Brilliant Brazil books WC finals berth

06 September, 2009 20:25:00

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More pressure piled on Argentina; Spain thrashes Belgium.

Five-time champion Brazil, inspired by Real Madrid superstar Kaka, qualified for the World Cup finals in South Africa on Saturday thanks to a 3-1 win over bitter rival Argentina. The result maintained Brazil’s proud record of never having missed a World Cup.

It also piled more pressure onto Argentina coach Diego Maradona, whose team is clinging onto the fourth and final automatic qualifying spot from the South American zone.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Maradona, whose country has not missed a World Cup since 1970. “It will be more difficult because of today.”

In a first-half played at a breathless pace, the tackles came thundering in and it was hardly surprising that Brazil’s two opening goals were the product of set pieces.

Benfica skipper Luisao scored the first from an Elano free-kick in the 24th minute when the defender was allowed a free header, which he buried in the corner past Mariano Andujar in the Argentine goal.

It was 2-0 just six minutes later after Kaka was brought down on the edge of the box. This time Elano’s free-kick was blocked by a defender but Kaka managed to set-up Gilberto Silva whose fierce drive was only parried by Andujar. Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano pounced on the loose ball to score from six yards out.

Argentina had its moments with Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez always looking dangerous. It was Tevez who cleverly set-up Maxi Rodriguez for the home side’s best chance in the first half but Julio Cesar saved with his legs from point-blank range.

Argentina pulled a goal back in the 65th minute thanks to a 30-yard left foot drive from Jesus Datolo which soared past Julio Cesar into the top corner.

However, Brazil was 3-1 ahead within two minutes when Kaka played a wonderfully-weighted pass into the path of Fabiano who sprinted around Nicolas Otamendi before chipping the ball over Andujar for his second goal of the tie.

“We’re happy,” Brazil coach Dunga said. “We beat a great team with great champions. (Lionel) Messi might be the best player in the world. We beat Argentina, which had not lost a match at home in qualifying.”

Earlier, Brazil’s chances of wrapping up qualification had been boosted when Colombia defeated Ecuador 2-0 in Bogota while Uruguay slumped to a 1-0 loss in Lima to bottom side Peru.

Meanwhile in Europe, defending champion Italy and Euro 2008 winner Spain took determined steps towards qualification with victories on Saturday but France and Portugal are struggling after being held to disappointing draws.

Nobody was in a position to join already-qualified Netherlands in securing a place at the finals but Spain can make a provisional booking after seven wins out of seven following a 5-0 home thrashing of Belgium.

Spain scored three goals in the 10 minutes either side of halftime through David Silva, Villa and defender Gerard Pique. Midfielder Silva added his second goal after 68 minutes and Villa completed the rout five minutes from time.

Italy needed two own goals by Kakha Kaladze to secure a 2-0 win in Georgia.

France, World Cup runner-up in 2006, still faces a fight to reach South Africa after a disappointing 1-1 draw in its match with Romania.

Portugal is up against it though Liedson cancelled out an excellent Nicklas Bendtner opener for Denmark.