Dunga: I’ve got Messi on my mind
Dunga is not playing mind games here and building up the Albiceleste. He recognizes that they are the most formidable team in the Copa and a win over them would be nothing short of miraculous.
Dunga’s lineup shows no surprises. Gilberto Silva is not in the final due to suspension and in his place Elano will start. He joins Julio Baptista as the other attacking midfielder. Dunga also has two holding midfielders in Minero and Josue. On paper there is perfect balance in the midfield.
Elano has been described as a template of the Brazilian team under Dunga. A player who provides the perfect balance of defense and attack, with intelligent ball movement connecting the two components. Elano’s addition may also have been influenced by the fact that Brazil beat Argentina on the strength of his two goals, the last time they met.
Brazil’s team: Doni, Maicon, Alex, Juan and Gilberto; Minero, Josue, Elano and Júlio Baptista; Robinho and Vagner Love.
For Argentina, Hernan Crespo should be back from injury, and getting him back will be huge.
Argentina’s team: Abbondanzieri, Ayala, Zanetti, Heinze, Gabriel Milito, Cambiasso, Mascherano, Riquelme, Veron, Crespo, and Messi.
The Argentinian bench is so deep that Crespo can be replaced by Tevez, Palacio, or Diego Milito. Veron by Gago. Riquelme by Aimar. Gabriel Milito by Burdisso. Quality replaced by quality.
Carlos Tevez is calling this a revenge final as the Seleccao beat them in the 2004 Copa. So this is going to be one intense final.