What did you think of Ronaldinho's performance in Argentina 3-0 Brazil? The Messi v. Ronaldinho show turned out to be the Messi show. Even Globoesporte acknowledges that Ronaldinho didn't shine as much as Messi.
Here's the english translation of the article:
Messi had a superb performance in the semifinal
A kiss after the execution of the national anthems marked the beginning of the face-off between Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Messi in the Beijing Olympics. Former teammates at Barcelona, both were facing each other for the first time in an official game in today's semi-final. Messi shined when in control of the ball. His style not just overshadowed the Brazilian [Ronaldinho] but also took away Brazil's chances of winning the gold.
Ronaldinho was only able to stand out when he was received in the Workers stadium with an ovation. But not much time had passed that the Chinese public didn't last long in changing its preference. It then started to applaud the "craque" (superstar) of Argentina, that commanded his teammates to the Olympic final. It will be against Nigeria next Saturday, one day before Brazil and Belgium play for the Bronze.
Friends since their Barcelona days, Ronaldinho and Messi gave each other a kiss before the semi-final in Beijing. Both teams respected each other a lot in the first half. Like expected, Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Messi were the most active. However, the Argentine was better and more effective. Not just for positioning himself the best in the soccer pitch but because he dared more than the Brazilian [Ronaldinho].
Proof of that was when Messi had two shots on goal in the first half and Ronaldinho, none. The first goal chance for the "craque do Barcelona" [Messi] was in the free kick in the 19th minute. Renan defended. In the 40th minute, he took adavantage of Rafinha's mistake in the box, stole the ball, dribbled and shot. The goalkeeper Renan saved it again.
As opposed to Brazil, that stayed behind the midfield line, Argentina went with full-force in the second half. Commanded by Messi, it opened the score to 2-0, 2 goals by Aguero. In the first goal, in the 7th minute, he scored after Di Maria's pass. In the 2nd goal in the 12th minute, Messi did a brilliant individual play, passed it to defender Monzon, who crossed it to Aguero and scored.
The sovereignty of Messi compared to Ronaldinho Gaúcho was the reflexion of the different phases they are in. One is at his best in Barcelona, taking over the #10 jersey that was the Brazilian's. The other looking to return to his old soccer ways, now at a new home: the Milan of Kaká.
NÚMEROS DO DUELO
Ronaldinho Messi
- GOLS -
- ASSISTÊNCIAS -
4 DRIBLES 7
1 FALTAS SOFRIDAS 3
1 FINALIZAÇÕES CERTAS 2
- FINALIZAÇÕES ERRADAS 1
17 PASSES CERTOS 15
4 PASSES ERRADOS 3
26 BOLAS RECEBIDAS 23
2 BOLAS PERDIDAS 2
In a rare good moment by Brazil, Ronaldinho appeared and hit the bar when he was in charge of a free kick. In the rebound, Pato tried to score. But later, Messi the protagonist was again decisive. In another great play in the middle, he touched the ball in the area for Aguero who suffered a foul, creating a penalty. Riquelme converted the penalty: Brasil: 3 a 0.
Then what entered in the soccer field was nervousness. Without conditions to make tactical things, Brazil started committing fouls. So many fouls that Lucas and Thiago Neves were sent-off, both for fouls committed on former Corintians player Mascherano.
Source: globoesporte .com
Wasn't this pro-Messi? It looks like it was in the Argentinean media. It looks like Ronaldinho and not just Dunga is under fire by Brazil.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Labels: Argentina 3-0 Brazil