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Brazil v Argentina LIVE

June 18th, 2008 | By: Christian | 302 Comments »

And we’re almost underway in Belo Horizante. Already it’s looking like a tough night for Coco Basile men, who have to endure their national anthem amidst boos from the home crowd.

For a breakdown of every single matchup between these two, check out FIFA’S Argentina page.

Basile will start the following:
Abbondanzieri
Burdisso, Coloccini, Heinze, Zanetti
Mascherano, Gago, Jonás Gutiérrez
Riquelme
Messi, Cruz

1st: And we’re off in Brazil.

3rd: Coloccini foul leads to dangerous free kick, but it sails far over Pato’s goal.

6th: It’s early in the game, but Argentina seem to be playing cautiously and biding their time.

11th: Anderson fouls Messi. Let’s see what they can make of this.

11th: Riquelme’s free kick is on target, but cleared by Brazil’s defense.

13th: Another free kick for Riquelme…..and his shot calmly falls into the keeper’s hands.

15th: Memories of Ecuador as a pass flies of Julio Cruz’s head. Let’s hope we don’t see this all night.

17th: The first shot on goal from Argentina is a Cruz header that just didn’t have enough power on it.

18th: Argentina’s defense nearly gets caught out, first leaving Juan unmarked, then lucky to not get a penalty call.

20th: The same Juan now commits a hard foul on Riquelme, to give Brazil their first yellow of the match. Juan Roman is now within range, but is shot is cleared.

22nd: Gutierrez has a great run up the left, but his cross finds no one in the box.

23rd: And Robinho misses for Brazil! An amazing save from Abbondanzieri.

24th: A horrible display from Pato seconds later, who nearly gets run over by Robinho. Why is he still playing?!?! Thankfully, we’re still 0-0.

27th: Still anyone’s game so far. This is far from a clasico though, as too many fouls are interrupting the run of play.

33rd: Brazil’s Anderson is off, and will be replaced by Diego.

37th: Argentina are having trouble clearing the ball past midfield. Argentina are not as bad as last Sunday, but they are also somehow not much more improved.

38th: Messi commits a foul, Argentina’s 9th to Brazil’s 5, if that gives an indication of the type of game it is.

41st: Hard tackle on Riquelme leads to another free kick. Will this be it?

41st: Nope, his shot his the wall.

43rd: Foul now on Heinze.

45th: Messi misses a near sitter!!

HALFTIME: 0-0 in Belo Horizante. So far neither side has lived up to its potential, and unless the second half is a different story, don’t expect to see much different. Outside of Messi, there doesn’t seem to a player for Argentina who is rising above to the challenge, and the loss of Demichelis is clearly showing as the backline is struggling.

SECOND HALF: And we’re back! No siubstitutions for either side.

4th: Brazil so far as come out the strongest this half.

6th: Messi is taken down just outside the box. A great chance now early.

6th: Yet again though, the shot is cleared by Brazil.

10th: Brazil’s Adriano gets a yellow for another hard tackle. Far too many poor challenges tonight.

13th: And here’s another foul on Gutierrez outside the box.

13th: Another Argentina set-piece comes nowhere near to going in.

14th: Shocking miss from Julio Cruz in front of the net.

17th: And Batista nearly scores on a blazing free kick that Pato just gets his hand on to block.

18th: Yellow card for Mascherano. Shocking refereeing tonight.

20th: Robinho is trying to rally the home crowd after his shot went wide of the Argentine keeper’s net. At least he’s in the game…

22nd: Argentina’s first substitution, as Cruz leaves for Sergio Aguero.

24th: Messi again wastes a wonderful opportunity after a great run.

25th: Now it’s Riquelme’s turn, but his effort on goal is weak and aimed right at the keeper.

26th: Batistia nearly scores on a chilena. Now Fabiano is on the pitch in pain.

29th: How did Brazil not score just now? An amazing sequence nearly catches Argentina asleep.

31st: Now Messi is on the ground. Can this get any worse? Argentina look tired and uneven.

34th: Finally, a quality run by Gago leads to a free kick. Will Riquelme finally be able to take advantage?

34th: And the answer is no.

