As has occured so often over the years, a South American player earned a European club the FIFA Club World Cup. Lionel Messi converted a goal in the second half of extra time on Saturday, as Barcelona came from behind to defeat Estudiantes de La Plata 2-1 in Abu Dhabi.

Barcelona, the European champions, beat the South American champions to win their sixth title of 2009, confirming their status as the best team in the world.

Mauro Boselli, the top goal scorer of the ´09 Copa Libertadores, put Estudiantes ahead late in the first half with a fine header.

Inspired by the leadership skills of captain Juan Sebastian Veron it seemed that Estudiantes would win the title, but in the final minute of normal time Gerard Pique drew Barcelona level with a looping header over Estudiantes goalkeeper Damian Albil.

Argentine forward Messi earned Barcelona the title when he met a precise cross from Brazilian defender Daniel Alves with a fine diving header in the 110th minute of extra time.

Messi earned criticism from the frustrated Estudiantes fans, who believe that he is one player for Barcelona and another for the Argentine national team. He will have an opportunity to change this image at the 2010 World Cup.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Since winning the European Golden Ball last week, Lionel Messi provided his opinion on both the national team of Argentina and the national team of Spain. He also spoke about the upcoming Club World Cup, where his side, Barcelona of Spain, are expected to face Estudiantes de La Plata of Argentina in the final.

“If we are going to go as far as we can, we have to start winning games before we start thinking about winning championships.” Messi told FIFA.com.

The Barcelona superstar believes that since securing World Cup qualification the situation with the Argentine national team has settled down, but that there is still plenty of work to do.

“We’ve only just started a new phase with the national team, and now we will see a major change in how the team play.”

Messi also thanked his Barcelona team-mates for helping him win the triple with Pep Guardiola giving the orders from the touch line. Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League as well as La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

The Rosario-born player is also particularly fond of Vicente del Bosque´s Spanish national team, where several of his Barcelona team-mates star.

“They have a style similar to what we have in Barcelona and nowadays they are the best team in the world,” claimed Messi.

Messi also commented about the FIFA Club World Cup, which will get underway in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday: “It is the only trophy that we (Barcelona) are missing at club level, and it is the last tournament of this historic 2009.”

He also said that although the coach has not worked on the analysis of their opponents in the tournament as of yet, he did say, “being an Argentine, I know about Estudiantes. They are a team who like to play football and they have very good players, like La Bruja (Juan Sebastian Veron), who dictates the tempo.”

Barcelona kicks off the Club World Cup on December 15th against either Pohang Steelers or TP Mazembe.

Jack Tilghman

Southamericanfutbol.com

Copa Libertadores winners Estudiantes de La Plata will face either Mazembe of Congo or Pohang Steelers of Korea in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in December, it was announced on Thursday.

European champions Barcelona will face Atlante, if the Mexican outfit beat the winners of the quarter-final clash between Al Ahli and Auckland City.

The Club World Cup will take place between the 9th and 19th of December in the UAE. The opening match will be between Al Ahli and Auckland, with the winner facing Atlante on December 12.

On the 11th Mazembe will lock horns with Pohang Steelers. Champions League winners Barcelona will debut in the competition on the 16th of December.

Estudiantes´ semi-final is staged for the 15th of December. The title decider, which is expected to be between Estudiantes and Barcelona, is scheduled for the 19th of December.

Last year Manchester United of England won the competition, after ousting Liga de Quito of Ecuador 1-0 in the final.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Mauro Boselli affirmed that the main priority of Estudiantes de La Plata is the Club World Cup in December, and even if they have chances of winning the Argentine Apertura championship, the international competition comes first.

“Even if we are towards the end of the Apertura, the priority is the Club World Cup,” Boselli insisted to La Red after Los Pincharratas thrashed Argentine Clausura champions Velez Sarsfield 3-0 on the weekend.

The leading scorer of the 2009 Copa Libertadores celebrated a victory that saw Estudiantes jump into third place of the league standings.

