COLOGNE, Germany, 16 June 2005 — Argentina beat Tunisia more comfortably than the 2-1 winning scoreline suggested in the opening match of the Confederations Cup yesterday.
Juan Riquelme’s 33rd minute penalty and a well-taken 57th minute strike from Javier Saviola gave the South Americans control of the Group A match against the African champions who missed with one penalty and scored with another.
Both Tunisian penalties were awarded after Argentina goalkeeper German Lux brought down striker Haykel Guemamdia, first in the 17th minute and then in the 72nd minute.
Imed Mhadhebi missed the first penalty but Guemamdia took the second himself and scored.
Argentina controlled the match for long periods, and although Tunisia played some enterprising, creative football of their own and gave Argentina a couple of scares in the closing stages, the South Americans always had the upper hand.
Barcelona Outclass Urawa
Reds in Japan
In Saitama, Spanish champions Barcelona overpowered Urawa Reds 3-0 yesterday in the second of two close-season games in Japan.
Swedish striker Henrik Larsson scored twice and midfielder Xavi was also on target in rain-soaked Saitama for a depleted Barcelona side missing several key players.
“There were a lot of positives from this trip,” Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard told reporters.
“Some players like Larsson did not play much last season, so it was valuable for them and will give them a big boost.”
Xavi latched on to a low cross from Larsson to put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute.
Larsson added a second in the 40th minute, applying a simple finish following a superb move involving Deco and Ludovic Giuly.
The Swede, looking sharp after missing most of last season with a knee injury, headed Barcelona’s third in the 77th minute after good work from substitute Peral Javito.
As the rain lashed down, Larsson narrowly missed out on his hat trick after springing the offside trap.
“I’m pleased to be playing at all after the injury I had last November,” Larsson said.
“I played the last two games of the season and two games in Japan. Touch wood, the knee is feeling good...and I can start next season as one of the players again.”
Deco tormented Urawa throughout and went close with a fierce left-foot volley moments into the second half. The Portugal midfielder deserved a goal for his virtuoso performance and almost found the top corner with a shot on the turn in the 58th minute.
Urawa substitute Takuya Yokoyama came closest for the J-League side with a left-foot strike from an acute angle that crashed against the crossbar.
Barcelona, who clinched their 17th Spanish league title last month, were held to a 3-3 draw by J-League champions Yokohama F-Marinos at the weekend.
Several Barcelona players did not make the trip to Japan including world footballer of the year Ronaldinho and club captain Carles Puyol.
Chelsea’s Parker Completes Newcastle Move
In London, England midfielder Scott Parker joined Newcastle United from champions Chelsea for a transfer fee of 6.5 million pounds ($11.76 million) yesterday
The 24-year-old, who had also been linked with Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, signed a five-year contract after passing a medical at St. James’ Park.
“I’m delighted to be joining Newcastle,” Parker told the club’s official website.
“As soon as Chelsea made it clear they were prepared to let me leave, I was keen on this move.
“I have played here a few times and I know how big the club is. I was very impressed by the manager (Graeme Souness), he was a major factor behind my decision to come here.”
Parker joined Chelsea for 10 million pounds from Charlton Athletic in January 2004 but failed to win a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge. The Londoner, who has won two England caps, made only sporadic appearances last season before sustaining a broken bone in his foot in December which ruled him out of the rest of the campaign.
