WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : SPOTLIGHT : WHO ARE THEY?

Perhaps because the Brazilian media were still dissecting the 1-1 tie with Sweden, they asked Brazil’s coach, Parreira, a couple of questions about his team’s second-round foe, the United States.

“They are much improved, technically,” he said in response to one. “They defend well and counterattack with danger.”

In response to the other, about U.S. players he regards highly, he said, “The goalkeeper (Tony Meola), (Marcelo) Balboa and the guy (Stewart) in front.”