“I think against Velez the real Estudiantes returned. I think we played well in the second half and we ended up winning 3-0 against very important rivals.”

Boselli converted his team´s second goal, which was a powerful drive from outside of the area.

In other news, midfielder Jose Sosa returned to the Estudiantes squad for the first time, but has yet to be inscripted for the Club World Cup.

But Estudiantes have been granted permission by Bayern Munich for the player to begin training with the La Plata side.

For now Estudiantes are not sure whether FIFA with authorise the player to participate in the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Estudiantes de La Plata crushed Huracan 4-1 in Buenos Aires to move atop the Argentine Apertura Championship on Friday night.

The Copa Libertadores champions won the match with goals from Juan Salgueiro, Mauro Boselli, Enzo Perez and Maximiliano Nunez. Patricio Toranzo converted for Huracan.

Uruguayan striker Salgueiro put Estudiantes ahead in the 38th minute when he latched on to a Boselli flick and beat the offside trap before chipping the ball over Huracan goalkeeper Gaston Monzon.

Boselli doubled Estudiantes’ lead six minutes later with a good finish after a well-worked attacking move.

The four-time winners of the Libertadores were cruising, and they continued to dominate their opponents as they went into the break two goals to the good.

Ten minutes into the restart Toranzo pulled a goal back for Huracan, however, Perez and Nunez put the result beyond Huracan with goals in the 78th and 89th minute.

Estudiantes, who were without inspirational leader Juan Sebastian Veron, demonstrated why they can be considered serious title candidates this season after their fourth win in five matches.

Huracan, on the other hand, find themselves second-bottom after falling to their fourth defeat of the season.

In the other Friday game, Rosario and Banfield drew a blank.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

All right, Juan Sebastián Verón — maybe Major League Soccer fans can forgive you now.

On Wednesday night, nearly two years to the day after the Argentine star turned his back on D.C. United at the last minute, Verón accomplished the very thing he wanted to do: ending Estudiantes de La Plata’s 39-year wait for an international title. The Argentine national-teamer captained his club to victory in the final of the 50th edition of the Copa Libertadores — South America’s Champions League — in highly dramatic circumstances.

After being held to a scoreless draw at home in La Plata, Argentina, last week, Verón pulled the strings as Estudiantes came from behind to defeat Cruzeiro 2-1 in front of 70,000 fans at the intimidating Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Verón played a part in both of his team’s goals and was voted best player on the field after another telling demonstration of why he continues to be one of the finest playmakers in the game.

Winning South America’s biggest club competition wasn’t only a historical achievement for the club, but an objective for Verón since returning to Estudiantes in 2006 after 10 predominantly successful years in the elite leagues of Europe with the likes of Manchester United, Lazio, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Like former Man. United teammate David Beckham, who joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in an attempt to repair his reputation outside the glitz and glamour of European soccer, Verón pursued his childhood dream of helping his beloved Estudiantes return to the pinnacle of South American soccer.

Unlike most, Verón gave up the opportunity to continue to play at a top European club (along with the big salary) for the sole purpose of helping Estudiantes regain its identity after almost 40 years with nothing to show. “La Brujita” opted for Estudiantes instead of Argentine heavyweights River Plate or Boca Juniors, knowing that such a move was always going to be risky, not only because of the financial state of the club but also the ongoing problems associated with Argentine soccer. He was also well aware that such a move could put his national-team career at risk.

Now 34, Verón had confessed over and over again that before he called it quits, his ultimate goal was to win the Libertadores with Estudiantes. Like his father, Juan Ramón Verón, who was part of the incredible Estudiantes side that won three successive Libertadores titles from 1968-1970, Seba was able to fulfill his lifelong dream.

What Verón has achieved with Estudiantes in these last three years has been nothing short of remarkable — he has practically rejuvenated the club single-handedly. In his first year back, Verón played a key role as Estudiantes won the Argentine Championship for the first time in 23 years after an unexpected playoff victory over Boca.

