Confederations Cup: Brazil Beat Argentina in Final

Congratulations to Brazil who win the Confederations Cup 2005 in torrential rain in Frankfurt after beating Argentina 4-1.

The world champions played Jose Pekermann`s side off the park and goals by Kaka, Ronaldinho, and two by Adriano put the issue beyond doubt. Adriano`s double made him the competition`s top scorer with 5 goals. Argentina`s only reply came when Aimar scored with a torpedo header.

This was Brazil`s second Confederations Cup title and the wet conditions in Frankfurt did nothing to dampen Brazil`s mood as they send out a warning ahead of their world cup defence in Germany next year.

The German team finished the tournament on a high note as they took third place after beating Mexico 4-3 in Leipzig.This turned out to be arguably the best match in the competition.

Lukas Podolski, Germanys exciting new striker put the hosts ahead with a superb left foot shot after Sebastian Schweinsteiger played a clever back heel to him. Mexico though replied swiftly and Fonseca equalised.The build up to their second goal through Schweinsteiger was probably Germanys best goal in the Klinsmann era and involved some delicate passing. Mexico to their credit fought back and equalised just after half-time through Borghetti. Germany suddenly found themselves down to 10 men after Maik Hanke was sent off for a harsh foul.

Robert Huth, Germany`s giant defender has had his fair share of criticism during the tournament but a fairy-tale ending looked on the cards for Huth when he hammered in Germany`s third goal. Surely this would be the winning goal...However, there was more to come.

Mexico won a free-kick on the edge of the German box and up rises Borghetti to score his second goal...3-3 the score...Kahn beaten for the third time.The match goes into extra time and with both sides going all out to win... it was Michael Ballack who got Germanys winner from a beautifully executed free-kick.

So, what have Germany learned from this competition? After conceding 11 goals in these five matches they know that they have to do something about their defence. Jürgen Klinsmann though has brought the smiles back to German football . His new methods, among them American fitness coaches seem to be having a positive effect on the squad Indeed, the players look happy ...the fans are happy . And although third place may not be what the supporters had been hoping for Klinnsman`s side has shown that they are ready to challenge the giants of world football next year.