ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires downbeat after Copa America football defeat

Argentina fans watch in disbelief as their star studded team loses to Brazil in the Copa America final. Before the final, Argentine fans were optimistic they could carry off the Copa America on Sunday (July 15). They had lost on penalties to Brazil in the 2004 final, but this time they were the favourites, with Brazil missing star players Kaka and Ronaldinho, who had both asked to be rested. As they painted their national colours - blue and white - on their cheeks fans across the country tuned into the match, expecting a win. It could have been the end of a 14-year title drought stretching back to their 1993 Copa America title. But as early as the fourth minute the dream started to die when Brazil scored through Julio Baptista. The Argentines then gripped their seats as they nearly produced a quick reply when Juan Roman Riquelme rifled a shot against the post five minutes later. The number ten was close again in the 35th minute but his shot was brilliantly turned away by Brazil goalkeeper Doni. But then Brazil moved in for the kill with Roberta Ayala, making his 115th appearance, putting through his own goal before halftime and although Argentina had more possession, Daniel Alves later added a third. Fans looked in disbelief as riotous Brazilian fans - invading Argentine bars - burst into celebration. Some of the Argentines gave up and even headed home before the final whistle. Though some felt their boys had still played a good match. "It makes you feel awful because now we have to wait for the next round. But Argentina was up there more than ever. We threw everything we had at them. Brazil wasn't superior, like you can't say that we lost terribly. The problem is that in other countries that might be good enough. But in Argentina, being second isn't ever good enough," Argentine fan Juan Jose Lupino said in his post-match misery. Other fans were less forgiving. "We placed really bad. I don't know what happened. We were going really well in all the past matches. And they sent us to the boiling pot. I have no idea what just happened. I can't believe it, " Argentine fan Jose Zinjaneine said. Argentina had scored 16 goals in five games before the final while Brazil lost to Mexico in the group stage and needed a penalty shootout to beat Uruguay in the semi-finals.

ITN Source | July 17, 2007

Tags:. .third. .enough. .carry. .stage. .loses