Unfortunately, this has to happen

I'm talking about the 2007 Copa America final, between Argentina & Brazil. Predictably, South America's top 2 teams reached the final. But somewhat unexpectedly, Brazil won convincingly, by 3-0. Unexpected because Argentina were favoured to win, considering that Brazil lacked Ronaldinho & Kaka (both requested leave from the tournament), & especially when Argentina were more impressive during the lead-up to the final.

Unfortunately, Argentina lost. That Brazil won so decisively (as suggested by the scoreline) was a bit embarassing & depressing. I say that not because I have anything against Brazil, but because I thought Argentina could do it this time. Brazil won because they have such great firepower & finishing ability, so pacy & incisive on the counter-attack, & physically too strong. Argentina, though they play with more skill & flair, proved too lightweight & were simply overpowered by bigger opponents.

I can go on & on talking all night. But it's just so depressing - the Argentines saved their worst performance for the final, not delivering the goods when it really really mattered - & all this is made worse by the fact that it's Brazil that triumphed at their expense. Nothing went right. They may have had more of the ball than Brazil, but that does not count for much when u don't do as much with it as the opposition.

Argentina won every match convincingly leading up to the final, & this has to happen. Reminds me a bit about the Dutch team in 1974 World Cup, where they swept all before them & were hotly tipped to lift the trophy, only to lose to the host & bitter rivals West Germany. But at least the Dutch played well then, & only the German keeper stood between them & victory. Argentina, yesterday, didn't play well enough, didn't do what they had to do. Well, if u don't score, u don't win. Simple as that.

I guess the best thing is to reflect on how well Argentina have played up to the final. Perhaps as time passes & rational analysis & reflection are made, Argentina may be able to discern as to why they lost, & hopefully the necessary changes can be made to their football. But not too much changes, hopefully. Certainly, we do not want Argentina to stop their way of playing football. The consensus among many observers is that overall (even though they slipped up in the final), Argentina played the best & most entertaining brand of football in the tournament & are widely admired for that (just like that Dutch team of 1974). Slick, skillful passing & wonderful combination moves - the Argentinians staunchly stick to their football traditions, & credit must go to them for that. But all that pretty patterns, unfortunately went unrewarded. As many say, it's the result that matters, & Brazil got the result simply because they are so decisive in what they do, unlike the Argentines. Congratulations to them.