Despite attracting plenty of attention from several foreign clubs, including D.C. United — which was prepared to offer him a salary of more than $3 million a year — Verón chose to stay loyal to Estudiantes as he set his sights on winning international silverware with the club.

Last year, he guided the team to the final of the Copa Sudamericana, South America’s second-tier club competition behind the Libertadores. But Estudiantes was ousted by Brazilian club Internacional. Despite the devastating defeat, Verón ended up being named South American Footballer of the Year for ’08 after an impressive campaign that further reinforced his status as a world-class player.

Verón saw the potential in the Estudiantes squad and, even if it seemed that he would be forced to part ways with the club after a serious internal conflict, he decided to stay on and his side was reinforced with heaps of quality additions ahead of the Libertadores.

Estudiantes’ title run was simply amazing, and Verón was the main reason for the success. After finishing the group stage in second place behind Cruzeiro, Estudiantes eliminated Libertad of Paraguay and Uruguayan teams Defensor Sporting and Nacional en route to the final.

Los Pincharratas came into the decider against Cruzeiro as the clear underdogs, not only because of the prolific form of the Brazilians, but also because Verón wasn’t at full fitness after sustaining a calf injury in the semis. In the first leg of the finals, Verón left the field bruised and battered after a frustrating scoreless draw at home.

The second leg in Brazil seemed to spell more doom and gloom. Estudiantes fell behind to a Henrique thunderbolt early in the second half, and it seemed like Verón’s dream was quickly evaporating. But thanks to his steady leadership, the Argentines turned it around with goals from strikers Gastón Fernández and Mauro Boselli. Verón had an exceptional match — he created both goals, worked tirelessly in the midfield and intercepted several crucial balls to the admiration of the 5,000 traveling Estudiantes supporters.

In rallying in the second half to beat a team that won all six of its home matches in the tournament (including a 3-0 victory against los Pincharratas in the group stage), Verón-led Estudiantes pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Copa Libertadores history. “Verón is the most important player in the entire history of Estudiantes,” coach Alejandro Sabella said after Wednesday’s victory.

As champions of South America, Verón & Co. gain entry into the FIFA Club World Cup in December, which shifts from Japan to Abu Dhabi this year. With that ticket, a potential championship matchup with European champion Barcelona is a real possibility. Verón has more to look forward to as well, including making Argentina’s squad for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, which would be his third.

But both landmark events are months away. Today, tomorrow and in the weeks and months to come, Verón will drink in the glory of realizing his childhood dream, making his father proud and cementing his legacy. Thousands of miles from the big leagues of Europe, La Brujita did what he set out to do: He made a difference. Take that, Beckham.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

The 50th edition of South America’s Champions League, the Copa Libertadores, is set for a thrilling climax, with the return legs of both semifinals scheduled for this week. With Nacional of Uruguay taking on Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata and an all-Brazilian affair of Grêmio up against Cruzeiro, fans will be treated to two matches embroidered with history and still wide open after the first-leg results. Between them, the four semifinalists have won the competition 10 times (Cruzeiro was the last, 12 years ago).

With a place in the finals in touching distance, all four clubs will be desperate to produce their best soccer, and it’s in these kinds of instances when stars are born. South America continues to produce players of the highest caliber, and in this edition of the Libertadores, several players have emerged as possible stars of the future, while others have cemented their status as world-class players.Due to the wealth of talent on display, many will sign lucrative deals with top European clubs at the tournament’s conclusion, if they have not already. It’s no secret: The Copa Libertadores is the perfect platform for the top players of the region to showcase their skills in an attempt to cash in with the big boys of world soccer. Here are the top 10 performers in this year’s edition of the Libertadores:

1. Kléber (Cruzeiro)

A serious contender to be player of the tournament, Kléber has been key to Cruzeiro’s impressive campaign. Having ended the the Mineiro state tournament (which Cruzeiro won earlier in the year) as the leading marksman, Kléber has managed to transmit that success into the Copa. Not only has the striker found the back of the net four times, but he has been the club’s main inspiration in the attack. His performances have quickly made him a fan favorite, and he will be hoping to repay the club’s fans with the Libertadores title.

