FRANKFURT, 29 June 2005 — Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says his team are not seeking revenge against Argentina but are simply focused on winning the Confederations Cup final today. The fifth Confederations Cup reaches its climax with a first final between two South American teams, and Parreira thinks the world champions’ 3-1 defeat by Argentina in Buenos Aires three weeks ago will play no part in their preparations.
“We will not be seeking revenge for that, it doesn’t come into it,” he told reporters.
“The fact they beat us a few weeks ago will not make any difference. We won in Brazil. They won in Buenos Aires, it is what you expect and will not affect the World Cup qualifying plans of either team.
“Tomorrow will be different. The first time two South American teams will play a final in Europe, in an official competition. It will be a very open game. “Both teams will have many tired players and the mental game will be very important, but we will have to forget about the tiredness.
Parreira reported no injuries after a light training session, so striker Adriano, who scored twice against Germany in Brazil’s 3-2 semi-final win, should start up front hoping to score his fourth goal of the competition.
Parreira was also full of praise for the Inter Milan striker who has more than filled the gap left by the absent Ronaldo.
He also scored one of the best goals of the tournament against Greece in Brazil’s opening 3-0 win and despite the strain of the long European season has looked sharp.
“I am very happy to have him here,” said Parreira. “Three years ago I invited him to play against China and no-one was expecting it. “He didn’t do so well in some games and was highly criticized, but I have a lot of confidence in the player. He showed in the Copa America he is a player who makes a difference.”
Asked if it was lucky for Brazil that Hernan Crespo was not leading the Argentinian line, Parreira replied: “Crespo? Well it’s also good for Argentina that Ronaldo is not going to play as well. So we’re even.”
Today’s match is the 89th in the long footballing rivalry between the South American giants dating back to 1914 and will be their fourth meeting in Europe following clashes in the 1974, 1982 and 1990 World Cup finals.
