BRAZIL: 2009 CONFEDERATIONS CUP CHAMPION
Bruno Romani | Jun 28, 2009 | Comments 4
Not an usual game, I should say. After eliminating Spain, the US had acquired a different aura in the eyes of Brazilians. Suddenly, the squad that was massacred 3-0 became a team to be respected. That way, both sides started the match nervous. Brazil for the reason already mentioned. The US for losing virginity in a FIFA tournament final against Brazil.
The left side of the Brazilian defense invited the Americans for a big party. Andre Santos looked even more nervous than the rest of the team, and Gilberto Silva was a slow rock failing to cover the stage fright of the number 16. This is how the US found its first goal. Andre Santos left it open and Silva did not follow the American.
The goal got in the nerves of the Brazilian. Wrong passes increased and every play was rushed. For 5 minutes Brazil was completely lost.
Brazil had its first real challenge in the tournament, and one of the biggest of the Dunga era: to play against itself. Never the psychological aspect of the Brazilian team had been hit that hard. But it was just the beginning.
When finally Brazil managed to absorb the impact, and started to pressure (creating 2 chances with Melo and Maicon), the US hit again.
At that point, it was obvious that the Americans were going to explore the counter-attacks. However, Brazilians never thought they could do it just like Brazilians. The goal scored by Donovan was an exact copy of the goal Robinho scored against the Americans in the group stage. Karma is a bitch.
After the goal, Brazil got lost again. And the US could’ve ended the final there.
It took another five minutes to recover, but at that point, players could not cool down. Andre Santos, a man who was playing the second division of the Brazilian league until last year, could not handle the pressure. Ramires too. But even Kaka and Robinho seemed like freshmen.
The final 10 minutes was pure pressure, but the ball did not want to visit the back of the net. Dunga had to figure out the American monster in the half-time.
In the second-half, before the Americans could blink, Luis Fabiano was already celebrating. The striker was courageous and brave in his search for victory. The US, however, did not seem to feel the pressure as the Brazilians felt.
Gradually, Brazil started to grow. With 12 minutes, Howard denied Lucio and Gilberto missed. With 14 minutes, Kaka hit the cross bar with a header and Howard pushed the ball from inside the goal. The referee and linesmen did no see it. Desperation grew.
Americans watching the game on TV were having a live lesson about football: Unlike American sports, in football not always the best side wins.
With 20 minutes, Dunga replaced the nervous Andre Santos for a Daniel Alves – man who won everything with Barcelona, and more fit to handle the pressure.
Elano also came in replacing Ramires in order to manage better the counter attacks by the Americans and to explore long passes. Forwards? No, as Robinho shamefully was not there again.
With 25 minutes, Howard denied Luis Fabiano again. But The American defense was full of spaces. And physically speaking Brazil started to look better than the US.
Desperation grew and an yellow avalanche hammered the American defense. This is when Kaka carried the ball and crossed. Robinho, chickening out in an important match one more time, hit the bar. But Luis Fabiano gave no more chances for Howard. The draw finally took place. Some calm set in for Brazil after 75 minutes.
But the American defense melted and invited for more. And Brazil did not lay back. Kaka started to play a lot in the left since Brazil lacked a specialist.
With 5 minutes left, the Americans could not take the pressure. Lucio scored the winning goal Finally the corner worked. Finally Lucio, a man that came close to scoring in so many occasions in this tournament scored. The American dream lasted for 84minutes. But this time, this 84 marked no revolution.
Brazil held possession of the ball until the referee blew the final whistle.
Brazil is the first country to win the confederations cup for the third time. Just like it did with the World Cup by being the first country to win it for 3, 4 and 5 times.
For Dunga, it is his second title as a coach. And now Brazil seats on a very similar position as it did 4 years ago: Copa America champion, Confederations Cup champions and leading the Wolrd Cup qualifying with 27 points after the match against Paraguay. But with a big difference: this team has appetite for victory.
The mission for Dunga for now: to break the spell of winning a World Cup after lifting the Confederations Cup. You know the results in the World Cup after Brazil lifted the Confederations Cup in 97 and 05.
Let’s celebrate: É CAMPEÃO!!!
ps: No, US. You can’t.
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Filed Under: 2009 Confederations Cup • Featured • World Football
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What a match! I thought Lucio had a great tournament. If we can get Gilberto Silva off the pitch between now and next summer you have to like our chances!
Could you believe Luisao? I think this was the first time I didn’t lose my mind watching him play.
Amaaaaaazing!!!
Oso oso oso de virada é mais gostoso!!!!
Lúcio is, really, the man. Robinho sucks!
And no US, you can’t
Brazil just proved that they deserve to be still called the best football players in the world!
Brazil still has a lot of areas they need to work on. First there is a glaring lack of depth in the position of creative midfielder positions. This team has a chance of winning the World Cup next year only if it is build around Kaka and Robhino. If either of them gets injured then the whole complexion of the team changes. Right now I don’t think there are any successors and the only option is to change the playing formation. The lone forward depends entirely on the good work of both of the creative midfielders and if either of them is having an off day then nothing offensively happens. Second Gilberto Silva is too slow now. Denielson of Arsenal or other players should be tried out between now and the World Cup. Maybe he can try even Daniel Alves in that position. But seeing Dunga I think he trust GSilva a lot and can’t really see or chooses to ignore his shortcomings. His lack of speed will cause them more headache next year defensively. The position of left back is another area of concern. More players should be tried out.