Brazil 0 - 0 Argentina - World Cup 2010 Qualifier

June 19, 2008

Last night in Belo Horizonte, in front of a crowd of 55,000 which included Ronaldinho, Jose Mourinho and representatives from FC Barcelona, Brazil took on world number ones Argentina in the latest South American World Cup Qualifier.

After respective poor performances the two teams were looking to bounce back especially against their fierce rivals. 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 game continued, neither team looked interested in taking control with the majority of the game being fought out in midfield. 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.

Brazil began to dictate the proceedings as halftime approached, Robinho missing despite guiding the ball past the Argentine Goalkeeper.

In the second half the pacey Brazilian style tempo slowed dramatically and Argentina began to get into the game, Brazil being limited to one fine free kick by Baptista, which was saved by Abbondanzieri. 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.

As the game was brought to a close the Argentine’s were clearly satisfied with an away point but now the status of Dunga as coach of Brazil is looking increasingly uncertain.

by Robert Fitzpatrick

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