June 30, 2005

Brazil Win the Confederations Cup

Brazil thumped continental rivals Argentina 4-1 to claim the 2005 Confederations Cup crown. A virtuoso display of attacking futebol by the Brazilians, specifically two excellent goals by Player of the Tournament Adriano that book-ended the samba scoring and erased the three-week old memories of Argentina’s 3-1 win over Brazil in World Cup Qualifying. Kaka and Ronaldinho also tallied for Brazil while Argentina’s loan strike came from Valencia’s Pablo Aimar in the 65th minute, but by that time the game was already out of reach at 4-0.

Germany thrillingly won the earlier consolation game over Mexico 4-3 after extra-time. Three times the host nation went ahead but three times more the heroic Mexicans fought back to equalize with a goal from Francisco Fonseca and two from Jared Borgetti. Michael Ballack finally tipped the balance permanently in Germany’s favor with a wonderful freekick strike in the first period of extra time.

Mexico was the surprise team of the tournament. At the start of the tournament, the European footballing aristocracy greeted their long undefeated streak with skepticism, but they went on to impress mightily with their skilled attack and solid defense. Their unlucky losses to Argentina and Germany in the semis and consolation game respectively will hopefully not tarnish the memory of what had been a breakout tournament for the squad.

Overall with goals galore, high attendances and just about every nation involved fielding their full-strength side; most pundits have agreed that this was the best of the seven Confederations Cups held so far. It has saved the reputation of the tournament which had had a bad stigma after the 2003 edition was widely unpopular and darkened with tragedy when Cameroon’s Marc-Vivien Foe died after his nation’s semifinal with Colombia.

Edward Knowles, International Editor, 90:00™