Brazil forward Robinho shattered Italy coach Marcello Lippi’s record bid with a breathtaking display in his side’s 2-0 friendly win over the world champions in London on Tuesday.
Robinho made the opener for Manchester City club-mate Elano with a defense-splitting pass and scored a sublime second himself to give Brazil an impressive victory at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
Lippi was attempting to set a new world record for consecutive unbeaten matches by an international coach, but his run ended at 31 as he suffered a first loss with Italy since defeat against Slovenia during his first spell in charge way back in 2004.
PHOTO: EPA
As Lippi reacquaints himself with the unpleasant taste of defeat, Brazil coach Dunga is finally looking more comfortable in one of soccer’s most demanding jobs.
Dunga’s perceived penchant for cautious tactics has riled some in Brazil but this performance should earn him some respect at last.
These two giants of the global game have won nine World Cups between them, contested two finals and produced some of the finest matches in the competition’s history, but this was their first meeting for 12 years.
In the intervening decade each country had added another World Cup to their collection, yet both teams arrived in England with plenty to prove after spluttering starts to their 2010 qualifying campaigns.
With that in mind it wasn’t surprising that the match started at a frenetic pace. Italy had the ball in the net in the opening moments when Fabio Grosso met Andrea Pirlo’s lofted pass with a volley past Julio Cesar but the left-back’s effort was ruled out for offside
The absence of AC Milan playmaker Kaka gave Dunga a chance to bring Ronaldinho back from a three-match exile, while Adriano, carrying more weight than ever, was also in the Selecao’s forward line.
The relatively unheralded Elano has become an integral part of the team under Dunga and the right sided midfielder underlined his importance as he opened the scoring in the 13th minute.
A swift and incisive exchange of passes with Robinho opened up the Italian defense and Elano gracefully applied the finishing touch as he guided his shot past Gianluigi Buffon.
Brazil have become accustomed to playing friendlies at Arsenal in the last two years and they were clearly in the mood. Even a defense as parsimonious as Italy’s couldn’t contain them.
If Elano’s opener had been a tasty appetizer, then Robinho’s strike in the 27th minute was a truly sumptuous main course.
Quickly dispossessing Pirlo as he dwelt on the ball in his own penalty area, Robinho teased Nicola Legrottaglie with a series of elaborate step-overs before wrong-footing his marker with a neat back-flick and driving a low shot into the far corner.
Debutant midfielder Felipe Melo was driving Brazil forward impressively and the Italians were being made to look distinctly second rate.
There was no sign of Brazil easing off, with Elano sending a stinging drive just over on the stroke of half-time.
The capacity crowd of 60,077 were lapping up every feint and flick from Brazil’s showmen, but Italy emerged after half-time determined to salvage some pride.
Luca Toni beat Cesar with a bundled effort midway through the second half, only to see his strike disallowed because he had handled while trying to control Pirlo’s pass.
Both teams were fiercely competitive until the end. It was Italy who finished on top though and it took a brilliant reflex stop from Cesar to deny Toni a late consolation goal.
Gilberto, who left Arsenal in the summer for Greek club Panathinaikos, told Sky Sports he was happy to be back at his former club’s ground.
“It was very special to be here after six years with Arsenal,” Gilberto said. “This is the first time I have come back to England since and to see so many people here at the Emirates made me happy to be back. I think this stadium is now the Brazilians home in Europe.”
Results of other international friendly matches on Tuesday
In Limassol, Cyprus:
• Slovakia 2, Ukraine 3
In Nicosia:
• Cyprus 0, Serbia 2
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely