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| June 28, 2005 | Tuesday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 20, 1426 |
Tired Argentina prepare for Brazil clash
HANOVER (Germany), June 27: After eking out a win over Mexico, a relieved but weary Argentina are hoping they can recharge their batteries for the Confederations Cup final against arch-rivals Brazil. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy because they’re very quick and knock the ball around well,” Argentine striker Javier Saviola said after his side battled a lively Mexican team for two hours under a blazing sun before snatching victory 6-5 on penalties.
“Now we’ve got to recover and get ready to face Brazil. We’ll just have to wait and see if they can make their extra rest day count,” he added.
Brazil, inspired by the attacking quartet of Adriano, Kaka, Robinho and Ronaldinho, outclassed Germany in Nuremberg on Saturday with a 3-2 win that left little doubt about who were the better side.
Their top players will take the pitch for the final on Wednesday, while Argentina will have to make do without the darting Saviola, who picked up a red card for a late kick on Mexican midfielder Gonzalo Pineda.
“What we need to do now is to sleep, eat and get a good rest,” said Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who scored the winning penalty against Mexico.
“I think we showed a lot of character out there. Now we’ve got to be positive for the Brazil game.”
Argentina will need to be more convincing if they want to repeat their victory over world champions Brazil in a World Cup qualifier three weeks ago.
Jose Pekerman’s side struggled to penetrate a swarming Mexican defence in the first half on Sunday and looked tired as the match moved towards extra time.
It took a scruffy close-range finish in the 110th minute from joint tournament top scorer Luciano Figueroa to save the match for Argentina and send it to penalties.
“It was a close game and we really struggled, but I’m happy we’re in the final and that we’ve got Brazil,” said Argentine defender Gabriel Milito. “That more than makes up for the tiredness.”—Reuters
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