2010 Copa Libertadores Thread-Get involved!

[Golden_Boy™]

If you read Mr Vickery's latest blog I posted one page back, OG, you'd know Chivas are already in the 2nd round - bypassing the group stages.

Only a few games into this and it's shaping up well so far.

[Golden_Boy™]

Copa Libertadores 2010: Nacional 3 - 2 Club Deportivo Cuenca



Nacional kicked-off Group 3 by beating Ecuador's Deportivo Cuenca 3-2, thanks to Angel Morales' 85th minute penalty.

The game got off to a languid start and neither team managed a shot on target in the opening quarter-hour. Finally, hosts Nacional took the initiative and the lively Santiago Garcia, whose pace and power troubled Deportivo throughout the game, began to get involved. In the 19th minute, the young striker picked the ball up on the edge of the box, worked some space, and fired just wide.

However, despite dominating, disaster struck for Nacional in the 25th minute. The Uruguayan defence went to sleep and fantastic play from Juan Guerrón set-up Vicuna who scored from close range.

On the sideline, Nacional coach Eduardo Acevedo, who was clearly seething, could not believe his teams liberal attitude to defending. Deportivo had one chance and they ruthlessly punished the somnolent Nacional backline.

Nacional, stunned by Deportivo's smash and grab, struggled to regain any fluency in their passing and Paúl Vélez, content with the scoreline, narrowed his midfield, urging Nacional to break them down.

In the 36th minute, the Deportivo coach almost paid a heavy price for this negativite tactic when Alvaro González raced onto a cross and headed just inches wide as goalkeeper Esteban Dreer looked on helplessly.

Urged on by the vociferous home support, Nacional regained their confidence and once again began to trouble the visitors. In the 39th minute, a stinging drive from Mauricio Pereira was well saved by Dreer and from the resulting corner Garcia somehow headed over from inside the six-yard box.

Nacional emerged rejuvenated from Acevedo's stern half-time talk and, in the 47th minute, drew level thanks to Mario Regueiro's exquisite header.

In the 65th minute, Regueiro grabbed his second - tapping home from just a yard - to put Nacional ahead. However, their lead lasted just two minutes; Deportivo equalised through the unmarked Escalada, who punished more lackadaisical marking from the porous Nacional defence.

With just five minutes remaining, referee Enrique Osses awarded Nacional a penalty when Arlin Ayoví pulled over Sebastian Coates, and Morales calmly stepped up to snatch the points for the Montevideo club.

In last night's later game, Estudiantes smashed Juan Aurich 5-1 in La Plata to move top of Group 3. A Boselli hat-trick and individual efforts from Gonzalez and Re secured the points for the Argentines. Tejada did equalise for the visitors in the 34th minute, but the champions always had an extra gear and in the second half their class shone through.

Thursday's Results Round-Up

Group 1
Cerro Porteño 1 - 1 Independiente Medellín

Group 3
Estudiantes La Plata 5 - 1 Juan Aurich

Group 4
Blooming 1 v 2 Universitario de Deportes

Group 6
Nacional 3 - 2 Club Deportivo Cuenca

[Golden_Boy™]

Deportivo Cuenca 1-4 Banfield: El Taladro Stroll To Victory In The Dizzy Heights Of Cuenca

Julio Falcioni's Banfield strolled to victory in Ecuador this evening, running out easy winners in a match they dominated from the outset.

Last season’s Argentine revelations Banfield travelled up to the dizzy heights of Cuenca, Ecuador this evening for their second match in Copa Libertadores Group 6.

Cuenca were expected to come flying out of the gates like home teams usually do against travelling sides struggling to keep their breath in altitude, but it was the Argentines who threatened first when their young starlet James Rodriguez stung the fingers of Esteban Dreer in the Cuenca goal.

Fifteen minutes in and the second chance of the game again fell to Banfield when Sebastián Fernández tested Dreer from range before Walter Erviti fired his own lon-range effort wide of the post.

Marcelo Quinteros was next to try his luck for Banfield, capitalising on Arlin Ayoví’s to race away towards goal before slicing his shot out for a throw-in.

