Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said fate had been on Brazil's side as the world champions clinched the Confederations Cup with a 4-1 victory in a one-sided final on Wednesday.
"I believe Argentina played well...but sometimes there are matches that are part of destiny," Pekerman said after two goals from Adriano and one apiece from Kaka and Ronaldinho saw Brazil take the title with a flourish.
| |||||||||||
"If the opposition team is as incisive as that, there's nothing you can do."
Three weeks ago, Argentina beat Brazil 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.
In Frankfurt, the tables were turned as Brazil took an early lead with Adriano's opener and secured the win with a ruthless display from their forwards.
"Of course, a defeat like this brings a lot of pain," Pekerman said. "You always think you can repeat the sort of performance we had in the last game. You always have hope.
"But today was the opposite story. Everything went right for Brazil. We have to work hard and recover."
Pekerman said the difference between the two sides was not as great as the scoreline suggested.
"Really, it was a matter of metres," he said. "We had chances and if we had been more incisive we'd have done more.
"We always knew that Brazil could score a number of goals."