Argentine Class Prevails despite gallant Australian display

Australia's Confederations Cup adventure is officially over after they were defeated by one of the top sides in the world Argentina 4-2.

Admittedly the South Americans technical brilliance maintained control of the majority of the match, but the Aussies can be extremely proud of a second half performance which will remind their potential World Cup playoff opponents of what awaits them in November.

There was only one change in the Australian line up following the defeat against Germany, Frank Farina opting for the experience of Tony Vidmar to replace the injured Popovic in the heart of the defence.

Jose Pekerman restored stars like Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti and Real Madrid's Walter Samuel in a team which before kick off suggested a 3-4-1-2 formation, but rather skipper Juan Pablo Sorin started the match in central midfield in Argentina's more familiar 4-3-1-2.

And it seemed they may require their established stars early on as Australia looked to make a bright opening in a game they simply had to get a result in to stay in the tournament.

Scott Chipperfield was rising to the occasion early on and his cross was helped back by a combination of Cahill and Emerton to produce a chance for Josip Skoko whose shot was deflected over the bar.

But the sheer ability of the Argentina side presents an ever present danger and after a typically flowing move they went ahead after 12 minutes through Luciano Figueroa.

The ability of playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme was paramount as after expertly playing a pass with the outside of his right foot he received the ball back from Figueroa before instantly moving it on to Santana. The Palermo man then similarly only needed one touch to feed Figueroa, who controlled the ball with his right foot before emphatically finishing with his left.

Australia tried to hit back as instantaneously as they had in their previous game but Argentina's keeper Lux was equal to a difficult ball played in by Chipperfield.

The Argentine's were starting to produce the mesmeric football they're capable of with the now permanent Villareal man Riquelme a permanent focal point for any attack.

However despite their dominance they were extremely fortunate to claim the chance for the second goal, Lucas Neill adjudged to have fouled Javier Saviola in the box in a highly contentious decision.

Riquelme put any doubts about the authenticity of the penalty however and coolly dispatched it past Mark Schwarzer who dived the correct way but couldn't keep it out.

It was obvious Australia wouldn't give in while there was a glimmer of hope but in truth they were being taught a lesson in technical football by their illustrious counterparts.

Chances followed for Argentina as both Saviola and Figueroa missed opportunities, and the Socceroos could have been facing an even greater task then the still daunting 2-0 deficit at half time.

Farina responded to the challenge by introducing the fit again Mark Viduka for fullback Muscat as Australia prepared to throw everything they had had the Argentine defence.

However the first chance following the restart went to the team in blue and white stripes after the diminutive Saviola beat Chipperfield and saw his cross forcefully met by Sorin, Schwarzer saving comfortably.

After some great play from Viduka it was Scott Chipperfield whose cross was cut out inches before reaching Tim Cahill, but it was Australia who were dictating the tempo of the second half.

Then came the seemingly defining moments of the match. Mark Viduka was causing plenty of problems for Argentina's defence and after a brilliant turn in the penalty area he was conspicuously taken down by Coloccini only to look on incredulously as the referee somehow waved play on.

The two time World Cup winners weren't complaining though and with the Aussies still feeling considerably aggrieved it was Figueroa who struck a first time effort clinically past Schwarzer to end all realistic hopes of a comeback at 3-0.

But Coloccini couldn't get away with the same crime twice and after bringing down John Aloisi in the box a penalty was indeed awarded. The out of contract Osasuna star stepped up himself and with an element of fortune made it 3-1 with his shot deflecting in off the River Plate keeper.

Chipperfield then presented an enormous chance for Argentina to restore their three goal cushion after he was robbed by Saviola, but the man who spent last season on loan with Monaco couldn't beat the Australian no.1.

And rather than be three goals adrift it was only one moments later. An innocuous looking pass from Skoko was carelessly chested down by Heinze into the path of Aloisi who gratefully accepted his fourth goal of the competition and gave the Socceroos 20 minutes to claim an equaliser.

Yet another passage of exquisite Argentine play stemming in particular from former Barcelona playmaker Riquelme and substitute Aimar gave Zanetti the chance to seal victory, but his fizzing effort sailed over Schwarzer's bar and Australia retained some optimism.

The minutes ticked down without reward before Australia's confederation cup dreams were eventually extinguished in the 89th minute.

A Riquelme free kick drifted through to the unmarked Luciano Figueroa at the far post, and another man who plys his trade for Villareal duly completed his hat-trick with a simple tap in.

As with the defeat against Germany there were some very positive signs from an Australian perspective, particularly in a battling second half, which would suggest the Socceroos have a great chance for World Cup qualification against South American opposition later this year.

Argentina's victory sees them qualify from group A along with Germany who defeated Tunisia in the earlier match 3-0.

Australian line-up:
Mark Schwarzer; Kevin Muscat (Mark Viduka h/t), Craig Moore (c), Lucas Neill, Tony Vidmar, Ljubo Milicevic (Jon McKain 56’), Brett Emerton, Josip Skoko (Jason Culina 74’), Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, John Aloisi.

Cautions: Neill 30’, Emerton 43’, Cahill 49’, Moore 91’.

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