Originally posted by: Uchiha Barles
Nah. In the fight vs. Kimimaro, he said it takes no effort at all for him to make sand from dirt, so, its kinda like he has "homefield advantage" wherever there's dirt. Desert, forest, anywhere not urban. And, at least against that particular akatsuki member, I don't think he would've lost in any situation other than one in which he was forced to sacrifice himself for others.
Gaara would've lost anyway. That's just the way story goes.

Anyway, If you bring in the "oh, he had to save those villagers" excuse, I'm gonna have to say that the Akatsuki member was at a bigger disadvantage, not Gaara. All those villagers could've attacked and distracted bird bitch and Gaara could've went in for a hit. Gaara isn't a smart fighter, he's more of the "I'm gonna go all out with my power and crush you" type. Gaara is talented but he is just an extremely poor strategist.