El Taladro (The Drill) continued to dominate with Walter Erviti and James Rodriguez controlling possession and finally took the lead when Walter Erviti sent a 25-yard strike flying into the top corner.

Banfield had the breakthrough and just five minutes later it was two. Erviti’s whipped corner found Ferreyra unmarked and while Dreer got down well to keep his header out, Sebastian Fernandez was on hand to smash the rebound home from less than a yard.

Cuenca nearly pulled one back when Luis Escalada’s stiker deflected off Julio Barraza and smashed against the Banfield crossbar.




The first chance of the second-half again fell to Banfield when Banfield wonderkid James Rodriguez wonderfully struck free-kick swerved over the wall and, with Dreer beaten, hit the outside the of the post.

The Ecuadorians finally had their first meaningful effort on goal a few minutes later Jose Vicuna’s left-footed striker brought a good save out of Cristian Lucchetti.

Banfield went three up on the hour mark when Sebastian Fernandez reacted first to nod home from 5 yards after Dreer failed to deal with another long-range striker, patting the ball down right in front of the little Uruguayan.

The Ecuadorians briefly took the ascendancy as Banfield took their foot of the pedal but when Fernandez sprinted away on the counter and squared for Rodriguez to side-foot home the fourth, the home fans were already heading for the exits.

[Golden_Boy™]

It's carnival week over in Brazil right now.

Some pictures:





Flamengo actually gave Adriano the weekend off - just so he could enjoy himself. Them Brazilians really do love their football stars.

[Golden_Boy™]

Copa Libertadores 2010: Round-Up From Tuesday



Internacional began their Copa Libertadores campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Emelec.

In the 49th minute, David Quiroz put the Ecuador outfit ahead with a tidy finish, however, Nei equalised for the Porto Alegre giants just four minutes later with a stunning 30 yard drive.

With just three minutes remaining, Alecsandro grabbed the winner sending the Brazilians level with Cerro of Uruguay at the top of Group 5.

In Group 7, Velez Sarsfield of Argentina continued their great Libertadores form with a valuable 1-0 victory away to Deportivo Italia in Venezuela.

Rodrigo Lopez scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute, stabbing home a corner from close range.

Colo Colo travel to Cruzerio tonight hoping to catch Velez who sit three points clear at the top of the table.

Tonight's fixtures:

Corinthians v Racing (U) - Group 1
Monterrey v Nacional - Group 2
Juan Aurich v Bolívar - Group 3
Cruzeiro v Colo Colo - Group 7
Flamengo v Universidad Católica - Group 8

BBC’s South American football expert Tim Vickery talks Copa Libertadores with some people from Soccernet. ;D

Corinthians play Racing of Uruguay tonight - a game I shall be reporting on. Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos set to start...it's gonna be like totally awesome and stuff.

[Golden_Boy™]

Corinthians kick off their Copa Libertadores campaign against Racing of Uruguay at the Pacaembu on Wednesday and nothing but victory will suffice. The Paulista giants dream of crowning their centenary celebrations with success in South America's premier club competition. More than that, the Libertadores is an obsession for Corinthians, who in the past have been forced to look on enviously as their local rivals São Paulo, Palmeiras and Santos all lifted the famous trophy.

There are other exciting sub-plots to 'Timão's' Libertadores journey, like Roberto Carlos' return to intercontinental football and Ronaldo using the tournament as a platform to make Brazil's World Cup squad. Yesterday, Ronaldo signed a contract extension at the club and confirmed he will retire when the deal expires at the end of 2011. "I have renewed for another two years and they will be the last of my career, I have already decided that. I want to give my best, have fun and I hope to finish with an important success like the Libertadores," the striker said.

With Brazil's domestic league not starting until May, and the Paulista Championship regarded as an inferior tournament, the Copa Libertadores is Ronaldo's last chance to impress Dunga. The Brazil coach is reluctant to select Ronaldo following Brazil's disappointing display at the 2006 World Cup. After the tournament, Dunga succeeded coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and immediately vowed to end the playboy culture that existed within the Seleção squad and the power held by certain star players; in particular, Ronaldo.