Kléber, who won the Ukrainian Super League twice with Dynamo Kiev before returning to Brazil, has attracted envious glances from several top European clubs, including Liverpool. But first, he wants to put Cruzeiro into the history books with a third Copa title triumph. His Cruzeiro teammate Ramires has been equally impressive, and will return to the side after helping Brazil win the Confederations Cup for a third time.

2. Juan Sebastián Verón (Estudiantes)

Since returning to his beloved Estudiantes after 10 years in Europe, Verón has been in incredible form. The South American Footballer of The Year continues to be one of the most intelligent playmakers in the game, and he has been instrumental in Estudiantes’ amazing Libertadores run. Los Pincharratas haven’t lifted South America’s biggest prize in 39 years, but have a great shot of winning their fourth title now that they’re only a step away from reaching the finals.

The 34-year-old Verón has shown he still has plenty to offer to Estudiantes, or any other club for that matter, and it was his quick free-kick that led to Diego Galván‘s winner in the first leg against Nacional last week. Unfortunately for Estudiantes, “La Brujita” was injured later on in the match and will have to watch the second leg in Montevideo from the dugout. Will Estudiantes be able to cope without their leader?

3. Keirrison (Palmeiras)

Only hours away from completing a big-money transfer to European champion Barcelona, Keirrison promises to take European soccer by storm. Last season, he finished in a three-way tie as the top scorer of the Brazilian Championship with 21 goals and he has scored six times in the Libertadores. “K9″ was the standout of a Palmeiras side that didn’t live up to expectations in the tournament and was sent crashing out by Nacional in the quarterfinals.

With its elimination, the pressure built — in particular coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. On his blog, the former Brazil boss threatened to not play Keirrison in protest to his transfer to Barcelona, which led to his immediate firing. Keirrison will hope to experience a memorable season with Barça, as it could well be worth a 2010 World Cup place with the Seleção.

4. Nicolás Lodeiro (Nacional)

Lodeiro is the most exciting talent to have emerged from Uruguay in recent years, and his acceleration, combined with dribbling skills, have earned him comparisons with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. The Nacional attacker is world-class and, with four goals to his name in the Copa, he has proven to be the difference for Nacional. At only 20 years of age, a bright future awaits him, but Lodeiro will be hoping to help Nacional lift what would be a fourth Libertadores title before packing his bags for Europe. Some possible destinations include Barcelona (where he could team up with Messi) and Liverpool.

5. Pablo Pintos (Defensor Sporting)

Dubbed the “Uruguayan Maicon” because of his ability to get forward in the attack (like the famed Inter Milan fullback), Pintos is one of the most sought-after defenders in South America. He was outstanding as Defensor reached the quarterfinals of the Copa, and was particularly impressive as the Uruguayan underdogs eliminated continental heavyweight Boca Juniors. Although he has attracted interest from a couple of Italian clubs, his future lies with either Boca or River Plate of Argentina, two massive clubs which would provide him with plenty of experience before heading to Europe.

6. Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes)

With five of Estudiantes’ 15 goals in the Libertadores, Boselli has proven to be his team’s biggest threat. The former Boca striker has reached his top form with Estudiantes, and his smart positioning and goal-scoring prowess has been much of the reason why his team is still in the hunt for the title. Having learned from the likes of Martín Palermo and Rodrigo Palacio while at Boca, Boselli has managed to make a name for himself at Estudiantes.

7. Sebastián Coates (Nacional)

Coates only recently emerged on the continental scene, but the center back already promises to be a star of the future. At 6-foot-5, it’s no wonder the 19-year-old is almost impossible to beat in the air, which is much of the reason why Nacional has conceded the fewest amount of goals in the tournament. Coates is also strong in dead-ball situations and found the back of the net with a powerful header in the group phase against Nacional of Paraguay.

