Evening is falling in Toulouse and the computers are working full speed. Argentina has won 1-0 against Japan with some anxiety. The Argentine fans are divided between cheering for the team and giving thanks for Batistuta. Inside the stadium, in the pressroom, a group of Italian reporters discuss a problem: Batistuta or Ronaldo? The first to respond was Tomati Franco, special reporter of La Gazetta dello Sport: "I have no doubts: Batistuta. Gabriel is a unique player, who makes the difference in any game, condition or circumstance. For Argentina, Fiorentina or for the Reconquista team, Batistuta is always there." His colleagues and compatriots, who in this moment give priority to the dribbling ability of Ronaldo, lower their guard. The argument of Franco was sufficient to finalize the discussion.

Four years ago, in Boston, Bati shouted to the world his hunger for the goal. Argentina debuted in the World Cup and the goal scorer would not be relegated to a second level: three goals against Greece were enough to start the whole world talking about this native of Santa Fe, strong and yet good natured. And his goals in the debut gave Argentina the possibility to win its first three points. It was as if he had in mind to give reason to Junior or to help the good sense of Tomati Franco. Batistuta is always there.

"Of course, I always want to be there. In the U.S., France, China, I always want to wear the national uniform. For me there is nothing like the pride of defending the colors of my country."

And the pride is the same when you face an opponent as weak as Japan?
"Surely. I know that against the Japanese, we were not brilliant. But in a debut the important thing is to win. Afterward there is time to get better and to fix certain things. But the first is to win. For this I am happy."

The objective is clear. But it was very distinct from the debut in the U.S.
"Well, not all games are equal. That time Maradona was there, and everything was different. Now perhaps the fans expect other things, but us, no. We came to win and we did win. He expected a tough game and they gave it to us. Also, we wanted the three points and we obtained them. I am happy to be in the World Cup and I enjoyed scoring the first goal for the win. I think we can play much better. Besides, you know that the Japanese can score.

And against Jamaica, the team has to play better, or they also are going to score.
"Over here nobody will gift you anything, and the intensity levels everything. Look at the first results. Brazil won with a goal against, Holland could not against Belgium, Italy tied with Chile, and Spain lost against Nigeria. Everything is upset. But I think that without the nervousness of the debut, against Jamaica, we can do more than just win."

Night falls in Toulouse. In the roads that cross the Island of Arcade, the great part of six thousand Argentines walk proudly through the French city. Batistuta gets on the bus and joins with Veron, Ortega and Simeone in trying to help give a hand to Claudio Lopez in order to raise his spirits. Lopez is depressed after being replaced in the second half. It is Bati who, after a period of readjustment to the group, returns to be a reference point for the team. Now he joins in the jokes, songs and cheers and … the goals, as always. In the last four games, (Bosnia, Chile, South Africa and Japan) Gabriel scored goals in each. And if the last six games are counted, he scored seven times, as if to ratify that Batistuta is always there.

A while ago, Passarella commented that he saw you with more mobility. Do you think that you have recently acquired this skill?
"In the national team, it could be. But in this I have to give credit to Daniel. He had reason when he said that he needed to work with me enough time before joining the team."

But what changed, the team or you?
"Both. I am more dynamic in my movements, and the team now knows where I am going to move. Besides, it would be unjust for the whole team to adapt to my type of play. It is evident that, because of the number of games they played together, Lopez and Crespo complemented each other very well. But this time, the work with the team served for me to understand with Lopez and this elevated my level. Besides the change of play in Fiorentina benefited me. To be more offensive, I needed to move more to make spaces. Before I did not have to do this, I played alone, at the point, and my team gifted me the ball when they could. Now, instead, I am obliged to get further back and to also make some passes."

Gabriel, do you see yourself as the top scorer of this World Cup?
"No. Obviously, I would like it, but I prefer that the team plays well before I win top scorer. Besides the quantity of goals scored depends a lot on the number of games played. In the U.S., for example, I started with three goals in one game, but afterward it became more complicated. If we play the seven games needed to get to the final, there will be more chances to score."

And it doesn't bother you when comparisons with Ronaldo move you to the second level?
No. These things do not bother me. Ronaldo and I are distinct players. He is a born star and I had to work very hard to make myself a good player. It is an honor to be compared with one who is considered the best in the world. Probably, it would bother some people, but not me. Also, I have an advantage in my favor: ten years of professional football and the experience that comes with it. Luckily I have my feet firmly on the ground and these things do not bother me."

Passarella said that you are motivated because this is a special World Cup for you.
"It is partly true, although to wear the uniform of the national team always is a plus, this could be a tournament very distinct on a personal level."

Why:
"It could be my last. In 2002 I will be 32 years old and it will be difficult to maintain a high level of play, but I cannot discard anything."

He makes phone calls from the team headquarters in L'Etrat on his cell phone to Reconquista to speak with his parents, and nightly calls to Irina in Florence. In discussions with Julio Grondona on the subject of the player premiums, or in the jokes of his companions, inside and outside the field, in the words of Argentine and Italian reporters—Batistuta is always there.

Bati, a few days ago, the Italian press expected Trappatoni to make a visit to you, do you think that…
"(Interrupting) NO! I don't think he will do that. Besides if he wants to come to convince me to stay with Fiorentina, he can save the trip. I made my decision and I will not change it. I need a change of air and to go to a club with better chances to win something important. For several years they have promised me to form a competitive team and they never did it. Because of this I think that my time with Fiorentina is over."

But they idolize you in Florence.
"Of course I know this, but the fans have nothing to do with this. I want to progress and I think that this is the ideal time to leave."

And if they offer you more money to stay?
"This always happens. When you are playing well, they do everything to keep you. When things are going badly, they try to pay less. This is done in all parts of the world."

Gabriel. Do you think that Argentina will go far in this tournament?
"One cannot be sure, but I think that we are going down the right road. And also it is certain that we have the ability to get to the finals. But it would be irresponsible to affirm this now. The people have to be cautious, to have confidence in the team but also to realize that there are 32 teams fighting for the title. Unfortunately, only one will be happy at the end. Hopefully it will be us. But, it could be bad luck. I am prepared for us to do well, and also for things to go badly…."

One can prepare for things to go badly?
"Yes, in '94, I received a very bad blow with the elimination against Romania. It was the greatest sadness of my career. Today, four years later, I take things more calmly, and this will help me."

This will be an active week for Batistuta. While the national team prepares for the encounter with Jamaica, in Florence they will decide his future. He could get a yellow uniform with blue stripes. Parma wants to win the scudetto and wants to purchase Batistuta for l4 million dollars plus the transfer of Hernan Crespo.

But Bati remains silent. He knows that this will be a fundamental time for his career. Running through his mind are his goal against Japan, the national hymn when he stood with his eyes closed, thinking about Irina and the boys, the pain in his ankle suffered after a blow from the Japanese, and his unhappiness for wanting to do more and not being able to.

"This player is a monster. For a long time he has shown his power and instinct for the goal. To me he seems extraordinary, incomparable and capable of anything." Junior could not stop his admiration for Gabriel. At a distance, Tomati Franco, the Italian reporter for La Gazetta Dello Sport raised his arms as a victory signal. He feels Batistuta is the winner—in Fiorentina and Argentina—because, in the words of the Brazilian Junior, the blond hero, with powerful legs, a generous heart and a soft voice, always gives reasons for praise. Yesterday, today, Batistuta is always there.

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