The weekend round-up
Posted on | September 7, 2009 | No Comments
After all the hype and tension, Argentina and Brazil both lived up to expectations on Saturday night in their World Cup qualifier – with the exception of the Albiceleste defence.
Maradona’s side seemed to have two faces – their gallant and persistent attack and their truly woeful and shambolic back line.
Argentina made the better start in Rosario, roared on by a passionate home support, but could not break down a well-drilled Brazil. The first goal went to the visitors against the run of play, but it was the manner of the strike which was eye-catching.
Brazil defender Luisao, who did have an excellent game overall, was totally unmarked on the edge of the six yard box as he headed in a free-kick. He had so much space he could have chested the ball down, admired the scenery, flicked it up and backheeled it in if he wanted to. And that’s barely an exaggeration.
At the back post two Argentinian defenders were inexplicably marking one man together, although they weren’t even doing a great job of that.
Brazil made it 2-0 before the break when the home defence again looked flat-footed and poorly positioned as Luis Fabiano poked home a rebound. Argentina had to respond, and respond they did.
Jesus Datolo, who made such an impact when he came on against Russia in the recent friendly, saw a gap and powered in a wonder strike from 25 yards. For a few fleeting moments it looked as though Argentina could go on and get something, only for Kaka to deliver a sucker punch almost immediately.
Brazil’s playmaker slid a marvellously weighted pass inside Gabriel Heinze, which found its way to Luis Fabiano with the aid of a slight deflection.
Fabiano applied a classy chipped finish and Argentina were down and out. Lionel Messi tried to find a way through and looked dangerous and creative throughout, but at times his team-mates seemed simply to be operating a gear down from him.
Brazil are already through to the World Cup. Argentina go to Paraguay on Wednesday still just in the automatic qualification places but only two points clear of Ecuador.
Maradona, who seemed to nibble his nails more the match went on, must know anything less than a win on Wednesday will probably cost him his job.
Elsewhere Portugal could only draw 1-1 away to Denmark, who are all but through to South Africa. Portugal’s hopes are hanging by a thread and they face the prospect of having to win all of their last three games handsomely if they are to make it.
Meanwhile France could also only manage 1-1 at home to Romania and are likely to have to at least go a play-off if they are to qualify.
In the African qualifying groups, Nigeria were held 2-2 at home to Tunisia and Ivory Coast are on the cusp of making it after beating Burkina Faso 5-0.
On Wednesday Fabio Capello’s England will be looking to join the likes of Brazil, Holland, South Korea, Australia and North Korea in clinching early qualification when they take on Croatia at Wembley.
Chris Breese
[Photo: Nica CC]
Tags: Argentina > Denmark > Diego Maradona > France > Ivory Coast > Kaka > Lionel Messi > Luis Fabiano > Nigeria > Portugal > Romania > South Africa 2010 > World Cup 2010
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