Two Brazilian Soccer Stars Give Victory to Real Madrid

"Sambar, sambar, sambar ~~!"

The world`s most powerful Brazilian soccer proved yet again what it means to be Brazilian soccer.

It was Game 1 of the UEFA semifinal held yesterday in Spain. Real Madrid, which boasts of soccer stars from all around the world, beat Juventus of Italy 2-1 with the help of Roanldo and Carlos da Silva.

The two stars played a key role in Brazil`s winning the World Cup for the fifth time last year. In the last World Cup, or 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, Ronaldo set a new record of eight goals.

It was a bout between two champs representing Spain and Italy. That was another point that attracted the fans. The Brazilian duo scored goals at critical moments.

Juventus` watertight defense nullified the sharp attack line of Real Madrid to begin with. It was Ronaldo who first breached the defense line. At 23`, teamed up with Morientes, Ronaldo passed through the Juventus` defense line, which led to the leading first goal of the game for Real Madrid.

Just prior to the end of the first half, Trezeguet scored a tying goal for Juventus. Then, Ronaldo got injured in his calf, and got off the ground.

But Carlos successfully made up for Raonldo`s absence.

28 minutes into the latter half, Carlos, who was threatening the left side of Juventus, kicked a long-range shoot into the net about 20m away from the left corner of the box. The goal was recorded as the game-winning goal.

Defending the championship, Real Madrid secured the vantage point with this win. If it wins the title again, it will be its tenth title. Game 2 will be held in Torino, Italy.

Today, two "Milans," or AC Milan and Inter Milan, will take on each other for the first time in Game 1.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com