The Hindu : Sport : Argentina storms into the final

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Argentina storms into the final

Heinze, Messi and Riquelme do the scoring

— PHOTO: AP

BANG ON TARGET: Argentina’s Gabriel Heinze sends one past Mexico’s goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez on Wednesday.

Puerto Ordaz (Venezuela): Argentina routed Mexico 3-0 in the Copa America on Wednesday and set up a rematch of the 2004 final against defending champion Brazil.

In fact, Sunday’s match will be the 10th final between the football powerhouses in the 91-year history of the South American championship. Brazil’s victory in a penalty shoot-out 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 opening in Puerto Ordaz, 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.

Genius Messi

After half-time, Riquelme fed Lionel Messi, whose marvellous lob inside the area arched over the outstretched hands of Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez to double the lead after 61 minutes.

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 match, chant ‘Messi, Messi.’

Riquelme scored his fifth goal of the tournament five minutes later from a penalty for a foul on Carlos Tevez.

“There’s nothing left but to recognise the superiority of Argentina,” Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez said.

Argentina travels to Maracaibo for Sunday’s final against Brazil, which knocked out Uruguay 5-4 on penalties after they finished regulation time 2-2 on Tuesday.

Argentina brought its European-based stars to Venezuela 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 while racking up a perfect 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 the Copa since 1993.

Mexico plays Uruguay for third place on Saturday in Caracas. — AP

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