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!
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Brazil have historically been considered the best footballing nation in the world, with a seemingly endless supply of world class players every generation, they have the mindset, almost divine right to the World Cup. Every tournament has the Brazillians pretty much the favorites. This speaks for itself.

But lately, there seems to be something about the way the current Brazillians play. It has been in effect since the 2006 World Cup. Just play the top stars (Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo) and load the team with the regular supporting cast and hope for the best. While individually still a joy to watch, there is another team that has overtaken the Brazillians by playing swashbuckling, passing and creative TEAM football.
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Australia play Uruguay in Montevideo on 12 November before hosting the South Americans in Sydney on 16 November. The winners of the play-off will advance to the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany. It is the last time Australia will attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup through Oceania, with them joining the Asian confederation for the 2010 qualifiers.

The Australian soccer federation reported that they are satisfied with the security arrangements for the World Cup playoff in Uruguay after previously expressing concern. Australia had threatened to walk off the pitch in next month’s first leg in Montevideo if there was a repeat of the crowd trouble that marred their previous visit four years ago when the players were jostled and spat at.

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Qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany is almost over.

There are just five more places for the finals in Germany which will start on June 9. Play-offs will be played on 12 and 16 November.

EUROPE
Read our previous post.

SOUTH AMERICA
Uruguay go into a two-legged play-off with Australia.

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1. Argentina (31 points)
2. Brazil (30)
3. Ecuador (26)
4. Paraguay (25)
5. Uruguay (21)
6. Colombia (20)
7. Chile (20)
8. Venezuela (18)
9. Peru (15)
10. Bolivia (13)

Ecuador need a point at home to Uruguay on Saturday to ensure their place at the 2006 World Cup finals. Paraguay can also qualify if they win or draw in Venezuela and other results go their way.

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Playing a brand of stylish and flowing football, Argentina beat Brazil 3-1 to become South America’s first qualifiers for Germany 2006. Thousands of home supporters seemed oblivious to the Buenos Aires cold as they celebrated qualification for Germany, exacting revenge for their defeat by the world champions in last year’s Copa America final in the process.