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Brazil crush Argentina in Confed Cup
Adriano scored twice as Brazil trounced their old foes 4-1 to lift the Confed title.
Brazil produced a masterful display against Argentina in Frankfurt on Wednesday, trouncing their old foes 4-1 to win the Confederations Cup title.
The world champions ripped the heart out of Jose Pekerman's side in the opening quarter of an hour through strikes from Adriano and Kaka, with Ronaldinho and then Adriano again completing the rout after the break.
Adriano, whose double made him the competition's top scorer with five goals, said: "It was really important for us to win this as part of our preparation for next year's World Cup."
"I'm thrilled and proud to have won the title," added the Inter Milan striker whose skill earned him the player of the tournament award.
This was Brazil's second Confed Cup title and it handed them quick retribution after falling 3-1 to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires at the start of the month.
It left Argentina however without a major senior title since their Copa America win in 1993.
Cicinho set up Brazil's opener when he passed to Adriano, the burly attacker curling the ball in from the right of the box in the 11th minute.
And Cicinho played a key part in Brazil's second when he lobbed a pitch-wide cross from the right to Robinho who in turn found Kaka lurking in the box, the AC Milan midfielder finishing neatly, his shot sailing over keeper German Lux's head.
Just before the half hour mark Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini - who was fortunate to be playing after being leniently treated for a horror tackle against Mexico in the semi-final - and Ronaldinho were booked for a spot of jousting, the Brazil captain receiving his ticking off with his customary good humour.
Argentina could have scored at least once in this opening period, with notably Juan Riquelme going close but they were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and sterling work by the Brazilian back line.
