Brazil and Argentina Ready to Rumble
June 29, 2005
This dream match-up between the South American soccer superpowers is seen by many as a potential dress rehearsal for the World Cup final back in Germany next year.
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira singled out Juan Roman Riquelme and Juan Pablo Sorin as Argentina's dangermen. But he watched Argentina's at times strong-armed win over Mexico in Sunday's semi-final and insisted Brazil were up for anything the Argentines threw at them.
"Brazil cannot be intimidated. We must concentrate on playing football because, although Argentina has a very good team, Brazil are not afraid of a tough match," Parreira said. "Because of the historical rivalry there are no friendly games between Brazil and Argentina."
Ronaldinho, who burst onto the scene at the 1999 Confed Cup where Brazil were stunned 4-3 in the final by Mexico, concurred. "We are eternal rivals so this is a final that motivates us a lot," Barcelona's World Footballer of the Year said.
Wednesday's mouth-watering final offers Brazil a chance for quick revenge after the 3-1 mauling by Jose Pekerman's side in this month's World Cup qualifier. Brazil's Confed Cup campaign started brightly against Greece but then came that shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico which meant a do-or-die clash in their final group game against Japan. Goals from Robinho and Ronaldinho put them through as Group B runners-up.
Argentina, in contrast, sailed through the group stages, with wins against Tunisia, Australia and a draw with Germany. But the two time World Cup winners almost came to grief in the semi-finals against Mexico when only Luciano Figueroa's 110th minute equalizer set up a penalty shoot-out where they prevailed 6-5.
"It's going to be a great match, I'm thrilled to have the chance to play in this "clasico", said the Villareal player who notched up a hat-trick against Australia.
Argentina face the reigning world champions without striker Javier Saviola, suspended after being sent off against Mexico. The Monaco player's place is due to be filled by Real Zaragoza's Luciano Galletti.
Adriano fit
Brazil's bull of an attacker Adriano, scorer of two of the goals in the 3-2 semi-final win over Germany, limped out of training Monday but was later declared fit to take part.
With Brazil having beaten Germany on Saturday, Argentina have had one day less to prepare for the final, and they also had to endure 30 minutes of stamina-sapping extra time in Sunday's semi-final, but Pekerman shrugged off fatigue as a factor.
"My team are young and ambitious, we'll be ready for Brazil," he said.
The countries have met 92 times before, with the score changing depending on which camp you talk to. Brazil reckon it stands at 33 wins apiece with 26 draws, Argentina disagree, claiming they hold the advantage with 37 wins against 33 defeats and 22 draws.