His potential hasn’t gone unnoticed, and he has been targeted by several foreign clubs, including Juventus. The Italian club has sent scouts to Uruguay to observe the player in action, and is expected to make an offer for him at the conclusion of the Copa.

8. Hernanes (São Paulo)

Three-time Libertadores champion São Paulo didn’t perform up to its usual high standards this year, but the tournament reinforced the status of its latest gem. The midfielder is perhaps the biggest star in South America, and his undisputed quality means it is just a matter of time before he becomes a household name in Europe.
Having played a key role as São Paulo clinched a fourth successive Brazilian Championship last season,

Hernanes was rewarded as Brazilian Footballer of the Year. He was on the verge of completing a high-profile transfer to Barcelona earlier in the year, but São Paulo’s Libertadores commitment was the priority. With time to reflect on a tournament that could have gone better, Hernanes may be forced to part ways with São Paulo. The Brazilians would surely cash in on the 24-year-old.

9. Maxi López (Grêmio)

With few opportunities at Barcelona and in Russia, López’s career has been rejuvenated at Grêmio. The tall, blonde striker finally found a team tha
t knows how to take full advantage of his heading ability — three of his four goals in the tournament came off his noggin. The former River Plate striker has adapted to Brazilian soccer quickly, but had he converted an easy opportunity against Cruzeiro last week, his team would sit in a better position heading into the return leg of the semifinals in Porto Alegre.

What reduces the chances of a return to Europe, however, is that Maxi also makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Not only is he married to Argentine bombshell Wanda Nara (who has achieved some Paris Hilton-like infamy for a sex tape), but last week he was accused of racially abusing Cruzeiro midfielder Elicarlos (López denies the charges).

10. Rodrigo Palacio (Boca Juniors)

Boca may have been eliminated in the quarterfinals, but nevertheless Palacio was able to produce the kind of soccer that has characterized him over the years. After a couple of frustrating seasons, the injury-prone winger was able to show that he is still a class act and scored five times in the tournament.

For years, Palacio has been on the agenda of several top European clubs, but only until now has the high-paid attacker considered a move abroad. Palacio has said he’s comfortable at Boca, but knows that a good season in Spain, Italy or England would provide him with greater possibilities of participating in the World Cup with Argentina for a second time. Such a delayed transfer could mean that Palacio could end up at a second-tier European club like Deportivo La Coruña, Real Betis or Panathinaikos instead of a power like Juventus, Barcelona or Arsenal. His future is likely to be decided in the coming weeks.

Gregory Sica

Article at SI.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

A year-and-a-half ago, Juan Sebastián Verón got cold feet and backed out of a deal that would have made him one of the biggest stars ever to join Major League Soccer. Could the Argentine international be ready to try again?

After years of speculation, it seems Verón finally may leave his beloved Estudiantes de La Plata for a move elsewhere. He has attracted heavy interest from well-established European, Mexican and Brazilian clubs, but Verón’s most viable option could be MLS.

Verón, who turned 34 on Monday, rejected a lucrative move to D.C. United in the summer of 2007, turning his back on a reported annual salary of more than $3 million. In the end, La Brujita said, he wanted to claim an international trophy with Estudiantes before the end of his career.

But after experiencing his fair share of success with his homegrown team, Verón could be forced out. In recent weeks, he has been blamed for his team’s poor form, not because of his on-field performances, but because of the influence he has on the club and its finances.

Last month the playmaker said he wished to stay at Estudiantes, but that he was “sick and tired” of the ongoing accusations linking him with “secret” negotiations with players and agents over big-money transfers.

“I feel like staying, but I have been accused of things that at this stage of my career I would prefer not to be involved in,” Verón said. Then, this past Monday, he reiterated his frustration, stating: “In these moments when things aren’t going well, those who want me to leave appear.”

Verón has taken much of the responsibility for Estudiantes’ disastrous start to the Argentine Clausura Championship, where it finds itself in 18th place in the 20-team league with only one win in its first five games. To make matters worse, Estudiantes is on the brink of elimination from the Copa Libertadores after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Quito in Ecuador on Tuesday. Estudiantes has one of the strongest squads in the competition, and many believe the internal conflict within the squad is the reason why it’s underachieving.

