Mexican giants America have to win by two clear goals against Santos to proceed to the final of the Mexican playoffs and Pumas have to beat Monterrey.
For many it was the dream final: America v Pumas. A final that could put new impetus into Mexican soccer, that would see two of the biggest teams in the land lock horns. Sponsors and television companies licked their lips at the prospect of the bitter Mexico City rivals making it to the finals.
Following the Thursday night games when both teams played at home, both face a monumental struggle to make the dream final come true.
America, in front of a pitiful crowd at the Estadio Azteca, lost 2-1 to Santos thanks to a late Christian Benitez screamer. Although America gave as good as they got and a tie may have been a fairer result, the class of Benitez snatched it for Santos. The nouveau riche team from Mexico’s north now consistently in compete in the last stages of the liguilla. Both teams are rumored to pay the highest salaries in the Mexican game but it is Santos that have molded the better team.
In Torreon on Sunday, America need to win by two clear goals. It might be good for television figures if America go through but Santos won’t care about that. They want to get their hands on the trophy that was denied them by an epic penalty shootout against Toluca in the final last season.
Players to watch:
Christian Benitez (Santos): Already has 15 goals to his name this season at a ratio of over a goal per game. Enough said.
Daniel “Rolfi” Montenegro (America): Just coming back from injury much of America’s positive play comes through the Argentine. Playing just off the front man, if America are to turn the 2-1 scoreline around, Rolfi will surely be at the heart of it.
Pumas v Monterrey
Pumas will have to beat Monterrey on Sunday night if they are to make the final following a 0-0 draw in the Estadio Olimpico on Thursday.
On paper it is a difficult assignment, but there are reasons Pumas can go into the game with confidence. Monterrey have gone five games without a victory and have conceded ten goals in their last three at home. Their defense looked good against in the 0-0 draw on Thursday but when they are forced to come out a little, cracks may appear. Pumas also can point to their victory over Cruz Azul as evidence that anything is possible.
With Humberto Suazo and Aldo De Nigris is scintillating form upfront, Monterrey are a frightening attacking force though. The bottom line remains that Pumas face a difficult task in what will be a hostile environment.
Players to watch:
Humberto Suazo (Monterrey): Exceptionally lively striker in and around the box, the Chilean will be looking to add to his season’s goal tally of 11.
Francisco Palencia (Pumas): Pumas’ creative inspiration, the long-haired 37-year-old will be looking to roll back the years to unlock the Monterrey defense.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Mexico prioritize Copa de Oro over Copa America
Mexico will send a weakened team to the Copa America 2011 following an agreement between the Mexico Soccer Federation (FMF) and CONMEBOL.
Rumors were rife earlier in the week that Mexico may not be invited to future Copa America tournaments if they send a weakened squad this year.
Speaking on his return from the draw for the group stages of the Copa Santander Libertadores 2011, President of the FMF Justin Compean said the rumor was in no way true.
“We are 100-percent confirmed to continue participating,” Compean told the Mexican press.
An agreement was struck to allow Mexico to send a squad made up largely of Under-22s with five additional senior players to the Copa America. The new Mexican coach Jose Manuel de la Torre will not take charge of the team for the tournament, perhaps a consequence of the sacking of Hugo Sanchez after his young side’s poor showing in the Olympics in Bejing.
Since 1993, Mexico has taken one of the two spots in the Copa America given over to invited countries from outside the South American region. This year, the Copa de Oro, the regional tournament for CONCACAF teams, is in June, the final taking place just one week before the Copa America kicks off, posing a logistical problem for Mexico.
Mexico, with strong encouragement from CONCACAF, sees the Copa de Oro as a much more realistic way of getting into the Confederations Cup in 2013 in Brazil.
Many in Mexico remain unhappy that their best players won’t be around to compete with some of the best teams in world soccer in the the Copa America, considered the international game’s second or third most prestigious competition.
Rumors were rife earlier in the week that Mexico may not be invited to future Copa America tournaments if they send a weakened squad this year.
Speaking on his return from the draw for the group stages of the Copa Santander Libertadores 2011, President of the FMF Justin Compean said the rumor was in no way true.
“We are 100-percent confirmed to continue participating,” Compean told the Mexican press.
An agreement was struck to allow Mexico to send a squad made up largely of Under-22s with five additional senior players to the Copa America. The new Mexican coach Jose Manuel de la Torre will not take charge of the team for the tournament, perhaps a consequence of the sacking of Hugo Sanchez after his young side’s poor showing in the Olympics in Bejing.
Since 1993, Mexico has taken one of the two spots in the Copa America given over to invited countries from outside the South American region. This year, the Copa de Oro, the regional tournament for CONCACAF teams, is in June, the final taking place just one week before the Copa America kicks off, posing a logistical problem for Mexico.
Mexico, with strong encouragement from CONCACAF, sees the Copa de Oro as a much more realistic way of getting into the Confederations Cup in 2013 in Brazil.
Many in Mexico remain unhappy that their best players won’t be around to compete with some of the best teams in world soccer in the the Copa America, considered the international game’s second or third most prestigious competition.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Breathless weekend of Mexican football as favourites fall
The semi-finals of the Mexican playoffs are set in stone after a couple of games that may compete with the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham for “Game of the Weekend” award.
Pumas beat Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul, the best team in Mexico with the most points, most goals scored and least goals, conceded in the general standings, were knocked out of the playoffs in the quarter finals Saturday after losing 3-2 on aggregate to fellow Mexico City side Pumas UNAM.