Not only was Ronaldo dropped, he was never selected for Brazil again. Instead, Dunga assembled a core squad with a strong team ethic, who embody the qualities he possessed as a player: combative, competitive and physical. One thing is certain about Dunga: he will not select unfit players or those not playing first team football. The exclusion of Ronaldinho - who is playing his best football in years - from the squad to face Ireland next week demonstrates just how demanding Dunga is.

So, where does this leave Ronaldo?

Well, the great prestige in which the Libertadores is held across South America is Ronaldo's saving grace. If 'O Fenomeno' can regain a high level of fitness, remain injury free and demonstrate that he can still perform at the highest echelon of football the continent has to offer, then Dunga surely can't continue to turn a blind eye- whether he wants to or not. Ronaldo, despite being in the twilight of his career, is still revered across Brazil. Before the Confederations Cup in July, the Brazilian public begged Dunga to include Ronaldo; even the country's president, Lula, and Brazilian Football Confederation President, Ricardo Teixeira, pleaded his case. A successful Libertadores will no doubt restart that bandwagon.

What are his chances? What Ronaldo does better than most - even at the age of 33 - is score goals. Last year he returned to Brazilian football and netted an outstanding 24 in 40 games. He still possesses the invaluable ability to find space in the box, making the most of even the slightest gap. Furthermore, last month Corinthians club doctors commented that Ronaldo has never been fitter since signing.

It's been 15 years since Ronaldo first graced the Libertadores as a 17-year-old with Cruzeiro. Having never won the competition, he has unfinished business. However, Ronaldo's preparations were disrupted three weeks ago by a troublesome thigh injury. Since then, he has started just two games, scoring once. Behind the scenes, Corinthians medical team have been putting the striker through an intense fitness regime and last week he was, only just, passed fit. Such is the importance of the Libertadores, however, Corinthians coach Mano Menezes excluded Ronaldo for Saturday's Paulista game against Rio Branco.

Speaking on his World Cup chances, Ronaldo said: "We'll see what happens. I still have a chance to go ... but time is running out." The all-time leading World Cup scorer with 15 goals has work in South America to contend with before dreaming of South Africa. Let's hope he gives the stubborn Dunga some food for thought.


www.southamericanfootball.co.uk/files/articles.php?article_id=738

[Golden_Boy™]

Copa Libertadores Preview: Corinthians - Racing Club

Highly-fancied Corinthians kick off their Copa Libertadores campaign against the Uruguayan minnows...

As one of the biggest and best supported clubs in Brazil, it is surprising that Corinthians have never reached the final of the Copa Libertadores. 2010 marks the club's centenary year, and Timao have been laying the groundwork to mark it in style by winning the Libertadores for the first time.

It was nearly a dream that was destined to be unfulfiled. The club were relegated from the top flight in 2007, with Goias leapfrogging them on the final day of the season, but they returned immediately as they swept to the second division title in 2008.

Corinthians' squad is now glittering with stars such as Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, while the likes of Matias Defederico, Dentinho and Boquita are some of the most promising talents in South America. The club took the fast-track route to the Copa Libertadores by winning the Copa do Brasil - a task made easier due to the fact that sides are not allowed to compete in both tournaments in the same year.

The Campeonato Paulista is far from being Timao's priority now. The Brazilian state championships divide opinion, with many arguing that they are antiquated and should be scrapped. For coach Mano Menezes, it works as an ideal opportunity to keep his players match fit for the Copa Libertadores, albeit against a league of largely sub-standard sides.

Now comes the test though. While Corinthians have the squad to mount a serious challenge, they must also deal with the pressure of performing in front of the vociferous and demanding crowd in the Pacaembu. The stage is set for some grand centenary celebrations - Corinthians must not forget their lines.

Taking Advantage Of The League System

Racing Club de Montevideo have produced some excellent players over the years, including the great goalkeeper of the 1960s and 1970s Ladislao Mazurkiewicz and striker Julio Morales, but their stock has fallen in recent times.

