TAFFAREL
Galatasaaray & Brazil
Full Name: Claudio Andre Taffarel
Date of Birth: May 8, 1966
Birthplace: Crissiumal, Brazil
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Previous Clubs: Rio Grande (Brazil), Parma (Italy), Reggiana (Italy), Atlético Mineiro (Brazil)
One of around a dozen goalkeepers in Brazil of roughly the same standard, Taffarel usually gets the nod because of his experience. He has three World Cups, four Copa Americas and an Olympic games behind him. In 1994, he was the hero when Brazil won a shoot-out in the final against Italy and he saved one Italian effort.
Became so fed up with criticism in 1995 that he announced he would never play for Brazil again. He was upset at comments from Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, who blamed him for the Uruguayan goal in the Copa America final which Brazil went on to lose on penalties.
In 1997, he announced he was prepared to play again and was immediately picked by Brazil coach Mario Zagallo. Looked secure at France '98 and became the hero when he saved two Dutch penalties in the semifinal shoot-out. Moves to Turkish club Galatasaray this season.
