World Cup Corner

Romario. One of the deadliest strikers of all time. No tricks, no flicks, no lung bursting runs, no hardman tackles. Just a simple knack of being at the right place at the right time. It would be fair to say that he is the greatest finisher of his generation. The apex of that wonderful Brazillian team that won USA 94.

At 40 years of age and his prime years behind him, Romario made the shock transfer to play for Miami FC in the United Soccer Leagues, the US second division.

With a reported paypacket of $50,000 for a five month contract, along with the Florida lifestyle and climate to his liking, we still wonder why he has decided to carry on toiling in this obscure league. Why has this Brazillian legend not hung his boots up for good? The answer, the love of the game. Plus his uncanny ability to finish. Has he repented from his bad boy ways and party animal lifestyle? What about his supposed “lazy trainer” attitude? Exclusion from the 98 squad was apparently the wake up call he needed. But at this time, he was already on the wane. Bobby Robson, who coached Romario during his Barcelona days reportedly said he was the worst trainer ever. Romario would not listen to instructions and tended to put in as little effort as possible. A volatile character like Romario needed a good man manager and an arm around the shoulder. This was precisely how Robson was able to get the best out of him.

Romario has now scored more than 970 career goals, and he continues playing for 1 or 2 more seasons, it is likely he will hit the magical 1000 barrier. A great ending for a great footballer.