Dream match may be dress rehearsal for World Cup final

BRAZIL and Argentina may have stumbled along the way but they eventually lived up to their star billing by making it through to this evening’s Confederations Cup final.

This dream match-up between the South American footballing superpowers is seen by many as a potential dress rehearsal for the World Cup final back in Germany next year.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who singled out Juan Roman Riquelme and Juan Pablo Sorin as Argentina’s dangermen, acknowledged: “This final brings together the two favourites for the World Cup.”

He watched Argentina’s at times strong-armed win over Mexico in Sunday’s semi-final and insisted Brazil were up for anything the Argentines threw at them.

“Brazil cannot be intimidated. We must concentrate on playing football because, although Argentina has a very good team, Brazil are not afraid of a tough match.

“Because of the historical rivalry there are no friendly games between Brazil and Argentina,” added Parreira.

This mouth-watering final offers Brazil a chance for quick revenge after his world champion’s 3-1 mauling by Jose Pekerman’s side in this month’s World Cup qualifier.

Brazil’s Confed Cup campaign started brightly against Greece but then came that shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico which meant a do-or-die clash in their final group game against Japan.

Goals from Robinho and Ronaldinho put them through as Group B runners-up.

Argentina in contrast sailed through the group stages, with wins against Tunisia, Australia and a draw with Germany.

But Argentina almost came to grief in the semi-finals against Mexico when only Luciano Figueroa’s 110th minute equaliser set up a penalty shoot-out where they prevailed 6-5.

“It’s going to be a great match, I’m thrilled to have the chance to play in this “clasico”, said the Villareal player.

Argentina face the reigning world champions without striker Javier Saviola, suspended after being sent off against Mexico. His place is due to be filled by Luciano Galletti.

Brazil’s Adriano, scorer of two of the goals in the 3-2 win over Germany, limped out of training Monday but was later declared fit to take part.