Despite the problems facing the club off the pitch, Juan Verzeri's side were consistent enough on the field to find a path to the Copa Libertadores last season. By finishing sixth in the overall table, Racing qualified for the Liguilla Pre-Libertadores - a round-robin competition between the top six sides to determine the continental places.

Los Racinguistas finished second to earn a passage to the qualifying stage for the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history. They were even handed a favourable draw in the preliminaries against Junior Barranquilla, progressing 4-1 on aggregate.

However, life is not a bed of roses for the club. They have lost three of their opening five games in the Clausura, including a home defeat to arch-rivals Fenix, and could only finish ninth out of 16 teams in the Apertura.

Racing were also recently forced to sell midfielder Diego Scotti as their Libertadores preparations took another blow, and Verzeri will have his work cut out to ensure that the Uruguayans give a respectable account of themselves in Group 1.


FORM GUIDE

Corinthians

February 20 v Rio Branco (H) - DREW 0-0 (Campeonato Paulista)

February 17 v Mogi Mirim (A) - WON 3-0 (Campeonato Paulista)

February 13 v Portuguesa (A) - DREW 1-1 (Campeonato Paulista)

February 6 v Sertaozinho (H) - WON 4-0 (Campeonato Paulista)

February 3 v Ponte Preta (A) - LOST 2-1 (Campeonato Paulista)

Racing Club

February 20 v Cerrito (A) - LOST 3-0 (Uruguayan Clausura)

February 17 v Fenix (H) - LOST 2-0 (Uruguayan Clausura)

February 14 v Rampla Juniors (H) - WON 2-1 (Uruguayan Clausura)

February 10 v Central Espanol (H) - WON 1-0 (Uruguayan Clausura)

February 7 v Penarol (A) - LOST 3-0 (Uruguayan Clausura)


TEAM NEWS

Corinthians

Edno, Edgar Balbuena, Sergio Escudero and Boquita all miss out on Menezes' 25-man squad, but the big guns in the shape of Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, as well as the experienced Iarley, are all expected to start. Matias Defederico should be on the bench, while Moacir and Dodo have both been included in the squad list.

Probable Starting XI: Felipe; Alessandro, William, Chicao, Roberto Carlos; Ralf, Elias, Tcheco, Jorge Henrique; Iarley, Ronaldo.

Racing Club

The Uruguayans are likely to stick with the same backbone to the team that took to the field last time out against Cerrito, although Verzeri may see fit to make some minor changes after a heavy defeat.

Probable Starting XI: Contreras; Brasesco, Pallas, Hernandez, Tejera; Flores, Ostolaza, Vega, Silva; Quinones, Barrientos.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ronaldo (Corinthians)

The Brazilian legend recently announced that he will retire in 2011, so time is running out for him to add a Copa Libertadores crown to his already glittering trophy cabinet. Corinthians will need to get off to a confident start in this year's tournament, and Ronaldo's goals will be key to that - expect to see him on the scoresheet against the Uruguayans.

Jorge Contreras (Racing Club)

The veteran keeper will need to be on his very best form when Racing take on the Brazilian giants. With the amount of attacking talent at Menezes' disposal, Contreras will need to have a safe pair of hands to avoid dropping loose balls to the feet of Ronaldo or Iarley, while Roberto Carlos' free kicks will also be a concern.

PREDICTION

One of the Copa Libertadores' biggest attractions is that it has a habit of throwing up surprises, with smaller teams often upsetting the giants of South American football. This won't be one of them, however - Corinthians should cruise to victory against Racing.

Corinthians 4-0 Racing Club

[Golden_Boy™]

Testing the smoke machines at the Pacaembu ;D

[Golden_Boy™]

[El Morto La Hoja!]

was it a draw then?

[Golden_Boy™]

Feb 25, 2010 10:53:14 GMT -1 El Morto La Hoja! said:

was it a draw then?

That's just how Globo do their lineup thing.

The game finished 2-1 to Corinthians.

