The stars to watch: 1. The libero

The stars to watch: 1. The libero

By Richard Pedler

JAKARTA (JP): While defensive sweepers have been around since
catenaccio won the Internazionale team of Helenio Herrera few
friends but two Champions' Cups (1964-5), the pioneering
attacking libero was a German, Franz Beckenbauer.

West Germany's World Cup captain in 1974, Der Kaiser had been
assigned to man-mark Bobby Charlton at Wembley in 1966. Six years
later, he took on a free role at Bayern Munich. Lying deep, he
swept up behind his defense. Surging forward with the ball, he
was difficult to pick up as he made solo runs towards the
opponents' penalty box, unleashing a powerful shot that often
caught the defense asleep.

In 1974, he took Bayern Munich to the first of three
successive Champions' Cup wins. That same year, his national
coach Helmut Schoen put his faith in the attacking libero and was
handsomely rewarded when his captain held aloft the new FIFA
World Cup to complete a unique 'double.'

USA'94: The Liberos

Germany: Lotthar Matthaus (21 March 1961)

Beckenbauer's legacy is the withdrawal of an aging Lotthar
Matthaus from midfield playmaker to sweeper. While Berti Vogts
has also tried Matthias Sammer and Guido Buchwald in the free
role, he will stick by the captain who has won everything.

Franco Baresi, Italy (8 May 1960)

A 17-year veteran who has won everything with AC Milan. Recalled
from retirement to add his rock-like presence to the Milan-
centered defense.

Rune Bratseth, Norway (19 March 1961)

The most complete footballer in Norway's history, he is the
fastest man at USA'94. His experience and pace make the defense
virtually impregnable.

Vasili Kulkov, Russia (11 June 1966)

Star of Benfica's Portuguese title-winning team.

Ronald Koeman, Holland (21 March 1963)

Now much slower, he still unleashes bullet free-kicks, and
distributes the ball 50 meters with pinpoint accuracy.

Thomas Dooley, U.S. (12 May 1961)

The United States' key player, his experience is needed to cover
behind a leaky defense, but may be chosen in midfield, which
would be a mistake.