The Confederations Cup 2009 gave soccer fans a number of really exciting games. One of these 'sweet' soccer matches was the group B clash between Brazil (defending Champions of the Confederation Cup) and Italy (World Cup Champions 2006).

The match was predicted to be anybody's game. It was a clash between Brazil, the team with the best attacking players and Italy, the best defensive team at the tournament.

The match was also billed to be a 'must-watch' for other reasons. Brazil had won its first two matches and was not about to lose to Italy now. Italy, on the other hand had lost to Egypt. It was therefore clear that nothing less than a win would do for Italy. A loss to the Brazilian team would mean that the Italians would be taking an early flight back to Italy.

The match began with great expectations and soccer fans were not disappointed. Brazil took a well-deserved lead in the first half through Luis Fabiano a.k.a. O fabuloso. Before the Italians could catch their breath, Fabiano scored again. Italy's misery was compounded shortly before the end of the first half when an Italian defender, Andreas Dossena, scored an own goal. The first half ended Brazil 3, Italy 0.

Now, the Italians were really up against it. They had to overturn a 3 nil lead in the second half or else, they would be out of the Confederation Cup 2009.

Meanwhile, the Brazilians were not content to rest on their oars. If the Italian players went all out to score, Brazil would catch them on the counter attack and score even more goals. The Italians probably knew this. So, their best bet was to play a wary game of damage control and hope to get lucky and take the Brazilians by surprise.

Unfortunately, this did not work. It could not work because at the heart of the Brazilian defense was an old war horse called Lucio (Lucimar da Silva). He marshaled the Brazilian defense with the skill and experience of a battle-hardened veteran.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian full backs were always moving up field to help the attackers. For this reason, Italian full backs and defensive midfielders had to help keep them at bay.

The greatest lesson of this soccer match is that speed, skill and youth would always place any soccer team at great advantage. Brazil's young players proved too hot for the Old Italian players to handle. All considered, it was a great match to watch. Brazil won that match and went on to win the Confederations Cup 2009.

Learn more about this author, Emmanuel Osondu.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Soccer match analysis: Brazil vs. Italy, Confederations Cup 2009?
We want to hear your view. Write now!