Argentina rout Brazil, qualify for world cup

9 June, 2005: A year and a day before the World Cup kicks off in Germany next year, strong contenders Argentina sealed a place in the world’s biggest soccer tournament, with a stunning displace of skills trouncing title-holders and arch rivals Brazil at home 3-1.

Apart from Argentina, top Asian teams Iran, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Korea have also qualified for the World Cup, apart from the slot assured for hosts Germany.

Though defeated by Argentina (31 points), Brazil is also certain to get a slot in the world cup, second only to Argentina in the Latin American qualifiers.

Equador, Paraguay, Columbia and Chile are fighting for the examining 2 slots. A fifth team also qualify, depending on the two-leg play off with Oceania winners.

Monday’s 2-0 defeat by Ecquador pumped adrenaline to a complacent Argentine side, who came out with a dazzling display in the first half itself to seal the fate opf the match.

The intensions were clear from the start itself with he ebullient Hernan Crespo finding the Brazilian net within four minutes of kick off. Braazil paid the price for leaving Crespo unmarked. The man with the flowing hair struck to the left of Brazilian goalkeeper Dida with a low shot, sparking celebrations in Buenos Aires.

Eighteen minutes later, Juan Roman Riquelme’s 25-yard left footer packed with power and precision left the Brazilians in total disarray, enhancing the lead to 2-0. The 1978 and 86 world cup champions sealed the fate of the match as well as booked a World Cup slot with a 40th minute header from Crespo.

The consolation for defending champions Brazil came from a Roberto Carlos free-kick in the 72nd minute.

Argentines were strong contenders last world cup also, but bowed out in first round following a disappointing performance. Jose Pekerman’s side now has a problem of plenty, with too many gifted players benched.

It remains to be seen if the Argentine side would now give more opportunities to spot younger talents or move ahead with their most experienced players in the run-up to the world cup. Argentina had a string of struggling performances in the world cup ever since Maradona magic won them the 1986 Mexico world cup.

Japan gained its berth beating North Korea 2-0 in a game played in Bangkok Iran beat visiting Bahrain at home one nil and Saudi qualified for the fourth time in a row thrashing Uzbekistan 3 nil.

OUR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Argentina rout Brazil; qualify for world cup

Asian powerhouses Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Japan book slots