The damage is unlikely to be repaired and, according to the Argentine press, Verón’s exit could be near. He has admitted that all his confidence in mending the rift is lost, and that he could have no choice but to find another club when his contract expires in June.

This is where MLS has a perfect opportunity to intervene. D.C. United may have failed to secure Verón’s services a couple years ago, but that doesn’t mean clubs should back off. The midfielder evidently was keen on a move and was just a signature away from making it reality before changing his mind at the 11th hour.

Although D.C. has filled both of its Designated Player slots this season, several clubs could make a bid for the experienced Argentine international. Despite his age, last year Verón played some of the best soccer of his career, leading Estudiantes to the final of the Copa Sudamericana. As a result of his accomplishments, he was honored as South American Footballer of the Year for ’08.

Much like the way MLS Cup ’08 winner Guillermo Barros Schelotto has exceeded with the Columbus Crew, Verón has the potential to make a huge impact on the league and the players who surround him. Not only does Verón have 10 years of experience in Europe’s big leagues with clubs such as Inter Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea, but he also was a key member of the Argentine national team at the ’98 and ’02 World Cups.

There’s no doubt he’s a world-class player, but if one day he were to move to MLS, the best way for him to make a smooth transition would be by being surrounded by capable players with ambition. Throughout his career, Verón has been characterized by his exceptional radar-like vision and dead-ball accuracy. If his teammates aren’t up to his level, he could get frustrated and his adaptation could take longer than expected. Such a thing happened last season to highly paid D.C. United reject Marcelo Gallardo, who has made an instant impact since returning to River Plate with two superb goals last Sunday.

Another factor that could severely dent the chances of Verón moving to MLS is the fact that his national-team position could be at risk. With the ’10 World Cup just around the corner, it may not be a smart choice.

Although an ankle injury kept him out of Argentina’s 2-0 friendly victory over France in Marseille in February, Verón was initially part of Diego Maradona‘s squad. He’s expected to continue to be part of Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign, which picks up again at the end of this month. (And with Juan Román Riquelme announcing he’s quitting the team — for now, anyways — Maradona desperately needs veteran leadership.)

Verón might not be guaranteed a spot in Maradona’s starting XI, but as many South Americans have learned, a switch to a league like MLS — thousands of miles away and of a lower caliber than the Argentine First Division — likely would take him out of consideration altogether.

At this stage of his career, Verón isn’t willing to give up his national-team spot for the sake of earning a bigger extensive salary. He may even have learned a lesson or two from former Manchester United teammate David Beckham, who knows how it feels to be out of the limelight.

To be sure, MLS has gained increased popularity around the world. But although the league continues to progress each year, its credibility is still a step behind. Verón may be tempted by a move to MLS in the future, but he might have to think twice — again — before making a final decision.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

After 210 minutes of nail-biting action, Sport Clube Internacional lifted the Copa Sudamericana for the first time on Wednesday, an achievement that cements its status as one of the leading clubs in South American soccer history.

Internacional overcame a determined Estudiantes de La Plata 2-1 on aggregate over the two legs — thanks to a dramatic 113th minute winner from outstanding striker Nilmar — when it seemed the final would be decided by a penalty shootout.

The enthusiastic crowd of 55,000 at the Beiro-Rio stadium of Porto Alegre, Brazil, was treated to an extraordinary encounter that could have gone either way. But in the end, Internacional proved its superiority and claimed a title that completes a memorable last couple of years for the club.

Inter won its first major international trophy in 2006 with the Copa Libertadores, South America’s biggest club competition. That same year, it ousted FC Barcelona for the Club World Cup title in Japan, and the following year it claimed the Recopa Sudamericana. Its latest title triumph, the Copa Sudamericana, saw it join Boca Juniors as the only club in South America to have lifted every single international trophy available.