Report:

Corinthians 2-1 Racing Club: Unconvincing Victory For Timao Against 10-Man Racing.

The Brazilian giants began their Copa Libertadores assault with a sub-standard display against the Uruguayans...

Corinthians hit back from a goal down to record a narrow win against Racing Club de Montevideo. Martin Cauteruccio had given the Uruguayans a surprise lead, but a double from the impressive Elias gave Timao a satisfactory win.

The big guns were out in force for the hosts, with the master and the apprentice in the shape of Ronaldo and Matias Defederico spearheading their attack.

Incredibly though, Racing took the lead barely two minutes in. A long free kick was poorly dealt with by the home defence and Cauteruccio pounced on the loose ball in the penalty area and controlled it well before chipping it past Felipe into the net.

It was far from the start Corinthains had been hoping for. They looked to hit back immediately as they dominated possession of the ball and it did not take long for them to find a way through. In the 10th minute Ronaldo played the ball to Tcheco on the edge of the box, who flicked it delicately through to Elias to slide home for the equaliser.

The Uruguayans did not buckle and went on the offensive themselves, eyeing a goal to put them in front for a second time. While they were unable to fashion a clear opening, they were succeeding in keeping the Brazilian giants at bay. Elias tried a spectacular strike from 30 yards just before the half hour mark, but it was easily saved by Jorge Contreras.

Liber Quinones blazed a shot over the bar from a narrow angle 10 minutes before the break as Racing counter-attacked well, before Ronaldo spun away from two challenges and fired a shot towards the far corner. Unfortunately for the striker, Contreras was equal to it.

The half finished with the scores level, and the hosts had a lot to mull over at the break after a desperately poor opening 45 minutes.

Corinthians coach Mano Menezes saw fit to bring on Souza for Matias Defederico at half time. The hosts started promisingly in the second half as Elias brought another save from the veteran Contreras with a 20-yard drive.

The simmering temperature rose to boiling point when Dario Flores slid in late on Elias to pick up a second yellow card and reduce his side to 10 men, before Roberto Carlos hacked down Matias Mirabaje to earn himself a booking.

Ronaldo was having a quiet game but could have put his side on the hour mark, but he failed to make the most of another excellent ball from Tcheco. His team-mates were faring little better as they failed to hit the target with their efforts, most of which were from range and hit off the left boot of Roberto Carlos.

Alessandro should also have done better with a shot from close range after playing a fine one-two with Souza, but he could only find the side netting from six yards out. Timao's frustrations were not aided by the Uruguayans' time-wasting tactics, with Cauteruccio taking the ball into the corner with a good 20 minutes to go.

The tension was palpable, but released in the 70th minute when Corinthians finally found a second goal. Substitute Souza played a neat through ball for Elias to nip between two defenders and steer a shot past Contreras.

Corinthians were now in complete control of the game and probed the Racing defence as they looked to put the game beyond doubt. Ronaldo weaved his way past three defenders into the penalty area in the final minutes but Contreras just managed to turn his low shot over the bar.

Although no third goal came, the hosts saw out injury time to record a vital victory in their opening Copa Libertadores fixture, but Menezes will know that performances will have to improve vastly if they are to go far in the tournament.

Highlights:

[Golden_Boy™]

Wasn't the best game really. Corinthians didn't look much of a team, if they really do want to win the Copa they'll need to work on gelling as a collective unit. Ronaldo showed flashes of brilliance, good to see!

[Golden_Boy™]

Brazilian clubs all victorious

Brazilian sides Flamengo, Corinthians and Cruzeiro were all victorious in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday.

Brazil striker Adriano was on target as Flamengo beat Chilean outfit Universidad Catolica 2-0 in a stormy Group Eight clash. The hosts endured a difficult start when midfielder Willians was sent off after just two minutes for throwing a punch at Hans Martinez.

The 10 men took the lead eight minutes later, however, through a fantastic Leo Moura free-kick. And Flamengo gained further momentum when Universidad captain Milovan Mirosevic was also shown a red card before half-time. Adriano doubled the home side's advantage 13 minutes after the break.