38th: The best play from Argentina tonight. Messi the architect sets it up, but Aguero’s shot sails high.

40th: Wow, Riquelme is off for Sebastián Battaglia.

41st: Another foul in Messi. Argentina need to get something now.

42nd: Yellow for Jonás Gutiérrez.

44th: Messi continues to amaze. By far the best player on the field tonight.

46th: And we’re in stoppage time now.

47th: Unbelievable!!! Messi nearly scores in the dying minutes of the game. Incredible performance.

47th: Messi is now off for Rodrigo Palacio.

FULL TIME: Brazil 0 - 0 Argentina

Shocking game tonight in Belo Horizante. Messi was a thrill to watch, but unfortunately, those around him did not help. Riquelme was once again nowhere to be found, Cruz showed why he does not belong on the squad, and the defense looked a shambles.

Considering that Brazil, who are going through their own crisis were not much better, it’s hard to say what team gained more from the draw. But expect a backlash to fall upon both teams over the next few days.

Thanks for following along, and post your comments below.

Tags: 2010 World Cup Qualifying

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 302 comments.

Read the rest of the comments

By Alexa | June 20th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

You know, I like watching Croatia play. THey remind me of a South American team.

Argentina’s big “puzzle” will be to find a meeting between two different style of play, represented by Messi and then Riquelme. Riquelme brings order and organiztion, and no one does quiet torture as well as Riquelme. Messi is beyond the real deal, and I think that his coaches should take advatage of his soloist qualities, at the age where they are at their most potent. His a developing player, and he’s a dribbler.

I’m not so sure that Riquelme is annoyed with Messi’s style at all. He uses Messi’s qualities to great effect, and the link up will only improve, especially if they play in the olypmics. They seem to have similar introverted personalities, and introverted people are regularly misread. Anyway, it’s up to Basile to figure this dynamic out.

Posted from United States

By Ken | June 20th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

Asil,
It has to do with money. If Renova
stipulates that Messi needs to play
in certain games, whether Basile likes
it or, he must field Messi. This is because
brings a lot of money in terms of attendance. This
is a business deal to make money.

Aj,
I know you an American of indian origin of the same
type as Sunil Gulati who is in charge of American football association. Wonder why American doing so poorly
at WC level? Thanks for the complements.
cheers,
ken

Posted from United States

By MaxiLopez | June 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

The blog is turning back into a big mess after interesting posts.

For Aimar’s fans:
http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/06/20/futbolinternacional/01698171.html
I wish he could go to Lazio or Liverpool. Lazio might spend all its money for Palacio though.

KEN,
You are right, Germany are pure cheaters. They always go through thanks to referees. Ballack is a bastard. Did you watch Ballack’s push yesterday? I hate them. I hate Germany. Always kicking, cheating, pushing, injurying. I’m the #1 fan of all the team Germany faces. Go Croatia!

ALEXA,
Tonight, it’s a battle between 2 4-5-1. No spaces. A terrible pressing. This system is really terrible to watch when it is used to defend only. Turkey & Croatia try to also attack, but is still boring. I hope Croatia will win. You know why.

By toddutah | June 20th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

I really want to see Aimar at Liverpool . Well I guess we should start the next topic now which in my mind is the selction for the Olympic team. Who should they call and what should be the starting lineup. I am hopeful that this will open Basiles eyes to all the talent we have under 23.

Posted from United States

By JohnLin | June 20th, 2008 at 3:32 pm

stop bashing each other, let’s just talk about this game.

I think Argentina lack the pace in the front court, beside Messi, there is no other person on tje court can take on brazil defender one on one and drive pass them.Gago and Mascharno had some good runs from back court, but they usually ended up in a group of brazilian defender and found nowhere to go. because no overlap runs from other player to help.

Gago and Mascherano have a really good game, they made a lot of successful tackles to get the ball, but once we had the ball, the counter attack is weak, slow, we need more fast paced player in the front court to speed up our attack.

