Katy
IP: 80.7.116.42
Jun 19th, 2008 - 9:27 PM |
Re: Brazil-Argentina 0-0
Here's some info, Soltan.....
Can't find any video's yet!
19/06/2008 04:53
Brazil And Argentina Disappoint In Tame Draw
Brazil 0-0 Argentina
Arch-rivals Brazil and Argentina fought out a disappointing goalless draw in their 2010 World Cup qualifier at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte in front of almost 60,000 fans...
First Half
Brazil started the stronger of the two sides but although they looked very sharp in the midfield they lacked authority when moving forward and didn't trouble Roberto Abbondanzieri's goal.
As the match progressed neither of the two teams took control and it was more of a battle in the midfield as both teams failed to create any goal-scoring opportunities.
But the Brazilians looked the livelier and began to inflict heavy pressure on the Argentine goal with a number of dangerous attacks.
On the 20-minute mark Brazil should have been awarded a clear penalty when Gabriel Heinze studded Juan in the area, but referee Oscar Julian Ruiz waved play-on.
Minutes later Brazil had a great opportunity to go ahead when Robinho had a crossed effort blocked before Julio Baptista saw his point-blank shot brilliantly saved by Abbondanzieri.
Brazil were clearly on top at this stage and had another chance to break the deadlock when Robinho charged into the area from the left wing, but the Real Madrid striker couldn't manage a shot on goal despite getting past Abbondanzieri.
Right before half-time Lionel Messi was sent through on goal, but the Barcelona superstar shot incredibly wide of Julio Cesar's left post.
Seconds later Ruiz brought an end to a half that didn't live up to the expectation generated before the match as both sides played well below their capabilities.
Second Half
In the second period the pace of the match dropped a great deal, and the Argentines began to take the initiative.
Julio Cruz should have given Alfio Basile's side the lead but the Inter Milan striker fired his close-range effort over the bar when it seemed that Julio Cesar had already been beaten.
Minutes later Brazil had their own opportunity to go ahead when a long-range Julio Baptista free-kick needed an outstanding save from Abbondanzieri.
However, from that moment Argentina looked the more dangerous side, particularly through Messi who caused havoc down the left flank with his speed and silky moves.
Still, Brazil had their chances and Julio Baptista made Abbondanzieri stretch to save an acrobatic effort that only lacked pace, after a smart pass from substitute Luis Fabiano.
In second-half injury time Messi almost snatched Argentina the victory when he charged into the box with awesome speed and had a powerful effort saved by Julio Cesar, before firing the rebound over the crossbar.
Ruiz put an end to an extremely disappointing match between two football giants, who just weren't up to the challenge on this occasion. Argentina should be relatively pleased with a vital away point, while Carlos Dunga's position as coach of Brazil is likely to be under serious question.
Team Line-ups:
Brazil (0): Julio Cesar, Juan, Maicon, Gilberto, Lucio, Mineiro, Gilberto Silva, Julio Baptista, Anderson (Diego 34') (Afonso 79'), Robinho and Adriano (Luis Fabiano 70'). Coach: Carlos Dunga.
Argentina (0): Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Fabricio Coloccini, Gabriel Heinze, Nicolas Burdisso, Juan Roman Riquelme (Sebastian Battaglia 83'), Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago, Jonas Gutierrez, Lionel Messi (Rodrigo Palacio 90') and Julio Cruz (Sergio Aguero 67'). Coach: Alfio Basile.
Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia).
Venue: Mineirao stadium, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Att: 57,000.
Gregory Sica Goal.com
*******************************************************************************
19/06/2008 05:30
Player Ratings: Brazil 0-0 Argentina
Gregory Sica rates the individuals on show as bitter rivals Brazil and Argentina fought out a goalless draw in a World Cup qualifier at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil...
BRAZIL
Julio Cesar: 8.5 – Looked very secure between the posts. Made a couple of very important saves, and was much of the reason why Argentina were unable to snatch a late victory.
Juan: 7.5 – He defended well, particularly in the second half, and moved to the attack as often as possible.
Maicon: 7.0 - Looked very energetic at the beginning of the match, but faded away as the match progressed.
Gilberto: 6.0 - Did well in defense when he had to, but rarely helped the attack, and looked tired when moving forward.