In Group Seven, Cruzeiro also beat Chilean opposition in the shape of Colo Colo, 4-1. Thiago Ribeiro put the home side ahead only for Esteban Paredes to level nine minutes before half-time.

The visitors capitulated in the second half, though, starting with the 57th-minute dismissal of defender Diego Olate. Four minutes later, Kleber restored Cruzeiro's lead from the spot with Colo Colo's Roberto Cereceda then seeing red. Pedro Ken made it 3-1 against the nine men with Kleber's second penalty of the evening completing the rout.

Elias scored twice as Corinthians beat Uruguay's Racing 2-1 in Group One. Martin Cauteruccio put Racing ahead in the first minute but Elias grabbed a brace to give Corinthians the points.

In Group Three, Juan Aurich beat Bolivar 2-0 while in Group Two, Monterrey edged past Nacional from Paraguay 2-1.

[Golden_Boy™]

[Golden_Boy™]

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- Colombia's Once Caldas came from behind to claim a 2-1 home victory over Sao Paulo of Brazil in the Copa Libertadores group stage on Thursday.

Argentina's Lanus was a 4-1 winner over Bolivia's Blooming, with Diego Lagos scoring twice, while Peru's Universitario drew 0-0 at home with Libertad of Paraguay.

Once Caldas, who were the surprise winners of the Libertadores in 2004, moved to the top of Group 2 after two games each, three points clear of Sao Paulo and Mexico's Monterrey.

Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni scored from a deflected free kick to give Sao Paulo the lead in the 33rd minute, but Fernando Uribe equalized for Once Caldas in the 50th.

Dayro Moreno scored the winner in the 72nd minute, picking up the ball on the halfway line and riding three challenges before firing a low shot into the far corner.

Lanus' first points in three group games put the Argentine club in third place in Group 4, four points behind Universitario and Libertad.

Luis Vieira put Blooming ahead in the 10th minute, but goals from Sebastian Blanco in the 25th and Santiago Salcedo in the 38th gave the Argentine club a half-time lead.

Lagos struck goals in the 61st and 76th to seal victory.

The Copa Libertadores is the top club competition in Latin America, featuring teams from 11 different nations.

Eight group winners and the six best placed runners-up will qualify for the knockout round of 16.

Goal of the game:



Dayro Moreno

[Golden_Boy™]

23:50 KO.

[Golden_Boy™]

Copa Libertadores 2010: Cerro Porteno 0-1 Corinthians

Corinthians of Brazil beat Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno, in Asunción, earlier this morning, courtesy of a Ronaldo goal...

After drawing away at Medellin last week, Mano Menezes and his side arrived in Paraguay in need of a win to give themselves some breathing space at the top of group 1.

Whilst a relatively new football star was once again lighting up the Champions League, it was left to an old-timer to settle matters in Asunción. It was the hosts who started the better though, displaying a resolute work ethic and taking the game to the favourites. In the first half, the Brazilians didn't quite match the work rate of Cerro, but with the quality of Brazilian pair Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, skill and genuine talent tends to shine through.

It was to be Ronaldo who broke the deadlock; with five minutes remaining in the first half, a corner by Dentinho found Danilo on the edge of the six yard box and his back heeled flick found an incoming Ronaldo at the back post to smash the ball into the back of the net– his mini goal drought had ended and Corinthians had taken a valuable lead. One chance for Ronaldo usually results in one goal. Despite still being far from his best, a rare player such as this R9 doesn't need to be at 100% to score goals.

Elias, Dentinho and Ronaldo celebrate the phenomenon's goal.

At half time, each side had 3 shots on target.

The second half started with a pattern very similar to the first: the hosts putting pressure on the Brazilians, looking for a lapse in concentration, a mistake here, a misplaced pass there.

Ramires managed to test Filipe early on in the second half, the 'keeper spilt the shot and was lucky for the rebound to be put over. Minutes later, a Danilo free kick was swung in and found Ronaldo unmarked in the box, Ronaldo duly scored with his head but only to be given offside by the officials.

