Sunday afternoon, Brazil and Argentina will meet in the final of the 2007 Copa America. Not unexpectedly, this Brazil-Argentina meeting, like many before it, will be a contest between two sides with contrasting styles, both loaded with talent. The departure from historical norms is that, this time, it is Argentina that is free-flowing and pretty to watch, while the normally rhythmic and artistic Brazilians have been the grind-it-out, pragmatic, occasionally cynical, counter-attacking side.
In addition to the switch in styles of play, this latest matchup between the giants of South American football will include several intriguing story lines:
- Will heavily favored Argentina, with its devastating attack, spearheaded by all-world playmaker Juan Román Requelme and the incomparable Lionel Messi, continue its mesmerizing performance and supplant Brazil atop South American football?
- Can Brazil, in the absence of two of the world’s top players, Ronaldinho and Kaka, cap its solid, workmanlike run in the Copa America with its second straight title, and fourth in five years? Will an unsung hero step to the fore and clinch the title for his country?
- Which young superstar will shine in the limelight of an international cup final? Will Leo Messi, Argentina's 20 year-old footballing genius, continue his rise to the ranks of the world’s best? Or will Robinho capitalize on finally having the opportunity to lead Brazil to glory and flash the form that earned him the title of the “next Pele”?
- Can Brazilian goalkeeper Doni vault himself into the world’s top tier at his positon by capping off his outstanding Copa America performance against Argentina’s potent attack?
After dodging a bullet in its semifinal against Uruguay, narrowly escaping in a penalty shootout, Brazil enters the 2007 Copa America final as a decided underdog. Plagued by inconsistency and unable to produce the beautiful “joga bonito” style of football that has come to be associated with Brazil, there is some doubt as to Brazil’s chances of victory on the eve of the final. In spite of this, Brazil is still a team comprised of world-class professionals, with strength and athleticism at both ends of the pitch. The Brazilian defense, comprised of Daniel Alves, Juan, Maicon and Gilberto will have a significant task ahead of it trying to contain the potent attack of Argentina, but given their talent, and goalkeeper Doni’s rise to world-class status, it isn’t beyond them, as they have surrendered an average of just one goal per game thus far in the tournament. Also, despite the perceived shortcomings in their style of play, Brazil boasts a diverse collection of talent in attack, with powerful attacking midfielder Julio Baptista and Vagner Love complementing the amazing talent of Robinho up front.
Argentina enters the Copa America final against Brazil with a string of dominating all-around performances under its belt and a well-deserved status as the overwhelming favorite to hoist the trophy. Not only has Argentina's defense, led by team captain Roberto Ayala and Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze, put a stranglehold on the opposition, (just 3 goals allowed in 5 tournament games), this side also boasts a gifted and diverse attack. In addition to the team-leading three goals scored by Riquelme, Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and the injured Hernan Crespo have each added two goals apiece. This along with a comparison between each side’s respective performance against Mexico, the only common opponent for the two teams (Mexico, who shut Brazil out 2-0 to open the group stage of the tournament, but was dominated 3-0 in its semifinal match against Argentina), seems to indicate that Argentina is on course to a enjoy a comfortable victory against Brazil in the final.
For all coverage of Argentina’s dominance and Brazil’s solid, if “un-Brazilian” performances, one would be tempted to predict a convincing 3-0 or 4-0 victory for the Argentines, but it may not be so cut and dry. There is no doubt whatsoever that right now Argentina looks to be the superior team, but public opinion seems to have gotten out of control, making Brazil, a team loaded with talent and international experience, nearly a 3-to-1 underdog. Look for physical battles in each team's attacking third to determine the upper hand in this game. If the Brazilian defense is able to catch up to Lionel Messi and force him and J.R. Riquelme to surrender the ball, Argentina will have a difficult time on attack. On the other side of the ball, despite the small number of goals they've allowed in the tournament, Argentina’s defense can be penetrated down the middle. It will be Robinho’s responsibility to maintain possession for Brazil in the attacking third and creat scoring opportunities, either for himself or for Brazil’s other scoring threats, such as Vagner Love and Julio Baptista, the only Brazilians other than Robinho with multiple goals in the tournament.
Even without Ronaldinho and Kaka, the talent and pride on the Brazilian side should not to underestimated. This game will be closer than expected, likely ending in a 2-1 Argentina victory or, possibly even requiring penalties to find a winner.
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