . Mr Bychovets has told his players that they will receive a cash bonus of SUSI3,OOO each if they add another gold to that tally.