BRAZIL IN THE 2010 WORLD CUP AFTER CRUSHING ARGENTINA

Brazil is the first South American nation to get a ticket for South Africa. An the qualification could not come in better fashion. Brazil visited Argentina, who, conducted by Maradona, relied on every psychological antic to hide the fact that his team has several limitations.

As expected, Argentina started the match pressuring while Brazil tried to maintain ball possession. Brazil had difficulties specially in the middle as Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva and Elano avoided physical contact. Argentina had space, but its offensive aspirations died in one more superb performance if the Brazilian defense, formed by Lucio and Luisao in the center and Maicon and Andre Santos covering the sides.

When Brazil tried to counter attack, its offensive players were fouled. And this is how Argentina started to collapse. Elano was not inspired with the ball in movement. But that was a different story when it stopped. With a free-kick, he found Luisao, alone in the box, to score the first and remind the home team of how bad its defense is. Seba is known in Brazilian football for being mediocre.

The 1-0 shocked Argentina. All the psychological preparation turned into drama. Five minutes later, more of the same. Free-kick. Elano takes it. And the ball ended in the back of the net with Luis Fabiano. True that this time, Kaka was essential for that to happen as he found Maicon to fire the shot that resulted in the rebound for Fabuloso.

After that, Argentina, which under normal circumstances already has a very poor organization, seemed lost. It had only one chance that ended with Julio Cesar. Brazil had the chance to construct a historical score, but Robinho, one more time, was not on the same page as his teammates.

The second-half emulated the first-half. Argentina trying to pressure, Brazil with some loose defending on the midfield, and neither side creating chances. Excellent for Brazil.

As both a result of the loose midfield and the despair of the home team, Argentina started attempting long ranges. With 17 minutes, one of them visited the net of Julio Cesar, filling the fans and the coach with some hope. Too early.

Two minutes later, Kaka and Luis Fabiano showcased geniality. The first gave a long assist. And the second was precise in finishing it with a beautiful touch. The goal was a hard hit for Argentina. The match was over. And Fabuloso is the top scorer of the qualifying with 9 goals (and as a reminder – he scored 3 times against Uruguay and 2 times against Argentina)

After the goal, Ramires replaced Robinho and Daniel Alves replaced Elano. A good move to try the 4th in a counter attack.

But the game was over. Tevez had to swallow all the words uttered throughout the week. Messi was a ghost one more time with his national team. And Maradona received another kick in the butt by Brazil.

With the result, Dunga wrote history again:

1) It is the first time a South American side qualifies for the cup with 3 matches still to go;
2) It is the first time Brazil wins in Argentina in 33 years – the last time Brazil won in Argentina in a official match was in 1976 with goals by Lula and Zico;
3)It is the first time in 16 years, or 34 games, that Argentina lost at home for a World Cup qualifying match – the last time was in that historical game with Colombia (whicc, as a coincidence took place on September 5th);
4) Brazil added another game to its undefeated series. 18 matches now.

And one thing is clear: the only reason the local fans did not get more intense with the coach is because he is Maradona. In other times, the coach would not be able to leave the stadium.

As for Brazil, the team looks very good. Too early to say if it will win the cup, but it is already a huge favorite.

Now, pardon my French: “CHUPA ARGENTINA!”

Related posts:

1. World Cup Qualifiers: Portugal still alive. Argentina qualifies.
2. Riquelme quits Argentina.
3. 2010 World Cup South Africa – game on baby!
4. Brazil in the Final
5. See who has already booked a ticket to the World Cup in South Africa 2010.