WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : HE’S JUST VALDERRAMA

Nearing the conclusion of the first round, it is not too early to begin discussing candidates for “most disappointing” dishonors.

As Colombia has practically clinched the team title, it seems only fitting that one of its players should be the favorite in the individual category.

The only question at this point is whether the goat’s horns will fit over Carlos Valderrama’s hair.

Not only has he failed to make plays in the midfield, he, according to his opponents, has caused dissension with incessant chattering at his teammates.

But his coach, Francisco Maturana, came to Valderrama’s defense Saturday, claiming that his behavior in these games has been no different than in others.

“This is very typical, these kinds of questions when you lose,” Maturana said upon arriving in Palo Alto. “When we’re winning, everyone says Valderrama is supporting everyone on the team. When we’re losing, people that he’s arguing with other players, that he’s fighting.”