Gabriel revels in Taffarel comparisons
Gabriel revels in Taffarel comparisons (FIFA.com) Tuesday 16 August 2011 © Getty Images Shoot-outs smiled on Brazil for many years. They won the USA 1994 decider, their France 1998 semi-final, their closing two ties in the Copa America 2004, and a last-four contest in the same competition three years later on penalties. Brazilians' shoot-out confidence was, nevertheless, shattered one month ago in Argentina. Medially because of the fact they lost to Paraguay on spot-kicks. Mainly due to the manner in which they lost. Elano, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos and Fred missed all A Seleção's attempts. Julio Cesar was unable to stop any of Paraguay's three, two of which were successful. So, when the referee's whistle brought 120 minutes – and a pulsating 2-2 draw with Spain in their FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-final - to a close in Pereira on Sunday evening, Brazilians were pessimistic. The Iberians had, furthermore, scored six of their seven penalties to elimi