Posted from United States

By day1star | June 20th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

I think some of us expect Messi to behave like a 24-25 year old player, he is not yet 21, he is still learning, some of you are being really harsh.
He really wanted to win that game and so he decided to try himself, quite frankly i don’t see nothing wrong with that, sometimes it takes an individual to take the game by the scruff of it’s neck to try and make something happen. If Messi had scored, you’d all be singing his praises.
The team is still not right, we should have won, but for the players to get a draw in Brazil against Brazil is a good result and will help them the next time they face Brazil.

By day1star | June 20th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

Ken, you need to stop being personal, keep the comments related to football.

By AURELIUS | June 20th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

Maxi I have to disagree.

The reason Messi is exceptional is that in addition to hsi dribbling skills he can pick a pass unlike a Denilson 7 he does have vision.

And why should he not run at defenders ? Thats whatthey hate. He can draw fouls and a competent referee will card offenders.

And if he draws two or three to him if players were running off him then he can create space for some of our other lethal players.

He is a kid remember just 20 & he improves game to game. He does need protection from too many games at this stage & from hackers.

And India did qualify for one WC tourney but could not attend because of a refusal at the time to wear boots.

I remember seeing a programme here a few months ago on the new Indian League & funds are being put in, stadia are being renovated. There are huge crowds for games & more coaches are being sent there with a view to improving the standard as FIFA does see it as a latent ‘power’ & of course for marketing purposes.

Of course cricket is dominant even to the extent that field hockey is under pressure there.

And as for JRR & Messi they can play in tandem. We need a combination of the slow build up & the cobra strike to keep the opposition guessing , the rare long pass & quick cross instead of the constant deliberate play .

And aside from Messi , di Maria , Aguero ,Zarate also love to beat players one on one & not forgetting Lavezzi.

Mobilty upfront is essential. Cruz can not do this faithful though he is he just does not cut it like Gaby Milito at the top.

Pass & move all day long. Nobody can live with it if we do it as we can also do it with great speed considering the technical level of our players in the midfield & upfront.

Wonder if Cvitanich will soon be be appearing in Croat colours.

I dont like this situation where nations can supplement their squads with ‘naturalised’ players.

Cvitanich born in Argentina .Tough luck he is far down the pecking order at present should not mean he has the chance to represent Croatia no matter his ancestry.

Modric looks neat for once & would be better placed playing further foward with a real DM behind him ie Vukojevic but a mediocre game not helped by Turkey playing for a draw & penalties.

By anand | June 20th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

@Ken
in reply to “P.S Aj, when was the last time India qualify
for the WC? ZERO”

Ken,
If you gain some satisfaction by venting out your arrogance at people, here is some info you may want to gulp before the next abuse on my country.

Source Wikipedia..
1950 Fifa worldcup
Background…
Two other teams, Turkey and India, also withdrew after qualifying, with India refusing to go because FIFA would not allow the team to play barefoot. France and Portugal were invited as replacements but declined. Initially France agreed to play but they worked out that the venues for their two group matches were over 3,000 kilometres away from each other. The French told the Brazilians that they would stay at home unless the arrangements were changed. The Brazilian Federation refused and France withdrew. Therefore, even though 16 teams were originally going to participate, after the withdrawals only 13 teams were left to take part.
————————–
A colonized country for decades, after going independent nation in 1947, you will not understand the effort it will take to build a nation. The point is with ZERO infrastructure, India managed to qualify for WC in 1950.

I have no pleasure in exposing your ignorance over making that comment here. I pity people like you who cannot understand the spirit and passion of people following sports they love. Yes, there are very few indians who love to see football. That does not mean we dont have any heritage of football here.

By anand | June 20th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

wohoooooo…TURKEY wins…what a drama…
I must say, any team would love to possess the fighting spirit the turks pocess!

By MaxiLopez | June 20th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

Turkey 0-3 Germany. The Germans are so lucky, it’s amazing. Turkey are going to start a tired C team.

By Akk123 | June 20th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

Ok then, now to the olympics. Messi perticipation in the Olympics has been confirmed by Grandona so thats some good news. Batista used a 4-2-2-2 formation against the catalunyan side. As many of you remember he started
—————-Oscar Ustari*—————–
Zabaleta*—- Fazio———-Insúa—-Ansaldi
——-Fernando Gago*—-Ever Banega—–
—–Messi*———————Lavezzi—
——Agüero*—————-Higuain—–
*probable starters in the Olympics

With the inclusion of Riquelme one can expect him to use the 4-3-1-2.
If Mascherano and Demichelis(Coloccini) go we will have 6-7 senior starting 11 members in the olympics.