Lucio: 8.0 - A solid performance from the captain. Always pushed his side forward, and made some important interceptions.
Mineiro: 6.0 – Played relatively well, but it was clearly evident that he lacks a physical presence. Was constantly knocked around by the hard-tackling Argentines.
Gilberto Silva: 6.5 - An acceptable performance from the defensive midfielder. Did well to break down some dangerous Argentine attacks. Still, more is expected of him.
Julio Baptista: 8.0 - Was Brazil's main inspiration when moving forward. Always looked dangerous, and could have given Brazil the three points with one of his many close calls.
Anderson: 4.5 - Was given a starting role after a good performance against Paraguay from the bench. But he looked extremely nervous and was replaced because of injury.
Robinho: 5.5 - Showed flashes of his brilliance towards the end of the first half, but barely got a touch of the ball after the break. Clearly misses the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho.
Adriano: 4.5 - Promised a lot at the beginning of the match, but didn't live up to expectation. Outmuscled the likes of Burdisso, but that was about it.
Substitutions:
Diego: 5.0 - Came on for an injured Anderson, but was replaced late on in the match. Made no impact what-so-ever.
Luis Fabiano: 7.0 - Was very motivated and made some good runs down the right wing. Caused Argentina some serious problems in the little time that he played.
Afonso: n/a
ARGENTINA
Roberto Abbondanzieri: 8.0 - Looked very confident in goal, although he wasn't called upon much. Proved he is the best goalkeeper in the world when it comes to long distance passing.
Javier Zanetti: 7.0 - A consistent display. Moved forward when he needed to and did well to intercept plays.
Fabricio Coloccini: 7.0 - Was recalled to the national team and did relatively well. An overall good performance.
Gabriel Heinze: 6.5 - Started well, but in the second half he was very imprecise with his short passing. Still, did well to keep Brazil's strikers out of the game.
Nicolas Burdisso: 7.0 - Struggled to deal with Adriano's physical presence, but always looked solid in the back.
Juan Roman Riquelme: 4.0 - As was the case against Ecuador had little impact on the match. Never got going and lacked precision with his passing.
Javier Mascherano: 7.0 - Rarely lost his marker and made important tackles when he needed to. Was also called upon for Argentina's dirty work.
Fernando Gago: 7.5 - Came more into the match as it progressed. Impressed late in the second half, and even managed to make some good runs. Some promising signs.
Jonas Gutierrez: 7.0 - Must have been surprised to get a starting role, but he was very impressive, and proved that he can play an important role for the side in the future.
Lionel Messi: 8.5 – Under the circumstances it was an exceptional performance from the Barcelona superstar. Was Argentina's main danger man, and penetrated the Brazilian defense time and time again. Almost won Argentina the three points late on.
Julio Cruz: 5.5 – Looked dangerous when in the area, but other than that seemed quite isolated. Missed a glorious opportunity to put Argentina ahead in the first half.
Substitutions:
Sergio Aguero: 4.5 - Same story as in the Ecuador clash. Looked very much off form, and his shooting left a lot to be desired.
Sebastian Battaglia: n/a
Rodrigo Palacio: n/a
Gregory Sica Goal.com
***********************************************************************************
Riquelme: We Should Have Beaten Brazil
Juan Román Riquelme was in no doubt that Argentina deserved to defeat Brazil in the closely contested goalless draw on Wednesday evening after dominating the second half.
The Boca Juniors playmaker believes that the Albiceleste had the better chances and more possession and should have secured all three points in the World Cup qualifier.
Those chances were spurned, however, and Argentina earned a point from the match and that has not gone down well with Riquelme.
"In the second half we were better than our opponents and we had some very clear chances to win. We just failed to score, nothing more," he said.
"The best thing that we did today is what we always do, to move the ball around well. In the second period we had a lot more possession than them and when we have the ball we always feel calmer."
After drawing at home to Ecuador on Sunday, Riqueme admits that it was never going to take much for Argentina to improve and he was not too unhappy with the display.
"We knew that we could not play worse then Sunday and that made us relax ahead of this game," he continued. "It is good because we played against a great team, one of hte best in the world and to play here is not easy.
"We are happy with the way we performed and with the team we have, but we are not happy with the draw. We played well and wanted to win and I think from our performance in the second half we were better than them."
Ian Dixon, Goal.com
|