High hopes

Brazil is weary, wary into Gold Cup final vs. Mexico

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Two weeks after losing 1-0 in the thin air of Mexico's capital, Brazil is bringing back a young, tired soccer team for the Gold Cup championship.

Brazilian coach Ricardo Gomes doesn't seem to be looking forward to it. His team is made up of players 23 and younger and lacks most of Brazil's stars. It also must play Sunday at an altitude of 7,200 feet in Azteca Stadium, where Mexico rarely loses.

"The team was not dynamic at the altitude of Mexico," he said following a 2-1 semifinal overtime victory over the United States on Wednesday. "After 10 minutes, there were players with their tongues hanging out."

Brazil's squad seemed weary as the players filed out of Mexico City's airport on Friday. Some players said they were too tired to speak.

Mexico, meanwhile, has added incentive, not that any is needed in meeting the world champions. After several days of confusion, CONCACAF president Jack Warner confirmed on Friday that Mexico needs to defeat Brazil to guarantee the North American slot in the 2005 Confederations Cup in Germany.

"Mexico only has to beat Brazil," Warner said with a smile.

Mexico's Argentine coach, Ricardo Lavolpe, said that's easier said then done.

"Brazil is Brazil, no matter what team it plays," he said.

Mexico would go to the Confederations Cup in any case if Costa Rica beats the United States on Sunday in the fight for third place of the Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean. Brazil and Colombia were invited to the tournament.

Mexico defeated Costa Rica 2-0 on Wednesday, avenging one of the Mexicans' few losses in their massive stadium -- a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat in 2001.

Playing all four of its games at Azteca, Mexico has yet to allow a goal in the Gold Cup.

"The defense is giving us great security and working very well," Lavolpe said.

A question still surrounds Mexico defender Rafael Marquez, who recently joined Barcelona. Marquez scored a 45-yard goal against Costa Rica, but left before halftime because his left knee was bothering him, but indicated the problem was not serious.

Jared Borgetti, who scored the lone goal in the 79th minute of the game against Brazil, added the final score against Costa Rica.

 

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