My predicted starting 11 using the 4-3-1-2:

—————-Oscar Ustari—————–
Zabaleta—- Demi(Colo)—Garay/Insúa/Fazio—-Ansaldi
–Mascherano/Biglia–Gago/Ever Banega–Lavezzi/Di maria
———————Riquelme/valeri——————
———Messi/Sosa—————-Aguero/Higuain—–

Predicted starting 11 using 3-5-2

—————-Oscar Ustari—————–
—-Garay——–Demi/Colo——Insúa/Fazio——–
–Mascherano/Biglia–Gago/Ever Banega–Lavezzi/Di maria
——Messi/Sosa———Riquelme/Valeri—————-
———–Higuain———-Aguero—–

Below is the list of preselected players. Some players will be left out.

Goalkeapers: Oscar Ustari (Getafe), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Fabián Assman (Independiente), Nicolás Navarro (Nápoles)

Defenders: Martín Demichelis (Bayern), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Ezequiel Garay (Racing de Santander), Federico Fazio (Sevilla), Cristian Ansaldi (FC Moscú), Gabriel Paletta (Boca), Gastón Díaz (Vélez).

Midfielders: Juan Román Riquelme (Boca), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool, Esteban Cambiasso (Inter), Fernando Gago (R. Madrid), Ever Banega (Valencia), Angel Di María (Benfica), Damián Escudero (Vélez), Diego Valeri (Lanús), José Sosa (Bayern), Claudio Yacob, Matías Sánchez (Racing de Avellaneda).

Forwards: Diego Milito (Zaragoza), Julio Cruz (Inter), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoles), Lionel Messi (Barça), Sergio Agüero (Atlético), Gonzalo Higuaín (R. Madrid), Marco Rubén (Recreativo), Lautaro Acosta (Lanús)

Posted from United States

By Ken | June 20th, 2008 at 4:41 pm

Maxi,
I am shocked because Turkey
have so many players with yellow
cards. I hope a miracle happens
and they beat Germany. I doubt it though.

Anand,
My problem is with AJ,
not with Indians or yourself. I am very proud
of indians for kicking the british out.
India also produced a great leader in Gandhi.
Cheers,
ken

Posted from United States

By day1star | June 20th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

Aurelius, did you mean Diego Milito?
Batista should play a diamond formation at the front with two DM’s behind and four at the back, our squad is good enough to beat all the other teams.

By day1star | June 20th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

AKK, how come you’ve got more and more numbers added to your name? Is this to do with that problem you had with the comments going to the spam filter?

By day1star | June 20th, 2008 at 5:06 pm

AKK, Demichelis, Milito, Cruz and Cambiasso are not playing in the Olympics.

By AURELIUS | June 20th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

Are you racist too Ken ? I don’t like the undertone of your comments thank you very much over the past months some quite cleatly anti-British.

I suppose we are to blame for everything wrong in the world ? Mugabe for instance ?

Interesting attacking ajNYHC on the basis of his ethnicity just because he disagrees with you . Highly mature. As with the attacks on Indians as I recall in Uganda & more recently in Guyana.

As anand put it ignorance is a liability.

Back to the topic in hand Marco Ruben deserves a good go. He will be back with Villareal next season & in alikelihood in the CL. He has real potential.

No need for an experienced overage forward. Dimi is being refused participation by Bayern , Masche will be in talks with Liverpool & likewise Messi with Barca. All three selections could be unavailable.

Nonetheless the talent is plenty enough to win the tourney & we can call up three other overage players .But should we ? Let the kids toughen up & see who sinks & who swims ?