Much of the credit should go to the Internacional board, a professional bunch of people who understand that success only comes with hard work. Not only did the club go out of its way to bring in high-profile players like Andrés D’Alessandro, Nilmar and Pablo Guiñazú, but it also managed to maintain highly rated players like Alex and Edinho, despite ongoing pressure from abroad.

Inter’s title triumph was a culmination of several determining factors that have characterized the southern Brazilian club over the years: a winning mentality, hard work and determination.

Internacional proved to be worthy winners of the Sudamericana after an extraordinary campaign in which it remained undefeated through all 10 of its matches. But despite proving superior to everyone it faced, it would be a mistake not to recognize that the unconventional format of the competition opened its path to glory.

Since its installment in ’02, the credibility of the Copa Sudamericana has been questioned because of its complicated format and ridiculous selection criteria. Unlike Europe’s UEFA Cup, which involves the weaker teams of the continent, the Sudamericana predominantly consists of the top clubs of the region. But even so, the credibility of the tournament has diminished because of a lack of organization.

Widely considered the second-tier competition in South America behind the Libertadores, the Sudamericana began to pick up in status a few years ago because of its exciting knockout format. But since then, and particularly this year, it has lost great prominence because of varying reasons.

In Brazil, for instance, the teams that gain entry to the tournament are the league winners, as well as those who finish between fifth and 12th place in the standings. This means not all the best teams take part, and this evidently has affected the level of quality on display. It’s no surprise then, that after seven editions, Internacional was the first Brazilian club to win the title, in comparison to four wins for Argentine clubs (no Brazilian team had even reached the final before).

But perhaps what mostly affects the Sudamericana’s reputation is that the only clubs that consider the tournament a first priority are those from the weaker South American leagues: pretty much all except for Brazil and Argentina.

This edition was a perfect example of the level of importance the competition is given. Most Brazilian teams fielded reserve squads for the tournament in order to rest their top players for the “more important” Campeonato Brasileiro.

Major clubs such as São Paulo, Palmeiras and Grêmio performed well below their potential in order to concentrate on the domestic competition. All three of these teams had realistic chances of winning the Brazilian Championship, which will likely be won by São Paulo in the final round of the season on Sunday.

The Copa Sudamericana comes at a decisive stage of the Brasileiro, and clubs can’t afford to hurt their chances at the expense of international recognition. Even teams who face possible relegation decided to reserve their starters for league play. Such was the case with Atlético Paranaense, which is why it was eliminated in the round of 16 by Chivas de Guadalajara, a struggling side that eventually bowed out after a 6-0 aggregate demolition by Inter.

Two-time winners Boca Juniors — who are unfairly granted automatic entry into the round of 16 stage, along with River Plate, irrespective of their league form — also took the competition as a second priority this season, as they set their sights on the Argentine Apertura Championship.

Boca coach Carlos Ischia fielded alternative sides in his team’s four Copa matches, and although it managed to eliminate Libertadores champion LDU Quito in the round of 16, it was knocked out by Internacional in the quarterfinals after an unexpected 4-1 aggregate defeat, including a rare loss at the Bombonera stadium in the second leg.

Had Boca utilized its “real” team, perhaps the strongest of the continent, it could have been a much different story. The Buenos Aires giants had eliminated Inter on the way to their ’04 and ’05 Sudamericana triumphs. Those editions of the competition were taken with much more seriousness.

In retrospect, it was no coincidence that the ’08 finalists of the competition — Inter and Estudiantes — had little possibility of fighting for domestic honors this season, and unlike other teams involved in the tournament, focused all their attention on the international scene.

For the Copa Sudamericana to remain a credible competition, and not a waste of time like the UEFA Cup, drastic measures must be implemented. The tournament is in much need of innovation, and unless it is revamped in the following years, it will continue to sit in the shadows of the Copa Libertadores.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

Here’s a news flash: Some of you may not be Manchester United or Chelsea fans.

So with the attention of most of the soccer world centered on Wednesday’s Champions League final, a small portion of you might be asking yourselves, “What else is going on out there?”

