Gilberto plays in Brazil 3-1 win over Argentina
September 6, 2009
Brazil ruthlessly sealed their qualification for the World Cup in South Africa tonight, but Argentina’s fate is looking ever more uncertain after this crushing defeat. Diego Maradona came into this match promising to attack Brazil, yet he could not have anticipated his side’s defence rendering his team’s threat so irrelevant. Argentina were woeful at the back and Brazil barely had to work for their goals.
Maradona sent on his son-in-law, Sergio Aguero, at half-time to support Lionel Messi and Tevez but Brazil were more threatening on the break. Fabiano flashed a shot wide and only a last-ditch tackle stymied Robinho. Then as the game appeared to be trundling to a meek conclusion, Jésus Datolo dragged Argentina back into it. Gilberto Silva and Melo had swarmed over any Argentinian midfielder foolish enough to get near Brazil’s area, but this time Datolo was afforded the time and space to crack in a superb 30-yard effort into the top corner.
At the final whistle Brazil celebrated in a mass huddle, while Maradona could only trudge off the pitch disconsolately, perhaps wondering just how long he has left in what was meant to be his dream job. It’s all turned very sour very quickly.