Super-Sub Alves Puts Brazil in Confederation Cup Final

June 26, 2009

Super-Sub Alves Puts Brazil in Confederation Cup Final

The wonderful fact about football is that, the entire course of the game can change in a fraction of a few seconds, in a moment of a player’s indecision or brilliance. This can happen even in the final minutes of a game, where the losers, would have outshined the winners in all aspects, but still, lost because of the brilliance shown by an individual. Here, the losers were South Africa, who outshined Brazil, the winners, while the individual was none other than Daniel Alves and his free-kick was the cause for thousands of heartbreak across the host nation.

The South African team was without suspended midfielder Macbeth Sibaya who was replaced by Siphiwe Tshabalala while Luisao replaced Juan in central defence for Brazil. As expected, the game was an attack oriented one, as both the teams, aimed for the jugular from the very beginning. Khune, the keeper for South Africa, was forced to action to save a Ramires shot. Almost immediately, RSA replied with long range effort from Siboniso Gaxa, though Julio Cesar had it covered all the way.

But soon, spectators were left wondering whether Brazil was playing in green, as The South Africans dominated possession, though their efforts were either not on target or were fended off by Julio Cesar. Tshbalala’s freekick, on the 30th minute was struck with venom and Julio Cesar had to use both his hands to fend it off. While at the other end Khune had to deal with an Andre Santos volley.

Kaka produced his first piece of magic as he crept past the opponent’s defense, only to send his shot wide of the far post. On, the other end, Steve Pienaar’s shot had beaten Cesar, but alas had beaten the goal too, as it edged wide. Brazil must have thankful for this, otherwise they would have headed into the break, trailing. Brazil were not as active as South Africa, because the hosts scampered for the ball as if their very lives depended on it. On the hour mark, Teko Modise’s shot deflected off Luisao and forced Cesar to a make a magnificent save.

Brazil, have now found a goalkeeper, who is wonderful with his reflex saves, a quality of all Brazilian Goalkeepers, and also good with long range efforts, which is a true boon to the team which has struggled to find a good replacement for Dida.

With, eight minutes left, Dunga introduced Daniel Alves, who would then go on to break millions of hearts across the world with his free-kick. Just when everyone thought the underdogs would come out victorious, the goal, two minutes from time ensured Brazil a chance to defend their title against USA.