For those of you who would rather tune in to anything else other than the events at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium (yes, you, Liverpool fans), here’s a suggestion: Check out the thrilling conclusion to the the Argentine Clausura Championship, one of the most competitive contests still going. Here’s how it will unfold in the coming weeks:

A thrilling season

The usual fan violence aside, it has been a captivating season, particularly because the competition has been extremely even. With only four rounds remaining, the race is still wide open, and six teams have a good shot at winning the title — they’re all separated by only six points.

What has generated huge interest around the country is that four of Buenos Aires’ “big five” clubs are on track for the title for a change. (Click here for a look at the Clausura 2008 standings.)

Perhaps the greatest achievement has been the quality of soccer, which has picked up a great deal when compared to last season. This has much to do with the fact that the majority of the teams in the First Division were reinforced with lots of talent. The soccer has consistently been skilful, dynamic and exciting.

If we had to pick out the season’s star performer so far, we couldn’t look past Juan Sebastián Verón. While two of his former clubs battle it out in Moscow, “La Brujita” has guided his first club back home, Estudiantes de La Plata, to the top of the table. And even though he has suffered from injuries, he continues to be the club’s main inspiration. Verón has looked more motivated than ever, and if D.C. United — or any other MLS team — manages to snap him up this summer, it will definitely get its money’s worth.

Teams in the running

Tiny Lanús may have won the Apertura Championship last year, but this season’s title will end up in the hands of one of the big guns. Estudiantes (33 points), River Plate (31) and Boca Juniors (29) have demonstrated they’re all up to the challenge, while San Lorenzo, Independiente and Vélez Sarsfield still have an outside chance.

Most of these teams spent big money in the transfer market, and the effort has paid dividends: It has set up an intriguing climax that is likely to be won by the team that handles the pressure best. Traditionally this team is Boca, but what may affect the club’s title aspirations this season is its participation in the Copa Libertadores. Boca’s main priority is Latin America’s biggest club tournament, and it will do whatever it takes to lift the title for a record seventh time, even if it jeopardizes its league performance.

In its last-gasp 2-1 victory over Racing Club at the Bombonera last Saturday, Boca fielded a complete reserve side thinking about Wednesday’s vital Libertadores clash with Atlas in Guadalajara. But if Boca is eliminated by the Mexicans, it will turn its attention back to the Clausura.

Easiest title run-in

With Huracán, Colón, Olimpo and Banfield as its opponents, River Plate has the easiest close to the season — on paper, at least. Los Millonarios couldn’t win the title in their previous eight attempts (mainly because of Daniel Passarella‘s negative tactics), but they have a great opportunity to put their misery behind them this season.

Diego Simeone counts with an incredibly talented squad, with the likes of Radamel Falcao García, Sebastián Abreu and Diego Buonanotte in the attack. The 20-year-old Buonanotte has been particularly impressive — the tiny, 5-foot-3 attacking midfielder has the ability to penetrate any defense, and is destined for a very bright future with the Argentine national team.

River’s defense has also been very effective this season: It has conceded the fewest amount of goals in the league, with only nine, and its stability has benefited the whole team.

San Lorenzo also has a decent road, as Colón, Olimpo, Banfield and Gimnasia de Jujuy are all winnable games. But what plays against it is the fact that it currently trails league leader Estudiantes by five points. The absence of a suspended Andrés D’Alessandro for the clash with Colón could also be a determining factor.

The eventual winner

Estudiantes has a huge advantage over everyone (except for River), and that’s a big deal with such little time remaining this season. Verón & Co. should pick up at least eight points from their final four matches, while River should finish off the season undefeated: three wins and one draw (10 points).

If that happens, both teams will be tied with 41 points, and the champion will be decided by a dream playoff match at a neutral venue.

In the ’06 Apertura Championship, Estudiantes beat Boca for the title that way. On this occasion, it should be River’s turn — the title finally appears to be in its reach.

Gregory Sica

Article at Si.com

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