World Cup Corner

One of the biggest rivalries in world football took to the field today. Regardless of who you support or where you live, few will disagree that Argentina vs. Brazil is always a special occasion. Especially with the small matter of being crowned the 2007 Copa America champions.
In the 14 years since Argentina has won a major trophy, their eternal rivals Brazil have clocked up a couple of World Cups, Intercontinental Cups and Copa Americas. Coco Basile (who won 2 copa Americas and serveral club titles with Boca Juniors) has been drafted to snap their losing streak.

On paper, the Argentinians have the superior squad, and their football thus far in the competition have been phenomenal. Brazil on the other hand, seems to have kept their insipid tactics from World Cup 2006. A few world class stars and the rest of the team supporting them.

While the Copa America has lost alot of it’s glamour in recent years, as evidenced by Brazil fielding a “weakened” squad, it is still a source of immense pride to be crowned champions. Especially if you can rub the noses of your bitterest rivals in the process.

Let’s move to Venezuela now for the 2007 Copa America final!

First Half:
4th Minute: A long pass finds Baptista relatively unmarked and he promptly shoots/chips the Argentine keeper. GOLAZO!!!! A great start to the game.
23rd Minute: At the half way point of the first half, Brazil seems to be asking all the questions.
40th Minute: An innocuous looking cross is turned into his own net by Roberto Ayala. A DISASTEROUS own goal. Argentina have a mountain to climb now. A goal before half time will boost their morale.
46th Minute: The referee brings a close to the first 45 minutes. Argentina look strangely exhausted and not thier usual selves.

Second Half:
15th Minute: More of the same from the first half. Argentina fail to show any urgency.
23rd Minute: Danny Alves strikes the killer 3rd goal after good build up play from Robinho and Wagner Love. The game is as good as over.
30th Minute: Argentina finally come out of their shell and start to press the Brazillians. But it seems to be too little too late.

Final Score
Brazil 3 - Argentina 0

Whether it was the intense heat or some other fatigue factor, the Argentines have looked extremely sloppy and uncomposed today. Very unlike their usual selves. In fact, I`m not sure if Brazil won the game so much as Argentina self destructed.
It is my hope that Argentina take this defeat as a platform to build upon. To win the ultimate prize, the 2010 World Cup.