WORLD CUP USA ‘94: ROUND OF 16 : Spotlight : HEROES HAVE HEROES

Before an April 20 exhibition in Paris against France’s leading professional team, Paris St. Germain, Brazilian players discovered that they were sharing their hotel with their country’s No. 1 sports hero, Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna.

“He was invited to the kickoff of the game as our special guest,” Brazil Coach Parreira said.

Eleven days later, Senna was killed in a crash in Italy.

If they win the World Cup, Brazilian players say they will dedicate their triumph to the memory of Senna.