Part 6: Brazil vs. Argentina – Player Analysis
The Brazilian did not under perform even though Mano Menezes decided to take fresh legs rather than experienced players. A good leader was needed on the pitch and Robinho was definitely having an off-night as he could not really become
a good captain for the Brazilian team. Even though the defenders did a fine job for Menezes’ side, they still conceded a goal and it wasn’t their fault because the goal scored by Lionel Messi was simply phenomenal and definitely unstoppable.
The midfield did a fine job as well and even though playing the Liverpool holding midfielder Lucio didn’t look to be a very wise choice, he did a fine job and won most of the ball in the midfield. Ramires was simply outstanding and the
positive side of the game was that the Brazilian side definitely missed the legendary Ronaldinho and he did a fine job while performing for his country.
The Brazilian team was obviously not playing their best side as players like Kaka and Alexandre Pato were missing in the midfield. Considering the fact that Kaka was present in the Brazilian team in place of Elias and Pato was there in
place of Robinho, things would definitely be different as both the players have immense pace and technique on the ball and they would definitely trouble the Argentinean defence. However, it was definitely not Brazil’s day as they lost the game in the 92nd minute
even after putting a very good performance against the fellow South American side, Argentina.
The Argentinean coach Sergio Batista decided to play a blend of experienced “and” young players together rather than choosing just one type. The Barcelona centre back Gabriel Milito was missing from the starting line up because of the
injury and the Bayern Munich centre back Martin Demichelis was made to sit on the bench. Nicolas Otamendi was also on the bench and the Inter Milan centre back Walter Samuel was also not included in the team because of thy injury that he suffered while performing
for the Italian club.
Even though good centre backs were missing from the squad, the players that the Argentinean coach decided to play were good enough to stop the threat of Ronaldinho, Neymar and Robinho.
Sergio Romero was the Argentinean number 1 as the South American sides took their position on the field. Romero had a fine night and made some great saves while being against strikers like Neymar and Ronaldinho as Robinho was not having
the best of his days. Romero had many shots flying towards him and he made extraordinary saves as he was having one of the best days under the Argentinean goalkeeper jersey. In the first half Daniel Alves struck the shot on the cross bar but despite so much
pressure on him, he did a fine job when Ronaldinho was right in front of him and tried to score with the back heel – Romero was present at the right position to help the team in stopping the shots.
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