Sunday, July 15, 2007




VS


JinJinBlog is the supporter of Brazil for this Copa America 2007. Although Brazil not perform well in few match due to absense of Kaka and Ronaldinho, we believe the final match is belong to Brazil.

Bets is on.
COPA AMERICA 2007 WINNER (livescore.com)
Argentina 1.83
Draw 3.40
Brazil 4.33

News from LUIS ARROYAVE of Chicago Tribune:

Brazil has won more World Cups than any other country, and as the saying about soccer goes, "The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it."

But Brazil hasn't looked "perfect" in South America's regional tournament, Copa America. It lost to Mexico in its opening game and barely beat Uruguay in penalty kicks in the semifinals Tuesday.

The "perfected" label is more fitting for Argentina, the team Brazil will meet in the final in Maracaibo, Venezuela, at 5 p.m. EDT today (GolTV and Univision). Argentina has yet to lose or draw during the tournament and has lit up opponents for 16 goals in five games.

Still, Brazil is Brazil. Whenever these two rivals meet, there is potential for a classic. Here is a look at the matchup:

Brazil: After a stunning 2-0 loss to Mexico in its opening game, Brazil rebounded with a 3-0 victory over Chile and 1-0 triumph over Ecuador in the group stage. Brazil eliminated Chile in the quarterfinals 6-1 and then Uruguay in the semifinals (2-2 in regulation, 5-4 in penalty kicks).

Argentina: First Argentina pounded the United States 4-1, then beat Colombia 4-2 and then squeaked out a 1-0 victory over Paraguay. In the quarterfinals, Argentina defeated Peru 4-0 and then made a statement by defeating red hot Mexico 3-0 in the semifinals Wednesday.

Key player

Brazil: Robinho. With Kaka and Ronaldinho skipping the tournament, the Real Madrid forward carried Brazil in its group stage matches against Chile and Ecuador.

Argentina: Juan Riquelme. As good as Lionel Messi has been for Argentina (and he has been very good), Riquelme has been better. Riquelme's five goals are behind only Robinho's six in the tournament. When he isn't scoring goals, Riquelme is setting them up, which is why Argentina's attack runs through him.

Key number

Brazil: 3. The number of goals Brazil scored in its last match against Argentina -- a 3-0 exhibition victory Sept. 3, 2006.

Argentina: 8. The number of times Argentina has beaten Brazil in the Copa America final. Brazil's only final victory over Argentina came on penalty kicks in the 2004 final.

Why they will win

Brazil: Both the United States and Colombia had early leads in their games against Argentina but did not have enough to hold on for the victory. Brazil has the experience and knowledge needed to keep a lead and, of more importance, it has the offensive weapons to pad onto it.

Argentina: If the game turns into a shootout -- which it very well could -- Argentina should have the advantage against a Brazilian side that is without Kaka and Ronaldinho. And even if Riquelme stumbles, Argentina will have Messi and Carlos Tevez to pick up the slack.





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