Argentina routs Mexico
PUERTO ORDAZ, VENEZUELA — Argentina beat Mexico, 3-0, in the Copa America on Wednesday night and set up a rematch of the 2004 final against defending champion Brazil.
In fact, Sunday’s game will be the 10th final between the soccer powerhouses in the 91-year history of the South American championship. Brazil’s victory in a penalty shootout three years ago in Peru was its first over its archrival in a Copa final.
“It’s the last link in the chain and playing in a classic derby against Brazil is the greatest,” said Argentina Coach Alfio Basile. During his previous stint in charge, he led Argentina to championships in 1991, over Brazil, and 1993.
After a pressure-filled start, a charging Gabriel Heinze lifted his left leg high and toed in a Juan Roman Riquelme free kick for Argentina’s first goal in the 44th minute.
After halftime, Riquelme fed Lionel Messi, whose marvelous lob inside the area arched over the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez to make the score 2-0 after 61 minutes.
“It was something only the superstars do ... an extraordinary feat that moved everybody,” Basile said.
The goal was the second in the tournament for the 21-year old forward from FC Barcelona, whose sprinting hip-shaking antics have endeared him to Venezuelan fans, who in almost every game chant “Messi, Messi.”
Riquelme scored his fifth goal of the tournament five minutes later on a penalty kick after a foul on Carlos Tevez.
“There’s nothing left but to recognize the superiority of Argentina,” Mexico Coach Hugo Sanchez said.
Argentina will travel to Maracaibo for Sunday’s final against Brazil, which defeated Uruguay, 5-4, on penalty kicks after the teams finished tied, 2-2, in regulation on Tuesday.
Argentina brought its European-based stars to Venezuela to try to claim its 15th Copa title and break free from its tie with Uruguay for the most titles.
Strong offensive performances by Messi, Riquelme and Tevez have allowed Argentina to score a tournament-best 16 goals and post a 5-0 record.
By contrast, Brazil has brought a mostly younger team, which rebounded from a tournament-opening defeat to Mexico.
Brazil has won three of the previous four tournaments. Argentina hasn’t won since 1993.
Mexico will play Uruguay for third place on Saturday in Caracas.
