How Romário Convinced Carlos Alberto Parreira

April 15th, 2008 | by: Daryl | Comments(2)

So Romário is finally, officially, retired at the age of 42. You can definitely argue that his career went on a few seasons – and a few clubs – too many, but you can’t argue with his 1994 World Cup winners medal.

During qualification for the 1994 World Cup, Romário had been dropped by Carlos Alberto Parreira for his bad attitude. But after the Seleção lost to Bolivia and needed a win over Uruguay to ensure qualification, there was a clamour for his reinstatement. So Parreira recalled Romário, and the little man did not disappoint.

The video below captures his performance at the Maracanã that day, where he was an absolute menace to the Uruguayan defence (check out that nutmeg) and scored both goals in a 2-0 win that secured World Cup qualification.

Romário kept his place in the team, and partnered Bebeto in attack for the 1994 World Cup, scoring five goals and taking the Golden Ball for best player as Brazil won the World Cup.