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Brazil 3-0 Argentina
Emirates Stadium
The Academy enjoyed a great day out at the fantastic new Emirates Stadium as the new Brazil triumphed over their great rivals Argentina.
The day began at Newbury Park Station where the academy decided as the meeting point. During the journey we witnessed many fans in the colours of Brazil with only one Argentine witnessed on the train journey but we also sighted a Ricardo Carvalho look alike in a Brazil shirt, which was humorous for obvious reasons.
On arrival at Arsenal underground tube station the area was buzzing with excitement and for many of our Freeflow players this was a new experience as many had never been to watch a game previously and what a game to watch.
Having soaked up the atmosphere outside the Emirates stadium we decided to enter the fantastic arena at 14:50pm, allowing us to admire the Stadium and to watch both Brazil and Argentina warm up.
Our location was the lower wing tier in the corner Block 21, which meant we where placed close to the action and adjacent to the corner kicks taken in front of us. As expected Roman Riquelme, Leo Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascerano all started for the Argentina. However the shock and slight disappointment came when we found out there was no Ronaldinho and Ricardo Kaka in the line up. At this point we all felt the Argentines were clear favorites despite the overwhelming Brazilian support inside the Emirates stadium.
Argentina started strongly too, forcing Brazil back in the first minute with Messi involved on the right. But with their first attack Brazil scored after a skillful turn and pass from Robinho into the path of Elano , one nil. This was great for us as Brazil were attacking our end of the field. Things would get better from an entertainment point of view as Brazil continued to look dangerous, cohesive and entertaining. This was very pleasing as we had all hoped the game would produce magic, and it was right in front of us.
In the first 30 minutes Brazil had half-a dozen corners and our players in Row 1,5,6 and 7 made their best effort to get onto Television and communicate with Carvalho (the Brazilian Inside Left, not the look alike on the train or Chelsea's Carvalho) who was taking the corners. It was made apparent to us at a later stage that our animated and comical players from Row 1 where witnessed on Television.
See Snapshots from BBC below.
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Row 1 in view here are are Daniel, Rajan, Adam, Faris, Liam, Judge, kamel, Karan and Karendeep. |
Row 1 again. |
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Row 1 again. |
Row 1, 5, 6 and 7. Here you can see Row 1 again but also Selim, Taner, Mizan, Jag, Harpal and Jaspreet. |
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Row 1 again. |
Row 1, 5, 6 and 7. Here you can see Row 1 again but also Selim, Taner, Mizan, Jag, Harpal, Jaspreet, Nav, Sunil, Adam, Harvinder, and Jaspal. |
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Row 1. |
At Half time we had more fun as the camera crew circled the stadium and again our players made the big screen.
After Argentina had dominated the start of the second half with some lovely football again all in front of us Brazil introduced Ricardo Kaka. The reception he received was fantastic and within moments he made the second goal for Brazil and Elano.
After Argentina missed more chances and after more intruders invaded the pitch embarrassing the Arsenal security Kaka saved a moment individual brilliance right at the death. His 60 yard solo run which resulted in a cool classy finish and put the icing on the cake. When watching the Brazilian on Television he seems quick but in real time he is like the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.
Post Match Comedy, Samba and Claudio Ranieri
Once we departed the stadium, there was a group of Brazilians playing the drums they had created a mini carnival to celebrate the victory. At this point our Academy players were till buzzing from the game entertainment and they decided to join the Samba. Instigated by Harpal, Jaspreet, Judge and Selim, they went wild. All the players joined in and they created quite an impression on the Brazilians.
This lasted almost an hour, and they learnt some anti Argentine songs in Portuguese. To view the pictures of the game build up, the game itself and the Samba click on the Next Page link below.
Once the fun and mini carnival atmosphere had ended we decided to make our way home. As we walked towards the exit all the energy and excitement was evaporating. Until John Sangha said, "look its Claudio Ranieri" I looked around behind me asuming John was playing a practical joke, but then the Freeflow players and I realised this was no joke. At this point I felt sorry for Claudio Ranieri has he was swamped by the Freeflow players, with speed, noise and excitement. However considering he had no bodyguards and was alone, Mr Ranireri was fantastically polite, honest and approachable.
He too was heading for Arsenal underground Station and the same train, and he dually aloud us to walk with him, signing autographs, answering questions and taking pictures with our players. He was truly fantastic.
This capped off a great day which was fun, entertaining and an educational football experience. Sure to be one that lives long in the memory for all the Academy players. | 
