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Short on style Dismal Brazil held goalless by Canada
Updated: Saturday June 02, 2001 7:48 AM
KASHIMA, Japan (Reuters) -- Brazil drew with an unimpressive Canadian side in the Confederations Cup on Saturday to the boos of a crowd which included many Brazilians living in Japan. Brazil, clearly superior in both technique and physical ability, dominated the game played almost completely inside Canadian territory. But the four-time world champion failed to capitalize on some decisive opportunities, and strengthen its chance to advance to the semifinals. "The result was not a good one. But the content of the game was not that bad," said Brazilian coach Emerson Leao. A visibly upset Leao acknowledged that the man-to-man defense of the Canadians had put pressure on the Brazilian side. "Canada's man-to-man defense was tough, although we did manage to escape and take a shot at goal several times," he said. Canada's German coach, Holger Osieck, was ecstatic as defeat would have eliminated his team's chances of advancing to the semifinals following their 3-0 loss to Japan on Thursday. "It's great to get a result like tonight against Brazil. I think it's a great achievement for Canadian football. People at home will really appreciate it," Osieck told reporters. "We don't have the technical abilities Brazil has...but our team showed what they could do," he added. "We had a negative experience against Japan...Our objective today was that this should not happen again." Brazilian defender Leo had a shot in the 26th minute, but was denied by a leaping save from Canadian goalkeeper Craig Forrest. About the only chance the Canadian side had before halftime was after 33 minutes when Paul Stalteri headed a cross ball from defender Kevin McKenna but the shot passed way over the bar. Brazil continued to control the game in the second half, but the frustration of their fans increased as most of their shots were off target. Canada managed to keep its concentration in defense, leading to some opportunities for the North American side. After 49 minutes, following an intercepted Brazilian pass, Paul Peschisolido took a right-foot shot from just outside the penalty area, only to be denied by Brazilian goalkeeper Dida. As the game neared its end, both sides' play became sloppy with many Brazilian players abandoning their tight passing game and taking long shots at goal. Robert, who replaced Carlos Miguel, had a late chance to break the deadlock after 86 minutes. But his free-kick about 10 meters outside the penalty area landed on top of the goal.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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