In good form with five goals in five games, Dentinho didn't score in this game but he did maintain a good level of play, despite a challenge which he could've very easily seen red for. The youngster was substituted 24 minutes into the second half, Jorge Henrique his replacement.

With little over 15 minutes remaining, Cerro nearly drew level. Sebastian Ereros threaded Dos Santos through on goal and it seemed as though only a simple finish was required, but Roberto Carlos tracked back and cut off the attack with a sublime tackle. The move was given offside, but Roberto Carlos, in his advancing years, still displays the same level of work ethic he always has.

In the later stages, the ref got his red card out after freely dishing out yellows earlier on. Cerro captain Britez was sent off by referee Pablo Pozo for dissent.

A minute later, Corinthians coach Mano Menezes substituted goalscorer Ronaldo for Souza. He had little time to make an impact, though, as the ref blew for full time. Corinthians had their win, Meneze's men had gained the vital three points.

For most of this game, Corinthians were never in serious trouble, as despite their workmanlike performance, the hosts just lacked the extra bit of quality to make a mark.

Timao coach Menezes was happy with the win in Asuncion but was at hand to point out the attack could have been more potent and the score line more favourable to them.
“It was a match with characteristics of difficulty. We were not brilliant, but were practical," he said. "We could have been more offensive and we did not take our chances.”

Corinthians remain top of the group on seven points and are well positioned to move on to the next stage.

Watch Ronaldo's goal -

After last nights action, Group 1 now looks like this:

Uruguayan minnows Racing are due to play Medellín tonight, in what looks to be a battle for second place.

Corinthians can now look to Brasileiro action this weekend, as they meet Gremio in Porto Alegre this Sunday. Their next Copa game is a home game v Cerro Porteno on April 2nd.

The other results from last nights Copa Libertadores 2010:

Group 2: Monterrey 2-2 Once Caldas
Group 8: Caracas 0-0 Universidad Católica
Group 8: Universidad de Chile 2-1 Flamengo

Tonights games:

Group 2: São Paulo (Brazil) v Nacional (Paraguay)
Group 5: Cerro (Uruguay) v Internacional (Brazil)

www.southamericanfootball.co.uk/files/articles.php?article_id=756

[ovechkin8]

That James Rodriguez is a real prospect. Pity he is Colombian.

And I wonder if Maradona watched Estudiantes getting beaten up by Allianz Lima ?

But not Veron is still going to be the dead heartbeat of the WC midfield.....

[Golden_Boy™]

Haven't been updating this of late; been real busy.

Mar 20, 2010 11:43:00 GMT -1 ovechkin8 said:

That James Rodriguez is a real prospect. Pity he is Colombian.

And I wonder if Maradona watched Estudiantes getting beaten up by Allianz Lima ?

But not Veron is still going to be the dead heartbeat of the WC midfield.....

The lad is quality.

Colombia sadly have regressed since the days of Valderrama, Asprilla, Higuita, Rincon etc.

Estu sit top of the Clausura, they are still fighting on two fronts, doing it well, too.

The round of 16 knockout stage starts this Wednesday, pick of the round is Flamengo v Corinthians. Adriano v Ronaldo.

Round of 16 draw in full:

Corinthians v Flamengo
Univ. de Chile v Allianza Lima
Libertad v Once Caldas
Vélez Sársfield v Guadalajara
Estudiantes v San Luis
Internacional v Banfield
Nacional v Cruzeiro
São Paulo v Universitario

[Golden_Boy™]

Latest BBC blog from the Beeb's South American football correspondent based in Rio: The "Legendinho", Tim Vickery.

This weeks effort focuses on the Copa Libertadores as it reaches the knockout round of 16, Flamengo v Corinthians the stand out tie, as I mentioned in my previous post.

Copa promises thrilling knockout phase

Without Colombian defender Luis Amaranto Perea, Liverpool may well have returned from last week's Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid with a vital away goal.

