2005 FIFA Confederations Cup Group B

This article discusses the preliminary round group B at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005.

Japan - Mexico 1:2 ( 1:1)

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Japan lost to Mexico 1:2. The team was coached by former Brazil midfielder Zico, could not convince the first game. Mexico continued after a 0-1 against the Japanese nor narrowly. The FIFA world rankings Sixth thus remained unbeaten in the 19th game in succession.

Brazil - Greece 3:0 ( 1:0)

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Brazil won as the reigning world champion the game against the European champions clearly and coach Carlos Alberto Parreira could replace some early achievers. Although the stars Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu stayed on vacation, won the South American team, which began with four Bundesliga players sovereign. Greece was clearly inferior to the first game at a packed Central Stadium Leipzig the five-time world champion. The crew of the German coach Otto Rehhagel could not build on the strong performance of European Football Championship 2004.

Greece - Japan 0-1 (0-0 )

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After both teams had lost their first game, a win was important, both for Greece and for Japan to preserve the chance of progressing. The Japanese had a much better start to the game and also several opportunities in the first half to take the lead. The Greeks, however, disappointed - a shot from 20 meters distance from Giorgos Karagounis put the only notable chance before half-time dar.

Even after the break, the Greeks had big problems to work out scoring opportunities. After the Japanese deserved a goal by Masashi Oguro in the 76th minute to take the lead, Angelos Charisteas had to score the equalizer in the 84th minute still the chance from ten yards.

After the surprising victory of Mexico against Brazil, the Greeks had now no chance to reach the semifinals.

Mexico - Brazil 1-0 (0-0 )

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Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe took over the 2-1 opening win against Japan two conversions before: Torrado and Lozano were replaced by Morales and Pineda.

Brazil started with the same team as against Greece. In an initially incoherent game took over world champions Brazil gradually the initiative, but without reaching dangerous opportunities. Mexico withdrew after losing possession immediately in their own half and made it tight at the gate. After half an hour then moved referee Rosetti in the center. After a pass from Morales Borgetti came in the penalty area beset by Roque Júnior to case and the Italian referee decided on penalty kicks. The turning of the fouled first, but Rosetti was repeated twice because players ran foul early in the penalty area. In both repetitions Borgetti could not convert the penalty.

The second half began much snappier, the game became more open with chances at both ends. A corner kick from the left side by Pardo headed Borgetti in the 59th minute in the lower right corner. After Mexico defended with a tight defensive barrier to his own penalty area. Extremely strong and with unconditional dedication saved the team with luck and skill, the success over time. The first big surprise at the Confederations Cup in 2005 was perfect. Mexico beat in Group B the hot favorites Brazil not undeserved 1-0 and was thus adopted as a semifinalist, while Brazil in the final match against Japan still had to reach at least a draw.

Greece - Mexico 0:0

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Greece had already left after the 0-1 defeat against Japan. In the final group game the Greeks wanted to prove why they had become European champions again. For Otto Rehhagel turned his team equal to five positions to: Katsouranis was hurt, Karagounis was yellow - locked, Tavlaridis, Lakis and Kyrgiakos took place on the bench. The team came for Kapsis, Vyntra, Goumas, Zagorakis and the Bundesliga player Amanatidis.

After the celebrated 1-0 victory over Brazil, Mexico had already qualified for the semifinals. Coach Ricardo La Volpe suspended Galindo and Carmona to indiscipline. Besides the two Removed spared the Mexicans Therezinha and Borgetti. For this quartet Méndez Lozano Rodríguez Pérez and moved into the starting lineup.

Below the line, the draw was fair, because the Greeks were superior, but it could not capitalize. Mexico only woke up towards the end of the match, but was equally unsuccessful at the gate.

Japan - Brazil 2:2 (1:2)

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The situation before the game the reigning world champions against the reigning Asian champions was clear. Whatever the outcome of parallel angepfiffenen match between Mexico and Greece in Frankfurt the winner of today's game at Cologne Rhein- Energie-Stadion would the semi-finals, the loser excrete it. In the event of a tie, the " Seleção " would have on the basis of goal difference the better end for themselves. Accordingly, the Zico 's team had to be on a win from.

In a fast-paced and interesting encounter played Brazil, though with luck ( a goal by Akira Kaji was considered a mistake by the offside ) 2-2 against Japan. The " Seleção " moved with it, on goal difference against the Asian champions, in the semi-finals. There was the absolute top game against the DFB selection of national coach Jürgen Klinsmann.

Confederations Cup 2005

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