The stars to watch: 4. The strikers

The stars to watch: 4. The strikers

By Richard Pedler

JAKARTA (JP): Among the star strikers missing from USA'94 are
Van Basten and Gullit (Holland), Sosa and Fonseca (Uruguay), as
well as Papin, Shearer, Yeboah, Weah, and Kolyvanov (Russia, by
choice).

In the past, the World Cup has been blessed with the deadliest
strikers. Just Fontaine hit 13 in six games for France back in
1958. In 1970, Jairzinho scored in all seven matches Brazil
played, while Der Bomber Gerd Muller was the last to make double
figures with 10 the same year.

Another double-figure scorer is well overdue, and this could
happen thanks to the unevenness of the groups. With two of the
weakest teams in Group F, a flood of goals may come to Denis
Bergkamp or Josip Weber, thus creating a modern record to match
the legends of old.

Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina (1 Feb. 1969)

Although playing with Caniggia and/or Balbo, Argentina's leading
scorer can create goals out of nothing and without need of
support.

Dennis Bergkamp, Holland (18 May 1969)

He may find it tough as the lone forward star, but if Bergkamp
can finish off the chances that Dutch play usually creates, he
will show the class that cost Internazionale US$12 million.

Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria (23 Oct. 1963)

Giant forward with incredible speed off the mark, a powerful shot
and excellent ball control. Top scorer this year in Portugal,
and Africa's Footballer of the Year.

Jurgen Klinsmann, Germany (30 July 1964)

The caring environmentalist is back after prematurely retiring in
1991. Most defenders will wish he had. Mr. "Take-a-Dive" insists
that the 'Perfect Six' is just an expression of his mental and
physical commitment.

Bebeto, Brazil (16 Feb. 1964)

In two years his goals have taken Deportiva La Coruna from
relegation fodder to the verge of the Spanish title. More mobile
than Romario, this will be his only World Cup. Modest but deadly.

Josip Weber, Belgium (16 Nov. 1964)

Scored five goals on his debut earlier this month, the only
Croatian at USA'94.

Tomorrow: OPENING CEREMONY