Argentina’s hopes of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are hanging by a thread as Luis Fabiano scored twice in a 3-1 win for Brazil in Rosario.
Argentina started brightly, dominating the opening exchanges, but never looked like scoring early in the game. Lionel Messi was, as he nearly always is, the focal point of everything good by Argentina, but was unable to fashion a chance. Argentina then demonstrated their biggest weakness, their defence. A 40 yard free kick was swung into the box by Elano, and Luisao was able to head into the goal without a defender in a 5 metre radius. It was defending which is unacceptable at any level, let alone against Brazil. Things got worse moments later as Elano’s next free kick deflected off the Argentine wall, falling to Melo, whose shot rebounded off the goalkeeper to Luis Fabiano, who could hardly miss the chance for a 2-0 lead, as statue-eque Argentine defenders looked on. Argentina were able to respond brightly, but unable to score. Maxi Rodriguez went closest, forcing a fine Cesar save.
At half-time, Maradona responded by bringing on son-in-law Sergio Aguero for Maxi Rodriguez. The Albiceleste played sensational football for a sustained time at the start of the second half, but still could not find a goal. Messi continued to dribble past opponents with ease, looking by far the brightest player for either team, but lacked the support to conjure an opportunity. Eventually Argentine would strike thorough Datolo. The midfield player had been disappointing to this stage, but he spectacularly drove home a 25 yard shot into the top corner of the Brazilian goal.
Joy turned to sorrow just minutes later, as Kaka deflected pass set up Luis Fabiano, who got behind a terribly high Argentina back line, and chipped thevbrilliantly over Andujar, for a 3-1 lead. Both managers then made further changes, with Ramires and Daniel Alves replacing Elano and Robinho, while Diego Milito came on for Tevez. Milito himself had a magnificent chance to score after good work by Messi and Aguero, but he shot at the advancing Cesar.
Fortunately for Messi and Argentina, Ecuador suffered a defeat also, meaning the race between the two teams for the final automatic place is as-you-were. Argentina hold a two point lead over both Ecuador and Colombia with three fixtures remaining (Full table).
Argentina travel to Paraguay on Wednesday, a game which they may have to win to retain fourth spot.
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