Carlos Alberto Parreira’s attacking game back fired as Argentina confirmed a place at the World Cup finals after beating arch rival Brazil 3-1 in in Buenos Aires.
In a first half that was devastating for Brazil, Hernan Crespo netted in the fourth minute, Juan Riquelme doubled the lead on 17 minutes and then Crespo scored again on 40 minutes.
Roberto Carlos got a consoliation goal back from Brazil, but they were too far behind to really challenge for the game. Argentina’s win moved them, four points clear of Brazil – who has not won in Buenos Aires for more than a decade – needing three points from its last three matches to guarantee a place in the finals in Germany next year.
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Argentina deserved their victory. “The way they played in the first-half, Argentina deserved the victory,” said Parreira.
“On Saturday against Paraguay (a 4-1 victory) we were in paradise tonight we were in hell.
“For some reason we always find it difficult to play here.”
“They attacked five times and scored on three occasions.” Riquelme’s goal was the best of the lot as he toyed with three Brazilian defenders outside the area before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Dida.
“He is a player of the highest class,” was Parreira’s ultimate assessment of Riquelme.
Brazil looked a shadow of the side that walloped Paraguay 4-1 on Saturday looking nervous and lacking focus in the opening half as Riquelme ran the show.
In the second half they didn’t do enough to claw their way back in to the game.
