No Masterpiece From Brazil's Soccer Artists
June 19, 2005
Argentina and Germany are in a dilemma. They expected to be playing for the group A title on Tuesday with the prize being a semi-final not against Brazil. Now those smooth plans must be put on ice after Mexico shut down the Selecao from South America, 1-0.
Jared Borgetti scored the lone goal on a 59th-minute header as the Brazilian defense slumbered on a corner kick, allowing Mexico's strongest head ball player unhindered access to the ball. Keeper Dida had no chance and his defenders' nap was a fatal one.
For Mexico and coach Ricardo La Volpe, it was further proof that their 20-game unbeaten streak, despite some victories coming against "mighty" opponents like the Dominican Republic or Panama, is no fluke. Their last loss, by the way, was a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Brazilians in last year's Copa America.
Brazil's nemesis
The Copa America loss last year was more the exception than the rule for Mexico against Brazil. In numerous matches in the recent past, Mexico has walked off the field a winner. One of the reason's has been a menacing defense that allows the artists of South America to play their style of ball -- namely fast-paced and pretty.
But when two defenders immediately covered the likes of playmakers Ronaldinho, and Kaka or striker star Robinho when they touched the ball within 30 meters of the Mexcian net, well, things won't be pretty.
The opportunities for Brazil were far and few between and more coincidence than the result of a grand series of passes. The only time they managed to find the net, on a beautiful header by Adriano in the 68th minute, referee Roberto Rosetti disallowed it for offsides.
That was the right call but probably the most interesting scenario of the balmy evening in Hanover started in the 28th minute.
Penalty kicks galore but no goal
Borgetti was pulled down in the Brazilian penalty box by Roque Junior. Rosetti immediately pointed at the penalty spot despite the fact that Borgetti had no chance of reaching the intended cross for him. Nevertheless, the Brazilians hardly complained as Borgetti took the ball to convert the penalty himself.
And he succeeded. Yet, Rosetti meticulously followed the rules and ordered the kick be retaken for a Mexican teammate entered the box a fraction of a second too early.
On the second attempt, Borgetti launched a rocket into the crossbar; Brazil could breathe a sigh of relief. But no, Rosetti ordered a third attempt. Brazil's Emerson had run into the box prematurely.
On the third attempt, Borgetti spoke his third prayer before a penalty, and was denied by Dida. The whole event took almost five minutes to complete. Brazil who has dominated up to that point, took another five minutes to gather their composure after that shock.
Mexico in semifinals
Once Mexico scored in the second half, Brazil had no true answers to getting past the green wall that was the Mexican defense. Keeper Oswaldo Sanchez played solidly and had to make some clutch saves but was never truly challenged by the Selecao.
They in the meantime must still fight for that final spot in the semifinals. On Wednesday, they come up against Japan who have played exciting soccer in their first two matches. A draw would suffice for Brazil; a second surprise against the South Americans is hardly likely. The surprise may come for the winner of the Argentina-Germany match when and if they must come up against the world champs.