Rivaldo Sent Off Again, Salas Dismissed for Diving
July 5, 1999 - 0:0
ASUNCION Brazil's Rivaldo was sent off for the second time in four internationals while Chile's Marcelo Salas was shown the red card for theatricals as their respective teams won at the Copa America on Saturday. Rivaldo and Salas, two of the tournament's biggest names, were among four players sent off in the Group B double bill in Ciudad del Este, where Brazil beat Mexico 2-1 to qualify for the quarterfinals and Chile overcame Venezuela 3-0. There was little question over the dismissal of Barcelona start Rivaldo, dispatched to the dressing room for a violent foul on Salvador Carmona, who will have been grateful to survive with both his legs intact.
But Salas, who set up two of his team's three goals, may feel aggrieved. The Lazio striker received his first yellow card after the referee judged he had dived in the penalty area, although replays suggested he had been genuinely fouled. He was booked for the same offense outside the penalty area in the second half, when it appeared that he had his hair pulled as he tussled for the ball.
Chile ended the game with nine players after the first half dismissal of right-back Jorge Vargas, while Venezuela's Rolando Alvarez was sent off after just ten minutes for a violent tackle. Rivaldo, also sent off in a friendly against the Netherlands last month, left the field as Mexico staged a late fight-back. Brazil, who joined Peru in the last eight, had cruised to a 2-0 halftime lead thanks to goals by Amoroso, whose 18th-minute effort was set up with a diagonal pass by Ronaldo, and a spectacular long-range drive by Palmeiras midfielder Alex from nearly 30 meters.
In the second half, Ronaldo slowed up noticeably while Mexico brought on Gerardo Torrado and Isaac Terrazas and took the initiative. Terrazas pulled back a 73rd minute goal after Brazil goalkeeper Dida failed to catch a free kick and Torrado nearly equalized with a long-range shot turned around the post by Dida. By the end, Brazil were so desperate that coach Wanderley Luxemburgo replaced Ronaldo with defensive midfielder Joao Carlos. Nineteen-year-old Ronaldo Assis, who became the sensation of the tournament with a magnificent goal in the 7-0 demolition of Venezuela, was brought on for the last ten minutes but saw little of the ball.
Brazil have maximum six points from two games while Mexico have three, and dropped to third behind Chile on goal difference. However, Mexico are favorites to finish second as they face Venezuela in their last match on Tuesday, while Chile take on defending champions Brazil. (Reuter)
But Salas, who set up two of his team's three goals, may feel aggrieved. The Lazio striker received his first yellow card after the referee judged he had dived in the penalty area, although replays suggested he had been genuinely fouled. He was booked for the same offense outside the penalty area in the second half, when it appeared that he had his hair pulled as he tussled for the ball.
Chile ended the game with nine players after the first half dismissal of right-back Jorge Vargas, while Venezuela's Rolando Alvarez was sent off after just ten minutes for a violent tackle. Rivaldo, also sent off in a friendly against the Netherlands last month, left the field as Mexico staged a late fight-back. Brazil, who joined Peru in the last eight, had cruised to a 2-0 halftime lead thanks to goals by Amoroso, whose 18th-minute effort was set up with a diagonal pass by Ronaldo, and a spectacular long-range drive by Palmeiras midfielder Alex from nearly 30 meters.
In the second half, Ronaldo slowed up noticeably while Mexico brought on Gerardo Torrado and Isaac Terrazas and took the initiative. Terrazas pulled back a 73rd minute goal after Brazil goalkeeper Dida failed to catch a free kick and Torrado nearly equalized with a long-range shot turned around the post by Dida. By the end, Brazil were so desperate that coach Wanderley Luxemburgo replaced Ronaldo with defensive midfielder Joao Carlos. Nineteen-year-old Ronaldo Assis, who became the sensation of the tournament with a magnificent goal in the 7-0 demolition of Venezuela, was brought on for the last ten minutes but saw little of the ball.
Brazil have maximum six points from two games while Mexico have three, and dropped to third behind Chile on goal difference. However, Mexico are favorites to finish second as they face Venezuela in their last match on Tuesday, while Chile take on defending champions Brazil. (Reuter)