Brazilians suddenly regained interest in their national team on Thursday, burying their previous criticism and indifference as they celebrated a 4-1 Confederations Cup final win over arch-rivals Argentina.
The Brazilian media gloated while their perplexed Argentine counterparts admitted their team were played off the pitch by the world champions in Wednesday's final in Frankfurt.
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"They went for a samba," said O Globo over a picture of dejected Argentine striker Luciano Figueroa lying face down in the grass. "It was a dance," said the sports daily Lance.
The Jornal dos Sports took a different tack with "To the Hexa" (sixth world title)" while the Gazeta Esportivo went for "Don't cry for me Argentina."
"It's possible that some of [Argentina coach] Jose Pekerman's players are still looking for the ball," said Lance.
It was all very different to media coverage of the tournament's earlier stages.
Brazil were criticised for their inconsistency -- they lost to Mexico and drew with Japan in the group stage -- and the tournament itself was labelled an unnecessary waste of time.
Striker Adriano, who finished as the tournament's top scorer with five goals after his brace on Wednesday, had been dismissed as clumsy and an unworthy replacement for Ronaldo, who was rested from the competition at his own request.
HEATED EXCHANGE
Defender Roque Junior was so annoyed at being repeatedly criticised that he had a heated exchange with Brazil's best known television commentator in a training session earlier this week.
The defender said he was being persecuted and demanded respect.
On Thursday, though, O Globo gave Roque Junior eight out of 10 for his performance with the verdict: "He marked firmly and was careful not to give away free kicks around the area."
Adriano was widely acclaimed as the tournament's best player and most commentators were discussing who will partner him in attack at the World Cup next year, assuming Brazil qualify.
Argentine papers, who had poked fun at their rivals three weeks ago, conceded their team had been outplayed.
"For a while, you even felt like applauding Brazil with more envy that hatred," wrote sports daily Ole. "Brazil were terribly superior."
Clarin wrote: "Adriano is a penalty area animal who always wants to play against Argentina because he has the formula to make our lives bitter.
"But the difference was not just Adriano because his team-mates worked perfectly. Robinho was brimming with talent while Kaka and Ronaldinho, who came from deep, opened up spaces and masterminded the attack."
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