My XI:
————————-Carizzo—————————
Maidana———–Garay————-Fazio———–Insua–
————Banega——-Gago———–Maxi(C)————
————————Valeri—————————–
————-Aguero——————Cavenaghi————-

SUBS:
Ruben
Romero
Lavezzi
di Maria
Ansaldi
Denis

SQUAD
Navarro/Andujar
Diaz
Gioda
Escudero
Piatti
Zabaleta
Lopez.L/Higuain

By day1star | June 20th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Grondona has said Messi will play in the Olympics.

By James | June 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm

Batista has already said he would play a 4-2-3-1 at the Olympics with Roman as the enganche

————Ustari———–
Zabaleta–Garay–Fazio–Insua

—–Mascherano–Gago——–
-Messi—-Riquelme—-Lavezzi-
———Higauin————-

Posted from Belgium

By Golazo | June 20th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

This is my last post so I’m going to make it a good one.

Ken,

Are you saying Basile only starts Messi(Came second in FIFA wold player of the year) because he is forced too??

“Wonder why American doing so poorly at WC level?” because it’s the U.S and no one cares about soccer here.

Ken and Maxilopez,

You guys are way to negative, you have no faith in anything unless it’s yours.

Ken,

We all know your John, Mane, Ali, Donovan and probably more of those “trolls” all I’m going leave you with is why? Are you a spoiled little brat or something you freak out if something doesn’t go your way or believe in the same way as you.

ajNYHC, toddutah, day1star etc,

Good job on saying your opinion =]

Albo,

I tip my hat to you, probably know the most out of all of us.

Messay,

Probably close second behind albo. I came here when you where in charge and good luck in your music career same to you Rune

ALL,

Face it you guys are never going to be in charge of the Argentinean NT so to some here who think that stop acting like it.

And now I sign off for good and VAMOS ARGENTINA WORLD CHAMPIONS IN 2010.

Posted from United States

By Akk123 | June 20th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

Thats right Day1Star, everytime I use Akk I get a message by the spam filter. Still trying to work out that issue but im finding ways around it.
The list I have provided is the one from where the 23 players will be picked for the Olympic games. 20 player must be aged 23 or under + 3 over.

I know we have had a discussions here about conspiracy theories before but looking at the groups for the Olympics I cant help but wonder how Brazil keeps getting the easiest group in every competition and we end up getting the hardest.

Supposing Argentina and Brazil win their group than they will meet in the semifinals if they both go through the quarterfinals. The only way there could be a Argentina vs Brazil final is if one of them comes in second in their group.

The groups are as follows:
Group A:
Argentina
Australia
Ivory Coast
Serbia

Group B:
Netherlands
Nigeria
Japan
USA

Group C:
China
New Zealand
Brazil
Belgium

Group D:
Korea Republic
Cameroon
Honduras
Italy

I predict, hopefully, an Argentina vs. Netherlands final.

Posted from United States

By Ken | June 20th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

Golazo,
you owe an apology to Ms. Alexa
for treating her with disrespect.
I wonder what you have learnt
in your unpaid internship.
Aurelius,
I am certainly not racist. did n’t the british
colonize the world including USA?

Keep posting because i enjoy what you write.

cheers,
ken

Posted from United States

By Ken | June 20th, 2008 at 7:46 pm

Akk123,
I wish they put an filter on mine
so that I do not have to
post anymore.
best wishes,
ken

Posted from United States

By Ken | June 20th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

Golazo,
you do not seem to get the point.
All I am trying to say is
that Basile does not
have the FREEDOM to pick
who he choses. For a coach
to succeed at that high level
this kind of interference is
unwarranted. Current top
world class coaches such Alex Ferguson,
Mourinho, klinnsmann, Arsene wenger would
never work in such environment. Do
you get it now?
Cheers,
ken

Posted from United States

By mane | June 20th, 2008 at 8:12 pm

golazo, why can’t you get it in your head: I am not ken and I do not post under any other name. why on earth can’t we have registration on this blog so that usurping other peoples names is an issue of the past.

golazo wrote:
“Ken,
We all know your John, Mane, Ali, Donovan and probably more of those “trolls” all I’m going leave you with is why? Are you a spoiled little brat or something you freak out if something doesn’t go your way or believe in the same way as you.”

anyways, I am looking forward to spain-italy and it seems that the final will be holland-germany so I guess I will go with the dutch.

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