Bebeto of Brazil, right, controls the ball watched by Frank De Boer of the Netherlands during the France 98 soccer world cup semifinal match between Brazil and the Netherlands at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille Tuesday July 7, 1998.AP Photo/Armando Franca

Brazil one away from fifth title

Web posted July 8, 1998

By Barry Wilner
Associated Press

MARSEILLE, France -- Brazil and its samba party are headed back to the outskirts of Paris, where this World Cup journey began.

When the Brazilians get there -- thanks to a penalty kick shootout victory over the Netherlands -- they'll be looking to dance to a fifth world soccer title.

The defending champions beat the Netherlands 4-2 in the shootout Tuesday night after a 1-1 tie. Brazil hit all four shots, and Claudio Taffarel stopped consecutive attempts by Phillip Cocu and Ronald de Boer.

That set off wild celebrations among the yellow-clad players on the field and the similarly dressed fans in the stands.

``I felt we deserved a moment of joy,'' said Taffarel, who helped Brazil to its 1994 crown in the United States. ``Brazil now can be very proud of the team. We have a great force behind us for the final. We are very ready.''

It was a sizzling conclusion to a classic game between perhaps the two strongest teams in the tournament.

Brazil erased any doubts that this squad is worthy of its status as the top-ranked team in the world. There were questions when the Brazilians were spotty in earlier rounds, springing some leaks in their defense and not dominating midfield.

But their victory over a superb Dutch team was convincing evidence that France or Croatia, who play in the other semifinal on Wednesday, will face a daunting task on Sunday in Saint-Denis.

It was a crushing defeat for the Dutch, who had a little more late-game magic, tying the score with three minutes left on a header by Patrick Kluivert -- the third straight match in which they got goals in the dying moments.

They couldn't find the net often enough in the shootout, though.

``You should shoot it in,'' Ronald de Boer said. ``We could have won. Now, the dream is over.''

Ronaldo, the two-time world player of the year, was held in check throughout the scoreless first half, but broke free down the middle just 21 seconds after halftime. He took a perfect cross from Rivaldo on left wing, and after a deft touch of the left foot, sent the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar.

That began a fiesta of song from the legions of Brazilians in the stands, and a huge smile of relief from Ronaldo.

But Dutch magic struck again as Kluivert took a perfect pass from Ronald de Boer and headed it off Taffarel's hands into the net.

That set up the overtime.

Both goalkeepers made diving saves early in the extra period, and Kluivert missed by inches after a superb pass from Frank de Boer.

Ronaldo made a spectacular 60-yard run, but the ever-present de Boer slid to knock the ball away.

Brazil won a shootout to take the World Cup four years ago, and its marksman hit the net over van der Saar each time Tuesday. Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Emerson and captain Dunga did the damage.

But after Frank de Boer, the best player on the field through 120 minutes, and Dennis Bergkamp beat Taffarel, the goalkeeper shut the door.

Ronaldo could not shed his shadow, Frank de Boer, in the first half. Nearly every time Ronaldo touched the ball, de Boer picked it clean.

But he did have one excellent chance in the penalty area, only to see Jaap Stam make a sliding block. Bebeto later just missed on a header.

Ronaldo did not miss to open the second half, however, taking advantage of the Netherlands' shortage on defense. With Arthur Numan suspended and Winston Bogarde injured, midfielder Cocu was forced to play left back. He and Frank de Boer were beaten on the play.

Ronaldo also missed on a breakaway in the 74th minute, just moments after going down when kicked on the ankle. He was still limping as he headed in on van der Saar, and Edgar Davids caught up, pushing the ball just wide before Ronaldo could get off a decent shot.

Rivaldo almost scored from the seat of his pants, shoveling a shot off a brilliant feed by Denilson. But van der Saar kicked it away.

Brazil kept pressing for the clincher and nearly got caught when the Dutch went on a 3-on-2 counterattack. But Kluivert, continuing to misfire, shot way too high.

Then, finally, he came through. Ronald de Boer, wide open on the right wing, sent a cross right to Kluivert's head, and his shot bounced off Taffarel's hands into the net.

Three minutes remained, a bit earlier than when Davids and Bergkamp got their winning goals in the second round and quarterfinals.