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| March 4th 2005 |
Paris, Stade Colombe
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| BRAZIL - PORTUGAL |
2-1 (1-0)
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GOALS 43' 1-0 Pelé
66' 1-1 Eusebio
74' 2-1 Ronaldo
REFEREE Georges Capdeville (France)
ATTENDANCE 60,000
YELLOW CARDS Pereira, Dunga (BRA) - Toni (POR)
BRAZIL (Coach: Mario Zagalo, system 4-4-2)
1 Claudio André Taffarel
2 Cafu (-69)
3 Luiz Pereira
15 Ricardo Gomes
6 Nilton Santos
7 Garrincha (-58)
8 Toninho Cerezo
5 Dunga (captain)
16 Didi
10 Pelé
9 Ronaldo (-83)
Substitutes:
19 Jairzinho (+58)
13 Carlos Alberto (+69)
20 Zico (+83)
PORTUGAL (Coach: Otto Gloria, system 4-2-4)
1 Alberto Costa Pereira
2 Joao Pinto
3 Fernando Couto
4 José Germano
5 Toni (-86)
11 Mario Coluna (captain)
10 Manuel Rui Costa (-78)
7 Luis Filipe Figo
8 Eusebio
9 José Torres
13 Antonio Simoes (-68)
Substitutes:
15 Jaime Graca (+68)
17 Fernando Peyroteo (+78)
20 José Aguas (+86)
MATCHREPORT
The Brazilians from Europe against the real Brazilians, the Selecao. "Black
Pearl" Eusebio versus "El Rey" Pelé. That was the way this match was
presented in the premilinary talks. The world hoped for a great show. Both
teams had won their first match and could virtually ensure their place in
the second round. And they were really prepared to come out into the open.
That made this match really entertaining, even thrilling from time to time.
It was a surprise that the opening minutes were Portugal's. Especially over
the flanks they created many dangerous moments for Brazil. Figo laid open
the weak spot of Nilton Santos, which was defending against a quick
opponent, and against the strong Simoes, Cafu wouldn't dare to attack the
way he was used to. Both full-backs had to go back and that gave Portugal
authority in midfield. Simoes offered José Torres a good opportunity, but
Taffarel proved to be one of the few Brazilians goalies with international
class. Just like in each earlier World Cup he played in, he was at his best
when it mattered most. Brazil hardly left their own half in that opening
period and were lucky to escape when Eusebio dribbled past Ricardo Gomes and
hit the outside of the post. Taffarel had it covered but it could have gone
the other way. It took certainly 20 minutes before the yellowblue found
themselves back and could work on their first attempts to threaten.
Pelé and Ronaldo, heroes of the first match against Cameroon, had done
nothing until that moment. Ronaldo had been put well under control by Couto
and the Brazilian midfielders had so much trouble with their opponents that
they simply couldn't reach Pelé. In the beginning Brazil had to do it from a
distance and Dunga tried a couple of times. But Costa Pereira had seen them
coming and had no difficulties keeping them out. Ronaldo's effort, from a
difficult angle, was no problem for the Portugese goalie either. Slowly but
surely Brazil got more into the match. Pelé still played a minor part, and
when he got the ball he faced strong physical opposition by Couto and
Germano. Pelé, who didn't like physical play at all, had a difficult time.
In the meantime, the game had got real well-balanced. Torres headed over the
bar after a fine cross by Joao Pinto, on the other side Didi had a fine
shooting chance but saw it blocked by Toni. And yes, both superstars Eusebio
and Pelé also had opportunities but both shot it wide. And then, just before
the break, the lead for Brazil. Garrincha, who hadn't been able to impress
until then, relegated Toni to a spectator and offered the chance to Pelé. El
Rey got rid of Germano and put the ball, under Costa Pereira, in the net:
1-0. That gave the big favourites the lead but Portugal had played very well
and there was no reason for despair.
After the break Portugal increased the pressure and Brazil had to go back.
Eusebio showed Ricardo Gomes his back but found Taffarel on his way again.
Brazilian coach Zagalo replaced Garrincha, who had disappointed despite his
assist on Pelé, with Jairzinho who had done so well against Cameroon. But
before "The Cyclone" could contribute the equalizer fell. Antonio Simoes
started a solo and sent a cross high into the box. Eusebio was more
attentive than Luiz Pereira and scored composed: 1-1. The reverse side of
the medal for Portugal: Simoes had to be replaced after a tackle from Dunga.
In his place midfielder Graca entered the scene. Coach Gloria seemed to be
well satisfied with this well-deserved score. Cafu got hurt too and had to
leave his place to Carlos Alberto, who made his first appearance in the All
Time World Cup.
In itself, a draw would have suited both teams. With games with Northern
Ireland and Cameroon coming up, there were good possibilities to ensure a
place in the second round. However, both Brazil and Portugal went for all
points and this made the game to one of the best of the tournament so far.
And yet it was Ronaldo who decided it. Until that moment, remarkably he
hadn't performed well. Not a big factor in the combination, trying too much
on his own and not converting the little chances that he got. But in the
74th minute the wonderboy showed what he could do. After receiving the ball
from Toninho Cerezo, 35 metres away from the Portugese goal, he squeezed
past Graca, left Toni standing and evaded Germano's tackle. Eye to eye with
Costa Pereira he had no problem scoring the 2-1. A brilliant goal it was,
worth waiting for. Brazil had the lead it wanted. And Ronaldo the status he
needed. Out of the blue, he had struck like so many times before.
Portugal tried everything to even the score. It brought Peyroteo instead of
Rui Costa. Minutes from time, Gloria even replaced defender Toni with yet
another striker, José Aguas. But in vain. Brazil were well into the match
now and during the second half Coluna had run out of steam against Toninho
Cerezo and Dunga. It cut off the passes to the strikers and Portugal
couldn't get dangerous anymore. What left them was an all decisive match
against Cameroon. Brazil could settle for an relaxed game against Northern
Ireland. Zagalo announced that he would play his second choice team. But
with so many stars available, it remained to be seen whether this would harm
the quality of the Brazilian team. It had been a fine match between two
teams that both wanted to play. Portugal had shown their big class, which
left the world knowing that Eusebio and his men could upset any team. Brazil
from time to time had convinced again, but Zagalo said that his team still
had to raise their game to dominate every opponent.
Next Tuesday a very important game in group F. Now France has six points,
both Belgium and Chile can take a big step towards the second round. If
Chile beat Thijs' men they are almost sure of going through. Belgium simply
need a win. They lost to France but impressed with fine football. Thijs let
open the option of changing his side on a few spots. Especially in attack he
couldn't be too happy. Lemberechts and Coppens are the players hoping for a
place. Chile coach Riera is expected to field the same team, relying on a
steady defence, the shooting ability of Aravena and spectacular strikers in
Salas, Zamorano and Sanchez. The teams meet in the Estadio Centenario in
Montevideo where William Ling from England is the referee.
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