Perea made his name in another red shirt, that of Medellin back in Colombia, after first working at their stadium selling ice creams and in 2003 he was one of the star attractions in a side that reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

Seven years later in the same competition Medellin have paraded a young defender with many of the same attributes. Leiton Jimenez has a similar slight build and like Perea, he is not great on the ball, but he has an excellent anticipation, recovers quickly, times his tackles well and takes responsibility for things around him.

Jimenez is 21 this Monday, and can celebrate his birthday by looking back with pleasure on a promising Libertadores campaign, even though they fell short of reaching the knockout stages.

Medellin conceded just four goals in their six group games, but selling centre-forward Jackson Martinez to Mexico on the eve of the competition fatally undermined their hopes and they only scored three times and failed to make it through.

This constant selling in South America means that there are always opportunities for good young players and though Jimenez will not be in action, there are plenty of other names for the notebook lining up this week when the knockout phase gets underway.

Banfield of Argentina have a left-footed Colombian midfielder, James Rodriguez, who seems destined for great things and Nacional of Uruguay have gangling centre-back Sebastian Coates.



James Rodriguez (right) could be one of the young stars of the Copa Libertadores - pic: Getty

Raul Fernandez of Universitario (Peru) is an athletic goalkeeper, while Libertad of Paraguay have been doing some excellent youth development work and it will be worth a look at right wing-back Victor Hugo Ayala, tricky little right-sided striker Rodolfo Gamarra and lanky left-footed centre-forward Pablo Velazquez.

But as well as the up and comers, the Libertadores also showcases some old timers who are aiming to round off their careers in style.

In recent years one of the competition's most interesting sub-plots has been the efforts of Juan Sebastian Veron to emulate the achievements of his father in the red and white of Estudiantes.

Veron senior was the key man 40 years ago when the club won three Libertadores titles and one world crown. Last year his son played a key role in ending the long wait for title number four, and captained the side to within two minutes of becoming world club champions.

With Veron junior's mission at least partially accomplished, the spotlight this year falls on Ronaldo. His club, Corinthians of Sao Paulo, have never won the Libertadores. This is their centenary year, and they are desperate to put that right.

First, they must get past Flamengo of Rio in the undoubted tie of the round, a clash between Brazil's two most popular clubs. Wednesday's first leg takes place in Rio's giant Maracana stadium, with Corinthians at home in next week's return match.

Ronaldo is a Rio lad, and a Flamengo supporter. He has often talked about playing for the club and seemed on course to do so when he was training with them 18 months ago as he recovered from his latest knee injury.



Ronaldo (right) has been plagued by injuries but still has an eye for goal - pic: Getty

Flamengo, though, wanted to wait to be certain he would make a full recovery, Corinthians quickly offered terms, and the player was off to Sao Paulo - leaving the Flamengo fans feeling betrayed.

The great number nine, then, can expect an icy reception - it didn't happen last year as Ronaldo was injured when Corinthians came to town - but can he shut the fans up?

Over the last few years he has been unable to put together a sustained spell of form and fitness, but he has been very dangerous whenever he has wanted to prove a point.

In 2009, he thoroughly enjoyed silencing those who thought he was finished. He was certainly carrying some excess weight, but when it mattered he always seemed to get in front of the defender.

He has always been a magnificent finisher, and over time has developed an understanding of how to drop deeper and combine with his team-mates. His goals carried Corinthians to victory in the Brazilian Cup, which qualified them for this year's Libertadores.

Then came more injuries and an apparent loss of motivation. With a sense of mission accomplished, he and the club did little in the second half of last year's league campaign, and this year Ronaldo has been sleepwalking through the Sao Paulo State Championship and the group stage of the Libertadores.

The time has come to wake up. Can Ronaldo turn the clock back once more? Will he produce another majestic comeback, like Muhammad Ali against George Foreman? Or, like Ali against Larry Holmes, is it now too late for the tap to be turned on at will?

Perhaps that last comparison is not appropriate. One of the explanations for Ali's pitiful performance against Holmes in 1980 was that for reasons of vanity he had paid too much attention to getting his weight down.

That's unlikely to be a problem for the 2010 model Ronaldo!