Argentina vs Brazil
Ch 22 - 5am - (Live)
Brazil take on Argentina in the showpiece final of the Copa America
in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Brazilian coach Dunga believes they are
the underdogs for the 2205 BST kick off in the Panchencho Romero
Stadium.
Dunga said: "Argentina are favourites to win the title, but Brazil
are going to play with humility." Argentina coach Alfio Basile
added: "I know the importance of the game, to the people, but it's
not a matter of life or death. It's a football match." Basile will
place his faith in the same line-up that beat Mexico in the
semi-final as Argentina seek their 15th Copa victory.
West Ham's Carlos Tevez will partner Barcelona's Lionel Messi up
front, with Hernan Crespo starting on the bench. Crespo has scored
three goals in the tournament, but has not played since suffering a
thigh muscle injury in Argentina's second game, a 4-2 win over
Colombia.
Basile said: "It was an easy decision, Tevez has been playing and
he has done well, while Crespo has not played for 12 days." Now in
his second spell in charge, Basile guided Argentina to their last
Copa win in 1993. He pledged that Argentina would continue with
their flowing style which has seen them 16 goals and win all five
games en route to the final.
Basile said: "The only way to play football is by having the ball
in your possession and knowing how to use it."We mustn't go on to
the pitch worrying about how long it is since we have won
anything.
Brazil will be missing Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva through
suspension, although they have the tournament's leading scorer in
six-goal striker Robinho. The Real Madrid frontman said: "There are
no advantages between the two teams, only rivalry. "This is a final
and I hope that we have the ball possession and return to Brazil as
champions."
