Brazil Sends Soccer World Signal

Two goals from Adriano, pure magic by the Brazilian midfield and solid work by the Brazil defense sent the defending world champions the Confederations Cup glory on Wednesday evening.

The 4-1 victory over an unrecognizable Argentina, showcased the very best in Brazilian talent, with every one of their world class players notching a goal, and Adriano getting two. In mashing the opponents that had beaten them 3-1 in World Cup qualifiers earlier in the month, Brazil reaffirmed as favorites to win the big trophy when the World Cup kicks off in Germany next year.

"I'm happy and proud that everything worked out so well," said Adriano, who was voted player of the tournament. "To win the cup ahead of the World Cup was very important to us."

With stars to spare

Though playing without world class striker Ronaldo, midfielder Cafu and defender Roberto Carlos and stumbling (for them) through the tournament with a loss against Mexico and a difficult win against Japan, Brazil was nothing but top form against their fiercest rivals.

The Selecao got going early in the match, making the most out of its few chances. Adriano showed again why he has been the most prolific goal-scorer in this tournament, unleashing a rocket in the 11th minute to give his side the lead. As the Argentine defense to contain him along the top of the penalty box, Adriano powered his way laterally along the line and unleashed one of his trademark shots. The ball not only seemed to break the sound barrier, but curled inward as well, making it impossible for a diving German Lux to get a bead on.

Argentina seemed resolved to make good, charging down the field on the next possession and having a shot just knocked away by Dida, who came almost to the penalty box to challenge the charging Argentine striker.

Kaka, not Argentina, next up

In the 16th minute, midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme tried a world class shot of his own and the ball curled just to the right of Dida's net. A moment later, Brazil answered out of nowhere.

A long ball on the left side to Robinho and the young sensation played it to Kaka. The boyish midfielder turned and, without hesitating, unleashed a straight shot to the upper right corner of the net which Lux could not get a hold of.

Argentina appeared visibly shaken by Brazil's early lead. Though the Gauchos had made good attempts in the Brazil half of the field, they made nothing out of their chances. Brazil, with two real ones, made two goals.

Ronaldinho puts nail in coffin

The second half sprung wide open before it really began. Cicinho, who played a sensational match, crossed from the right side to Ronaldinho, who took it at his middrift in traffic and directed it into Lux's net in the 46th minute.

Almost 15 minutes later, in the 63rd minute, Adriano took another opportunity to prove why he was later voted MVP of the tournament. Cicinho was at work again, crossing beautifully from the right side. Adriano roses to meet the ball and headed it into the net for an overwhelming 4-1 lead.

Argentina was only able to answer with a goal two minutes later, on a diving header from midfielder Pablo Aimar. But subsequent shots on goal were nicely parried by Dida and Argentina was never convincing enough to give Brazil pause for concern.