Final-bound Brazil edge archrivals Argentina (1-0)

(FIFA.com) 15 Dec 2003

With confetti and samba rhythms filling the air of the Mohammad Bin Zayed
stadium in Abu Dhabi, Brazil pipped neighbours Argentina in UAE 2003’s
semi-final ‘Superclasico’. Dudu’s flicked header in minute 65 proved
the only difference in a finely-balanced affair, leaving holders Argentina
heading for the third-place match. Brazil perpetuate their proud tradition
with a spot in yet another Final on 19 December 2003, where they will take
on either Spain or Colombia.

With the drums beating away and an atmosphere bordering on electric, the
match began with an exhibition of tremendous midfield skill, each glowing
move greeted with an appreciative rumble from the jam-packed stands.

With Argentina employing an extra defender, the brighter Brazilians were
having their troubles picking the lock early. It was shaping up as expected:
a match neither side was keen to lose.

Even with the obvious brinksmanship at work, Brazil saw the first real
chance when Daniel raced in behind a forest of Argentine defenders. But
after rounding keeper Gustavo Eberto, he found his route to goal blocked
by Walter Garcia, sliding in bravely. The foraging defender chose to square
the ball to Juninho some six metres from goal, but he could only fire into
the belly of Eberto – back to his feet like a snap (22’).

Not to be outdone, the Albiceleste charged right back and Leandro Fernandez
was unlucky to see his header fly just inches wide of Jefferson’s post
from a Franco Cangele corner (24’).

A fine volley from Juninho just wide of Eberto’s post and a near miss of
a free kick from Daniel Carvalho at the other end signaled the close of a
scoreless opening period (38’).

Brazil came out from the changing rooms refreshed and Daniel Carvalho’s
blast from 25 metres only just sailed over the Argentine crossbar (51’).
While the Brazilians put on massive pressure, Argentina seemed satisfied
to break out on the counter.

nd it looked to be an effective tactic as Cavenaghi forced Jefferson into
an uncomfortable, diving save with a snapshot from just inside the box (54’).
The Brazilians though, continued to press. With wave after wave of attack,
it was only a matter of time before the Auriverde opened the scoring.

The crucial moment finally came from a corner. Daniel fired in the set piece
to the near post where the imposing Dudu rose brilliantly to flick past a
diving Eberto. Fernandez got his head to the ball, but it was all too late
(1-0, 65’).

Desperately needing a spark in attack, Argentine boss Hugo Tocalli brought
on Rosario Central forward German Herrera to replace struggling midfielder
Marcelo Carrusca (69’). Walter Montillo also entered the fray, replacing
Pablo Zabaleta (74’).

It looked like the Argentines had some late heroics left. Hoofing the ball
desperately into the area - as they had done in their quarter-final with
the States - they had a golden chance to draw level. But Cangele’s swerving
shot slammed against the post (90+). Not one minute later, Hugo Colace’s
close-range try barely cleared Jefferson’s crossbar (90+).

Yet even with the changes and late chances, the overly defensive Argentines
never had an answer to the Samba beat.

After the match Brazil boss Paqueta was understated, but understandably
happy with the result. “It was a very difficult match for us,” he said.
“Playing Argentina is always a difficult and special day…but it was a
tight game and it seemed obvious that the first team to score was always
going to be the team to win. We had very little time to prepare for this
competition, but during the finals we have improved with each and every
game.”

Argentina coach Hugo Tocalli was a bit more circumspect. “We have been
lucky in the past, but luck can only take you so far,” he told reporters.
“Today we lost because we failed to defend a corner kick properly…and
in a match where neither team took too many risks, we were punished for
our error. Brazil are a fine team and deserve to play in a Final.”

Tocalli also sees a tough task in preparing his side for a third-place
match with either Spain or Colombia on the 19th.

“It is a hard job to build up the players mentally and spiritually after
such a devastating loss,” he said. “But even though they may be crying
now, they are proud to wear the Blue and White and will do their all to
take the bronze medal.”