The Hindu : Men who matter: Maldini

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 11, 2002

Sport

Sport - Football

Men who matter: Maldini

The men in the rear are often the unsung heroes. Marking marauding forwards, snuffing out raids, and moving up themselves in times of need.

Yet, at the end of the day, it is the strikers who grab the headlines. For the defenders, it's just yet another hard day's work. Glamour boys, they certainly aren't.

This doesn't suggest that these strong, hard, men are any less respected. For those who realise their value, they are the true heroes.

Italy's Paolo Maldini, a classy left-back, who outwits his adversaries with sublime skills, rather than harsh tackles, is among the foremost defenders in contemporary football.

Such is his anticipation that he nips in the bud threatening moves with one swift, clean touch. For many, he is the copybook defender, and his sense of `Fair Play' makes him an ideal role model for the aspirants.

Rarely does Maldini give vent to his feelings, even when he is at the receiving end of a wrong decision. The Italian is cool during crunch times, seldom making an error.

There is a distinct charm about the Azzuri, who play the game with much passion and pride. The `Blue Shirts', cutting across barriers, have a huge following, though a World Cup triumph has eluded them since 1982 in Spain.

And Maldini's rock-like solidity at the back will be a huge factor as the Azzuri mounts another challenge for the symbol of supremacy in world football.

The Italian has already figured in three World Cups ('90, '94, '98), has been involved in some famous duels, invariably coming out of the playing arena with his reputation enhanced.

For the 33-year-old Maldini, Japan 2002 will mark his last fling at World Cup glory. This in itself makes the occasion special and one can trust the old soldier to be stretching every sinew.

Interestingly, during France '98, his father Cesare Maldini, an AC Milan and Italy star of the 60s, had been the National coach. Yet, despite dishing out some flowing football, Italy went back a disappointed side.

Like his illustrious father, Paolo also turns out for AC Milan. Staying with the club ever since his Serie `A' debut at just 16, in a rare display of loyalty

He has had wonderful successes with AC Milan, yet only a World Cup medal can make such a supreme player's career complete.

The agonising defeat at the hands of Brazil in the '94 final, continues to haunt Maldini; after the scores were level, Italy went down in a shoot-out.

For most part of that emotionally charged encounter in the biggest stage of them all, Maldini had heroically kept the Samba magicians headed by Romario and Bebeto at bay.

It was a stirring performance, one in vain though.

The role of Maldini's partner in the defence, the unflappable Franco Baresi, who braved an injury to give his all for Italy, cannot be forgotten too.

Maldini now has an opportunity to wipe away the memories of that dark day in '94. Will it be fourth time lucky for this affable Italian? He does deserve to drift away on a blaze of glory.

— S. Dinakar

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport