All Argentina need now is ‘good rest’

ARGENTINA will face its fiercest rival, world champion Brazil, in the final on Wednesday. After eking out victory over Mexico by beating them 6-5 on penalties in the semi-final yesterday.

As Argentina and Brazil made it to Wednesday’s final, but their players were almost at a standstill at the end of their semifinal victories.

Jose Pekerman’s Argentina team needed a penalties after extra time to beat Mexico on Sunday, and just two days to prepare for a game against its traditional rival. Brazil was complaining of fatigue after beating host Germany 3-2 on Saturday.

The Brazilians reached Wednesday’s title game in Frankfurt by beating host Germany 3-2 on Saturday. The World Cup champs also were well below form and were lambasted by critics at home.

Mexico, having already beaten Brazil in a group game, led Argentina with an overtime goal in Hanover. The Mexicans then conceded a goal and had the only missed penalty kick during the shootout.

The Mexicans face host Germany in a third-place playoff the same day in Leipzig. The Brazilians beat the Germans 3-2 in Nuremberg on Sunday (AEST).

Argentina gained the initiative yesterday after Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio missed the 11th penalty when keeper German Lux saved low to his right. That meant if Argentina scored with its next effort, it was through.

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman says “I agree it was not a great match, but my team fought very hard especially in the second half and extra time”.

He further adds “It was not one of the best matches but we hope to recover and the team has the ability to give a good match in the final.”

“This has been a very demanding competition, all the teams were very strong and we faced a very tough Mexican team”. “But later on we will look at the way the players performed.”

Weary in body and mind, Germany and Mexico will try to summon one more burst of energy for their third-place match at the Confederations Cup on Wednesday.

But real must watch game will be when the two fiercest rival will in front of each other. Brazil v/s Argentina ready for the biggy.