Copa America Final Maracaibo, Venezuela
Yes, some calls went against Argentina but in no right mind did they play well enough to get a sniff of victory. Brazil's Elano - before he had to go off due to a knock in the first half - was simply brilliant as the architect of that first goal. Vagner Love played with more passion and tenacity than every previous Copa America appearance before this. The little Josue organized the midfield nobly and suffering the fouls that stunted Argentina's progress. Ayala's own goal was a miscue but, nevertheless, a necessary one - the attempt had to be made to get the ball out of danger and Ayala's slide was a little too technically spot on for his own good as he redirected the cross behind Abbondonzieri.
Elano's "back-up" and Chelsea target Dani Alves was fantastic coming on early. He took a bit to get into the match but ended terrorizing that right side and eventually scoring the third goal which involved at least 3 other Brazilians and started from inside Brazilian territory. His finish was immaculate as was the Brazilian "B" team's performance. It was Brazil's eighth Copa America win.
Any opinion as to the problem with Argentina?
Match Report from ESPN Soccernet
Match Report from CopaAmerica.com
BRA: Julio Baptista (5), Own Goal (Ayala), Dani Alves (69)
ARG: NONE
Major League Soccer Sunday (7/15/2007)
Houston 0, Toronto FC 0
Robertson Stadium
A deadlock highlighted only by the Maurice Edu ejection as MLS 2007 Superdraftees are learning the hard way (Bakary Soumare, a first round selection for the Fire, has been sent off recently as well). Houston set the record for longest shutout streak and the minute count stands at 695.
Match Report from MLSNet.com (w/a)
Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer (w/a)
HOU: NONE
TFC: NONE
2 comments:
No doubt about it, "the ball is round." Brazil may have lost to Mexico but they bucked up in the end.
Mexico had their chances against Argentina but didn't convert.
Today a younger Brazil "B" team showed us why they are just about everyone's favorite team.
Argentina for all their depth never seemed to find their rhythm today. Kind of strange they didn't even show off their passing game where the crowd yells "Ole" because they can keep possession for long periods of time.
Would have been nice if Team "B" USA could have stayed a little longer to learn something. I wonder what Coach Bob Bradley, with his half-hatched idea to come to this tournament with a pretty much untested lineup learned.
The US Federation needs to get a "real soccer coach" someone who has played. Sunil Gulati, how did you mess up that deal with Klinsman?
I think the biggest problem with Argentina was Brazil. They were too big, too fast, and if not as technically sound as Argentina still pretty freakin' great. I don't think Coco Basile was quite prepared for that and neither were the players. They were expecting the Brazil that lets its opponent play as much as it plays.
They got punched in the face and their game plan and mindset could not recover in time ... Brazil didn't give them the time.
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