Football always serves up the opportunity for revenge. While many will say it’s a dish best served cold, Brazil’s defeat will remain hot. For now, at least.
After finishing runner-up in the last two editions of the Copa America, not to mention losing in the final of the Confederations Cup in 2005, Argentina – who live and breath the world game – has suffered three humiliating blows against ‘La Selecao’.
But the square-up has finally arrived.
In the semi-finals of the Olympic football tournament, an opportunity presented itself for Sergio Batista’s men to gain the revenge they have wanted for years now.
It was a chance Argentina took with both hands as they squashed, humiliated then annihilated Brazil 3-0 in Shanghai, qualifying for the gold medal match against Nigeria on Saturday.
Argentina’s emphatic victory was won through skill and determination. Just the way the Chinese faithful love it.
The first half served as an education for both sides.
Caution characterised the opening 20 minutes. The Riquelme-Messi show was yet to start due to Brazilian coach Dunga’s tactic of pressuring the Argentine captain one on one.
Lucas stuck to Riquelme like glue.
Brazilian players Anderson and Marcelo focused their energy on containing Argentina’s right edge attack, which contained Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi.
On Brazil’s side, Ronaldinho intended on showcasing his talents for Brazilian forward Rafael Sobis, who was left as a lone striker.
While Argentina played the better football, there were some alarms set by the Brazilian back Rafinha.
His persistence to attack Argentina’s right side defence caused problems for ‘La Seleccion’.
Brazil’s best opportunity came to Sobis, who failed to strike the ball with precision close to goal.
The second half was all about Argentina. Riquelme was brilliant.
As he started to gain control, so did the authority of star midfielders Javier Mascherano and Fernando Gago. Their pressure forced Brazil to give up easy possession on their own side of the park, whilst granting Di Maria the opportunity to create something for Argentina.
Di Maria whipped in a beautiful cross for Sergio Aguero to establish a 1-0 lead for Batista’s men.
After Argentina’s goal, Dunga was forced to act.
He replaced the ineffective Sobis and Hernanes for AC Milan star Alexandre Pato and Thiago Neves – two players that can cause a problem or two.
Despite the changes, Argentina’s defence, which was led well by Pareja and Garay, stood firm.
Garay, in particular, involved himself in most of his sides’ attacking threats.
It was him in the end that played the through ball for Aguero to notch his second goal, after a clinical assistance from Messi.
After going two goals down, Brazil became desperate.
Ronaldinho hit the post after striking a glorious free kick. Unfortunately for Dunga’s men, that was all the new AC Milan midfielder provided in an otherwise disappointing display.
From then on, Argentina controlled possession and Riquelme was once again the architect.
Once Brazil became desperate, Riquelme could seize the moment and provide Messi with possession to weave his magic.
It was Messi’s pass that found Aguero and allowed him to gain a penalty that would effectively end Brazil’s participation in Beijing 2008.
The match was over as a contest and the normally calm persona of Brazil unravelled.
Lucas and Thiago Neves were both sent off for committing fouls on Mascherano.
For Argentina, it was an impeccable triumph against a rival that has had its way with ‘La Seleccion’ for a couple of years.
That aura though is now washing away.
Argentina will head now head to Beijing to face Nigeria – an opponent who defeated the South Americans in Atlanta 1996 for the gold medal.
It’s time for Batista’s men to defend what is rightfully theirs.
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