BUENOS AIRES: The opening round of matches at the 43rd Copa America has unearthed an uncomfortable truth for hosts Argentina and perennial favourites Brazil.
They appear not to be as good as they think they are.
Although both former world champions sent out attacking line-ups seeking early points against lowly rivals, both emerged with unimaginative, plodding draws against Bolivia and Venezuela respectively.
Given that both rivals are ranked well outside the top 50 in FIFA’s ranking, the stalemates have prompted much head-scratching.
But slow starts by the big guns are something of a speciality in tournament play. Argentina themselves started poorly at the 1990 World Cup — notably losing their curtain-raiser against Cameroon — before going on to reach the final.
With even the two best third-placed teams from the three groups qualifying for the quarters in this Copa America, the chances of either South American giant not making it are infinitesimal.
Hence neither Argentina coach Sergio Batista nor Brazil counterpart Mano Menezes are unduly concerned. At least, not yet.
Batista on Monday confirmed that he would largely keep faith with the team held by the Bolivians, confirming just one change — with Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta to replace Marcos Rojo on the right side of defence while veteran Javier Zanetti switches to the left. “I don’t like to chop and change the team around from one game to the next,” Batista told reporters.
That means Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi completing an attacking trident as Batista keeps faith with both Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi — the latter still struggling to find his club form with his country.
Meanwhile, Batista praised Lavezzi and Tevez for bringing both speed and possession to the table.
“Carlos can link up with Lionel, (bringing) not so much speed but keeping the ball,” he said.
Argentina have to rebound after the Bolivians deservedly held them to a 1-1 draw in La Plata last Friday.
Brazil, meanwhile, must raise their game against Paraguay in Cordoba on Saturday after their dire 0-0 draw with Venezuela.
Yet, despite their early travails, Batista and Menezes will be well aware of who won the fabled encounter between the tortoise and the hare. (Agencies)