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New Job for Old Hand
Paraguay has asked Caesar to lead its legions east. The South American qualifier has signed former Italy coach Césare Maldini to guide its troops at the World Cup, ditching Uruguayan Sergio Markarian. With players like free-scoring goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert and Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz to choose from, the experienced Maldini should be able to lead Paraguay through a first-round group that also includes Slovenia, South Africa and Spain. But his real goal is to improve on their showing in 1998, when they were knocked out in the second round by a golden goal from host nation and eventual winner France. Many of Paraguay's stalwarts are already in their 30s, so this is likely to be their last chance at World Cup glory. The same goes for Maldini, whose disappointing Italian side went out of the 1998 tournament at the quarter-final stage. He turns 70 next month. |