Holding onto a 2-1 victory from the first leg in Pumas Olimpico Universitario, Cruz Azul were heavy favorites knowing that only a 2 goal or more defeat would see them get knocked out. To put the gargantuan task Pumas had to face into perspective, Cruz Azul won all eight of their home games in the regular season, conceding only three goals.
As can happen with playoff tournaments that are, in effect, knockout cup competitions, teams can have an off day and bang, they’re out.
That’s exactly what happened to Cruz Azul. Pumas snuck a goal within two minutes and suddenly Cruz Azul knew they were in for a fight in front of their own fans. By halftime they’d had a man sent off, were a goal down and had two other players substituted with injuries (including national team midfielder Gerardo Torrado). In the second half, Pumas pressed for the second and came close on a number of occasions. Dropping back with nine men behind the ball, it appeared that Cruz Azul might just hang on. Then more misfortune. The referee called a penalty for Pumas for a handball. It was a decision which could’ve gone either way. To rub salt in Cruz Azul wounds, Juan Cacho stepped up to convert the penalty. Cacho was a product of Cruz Azul’s youth system.
Fair play to Pumas though. They were determined, efficient and made the most of the opposition’s crumbling luck and lack of zip. Scrapping for their place in the playoffs in the last few weeks has obviously done them no harm. They came into the liguilla battle-hardened. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, qualified some weeks ago and perhaps couldn’t find that extra gear in the second half Saturday.
Questions about how just it is that Cruz Azul lost their first home game of the season and were dumped out will be asked. But for non Cruz Azul fans and the game in Mexico, this game was a great example of the playoff system at its best whether you agree with it or not.
America teach “little brother” a few basic lessons
The Aguilas of America soared imperially in the Estadio Azteca on Saturday evening dishing out a masterclass to a San Luis team that defensively were all over the place.
Following a stale 0-0 draw in San Luis in the first leg, America won 4-1 and coach Manuel Lapuente was lapping up the applause on the touchline as the fourth went in. All season the coach has been angered by questions about how defensively minded his America team is. For most teams it wouldn’t matter but this is America and there past tells them they have to not just win, but win well.
Of course, San Luis is owned by the same Televisa television company and suspicions of corruption linger in the press. The theory goes that for gate receipts and general interest in the liguilla it’s more financially rewarding for America to advance and somewhere in the corridors of futbol power shady deals are done to make sure the result goes the right way.
The accusations have to be taken with a pinch of salt though and on the field though it was clear that America were dominant and could be hitting form at the right time. With America’s Argentine midfielder Daniel “Rolfi” Montenegro back and ready for the semi finals, no one will fancy facing them.
Monterrey survive scare to put Pachuca to the sword in epic clash
Played out in 30 degree Centigrade in Monterrey’s Sunday afternoon sun it would’ve been easy to predict a languid affair. What a game this was played out in front of a packed house in Monterrey’s Tecnologico Stadium with the city’s famous Serro de la Silla (Horse Saddle) mountain providing the backdrop.
Chilean Humberto Suazo scored a goal worthy of the setting after slaloming his way through the Pachuca defense and slotting home on 18 minutes. Pachuca needed to win after Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Pachuca and the early goal could’ve killed them.
Pachuca weren’t giving this up though and equalized via the head Colombian Franco Arizala seven minutes later after a fine ball by Argentine Damian Manso. Then, on 36 minutes, Aldo De Nigris tapped in after a fine passing move from Monterrey. Going into halftime at 2-1 to Monterrey, the game appeared all but over.
Pachuca came out and pushed for the goal they needed to tie the game and make Monterrey nervous. They hit the post and they looked dangerous. Then on a rapid counter attack in the 57th minute, Monterrey struck again. Game. Set. Match.
Pachuca had other ideas though and refused to go out ignominiously, continuously pressing for the three goals they needed. Arizala scored on 84 minutes and then again on 89. Monterrey fans were extremely nervous as Pachuca put their giant goalkeeper Miguel Calero upfront to try and win balls pumped into the box for the four minutes of injury time.
In the end, it wasn’t enough but Pachuca leave the Apertura 2010 with their heads held high. It’s worth remembering that if it was a Champions League game, they would’ve progressed on away goals. In the Mexican league it is decided by final position in the general standings.
Monterrey, as we have become accustomed, are an extremely dangerous team. The Suazo/De Nigris striking partnership is looking ominous. Last time the duo really got their scoring act together, Monterrey won the Apertura 2009. With Cruz Azul out the way, they are now favorites to lift the trophy but they’ll need to tighten up the defense. In their last three home games they’ve conceded ten goals.
Santos and Jaguares bore
Like chalk and cheese, the second leg of the Santos v Jaguares series on Sunday was a stale game settled by a last minute penalty for Santos. Requiring a win after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Jaguares pressed but failed to break down the Santos defense. The home fans booed at 0-0 even though their team was set to get through.
Perhaps the highlight of the game was the haircuts of the Jaguares players; multicolored in the style of the cat they are named after.
Semi-finals (times and dates not 100 % confirmed):
Pumas v Monterrey (Wed, Nov 24 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Olimpico, Mexico City)
America v Santos (Thurs, Nov 25 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Return legs:
Monterrey v Pumas (Saturday, Nov 27 @ 7 p.m. in Tecnologico, Monterrey)
Santos v America (Sun, Nov 28 @ 6 p.m. in Estadio Corona, Torreon)
Pumas beat Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul, the best team in Mexico with the most points, most goals scored and least goals, conceded in the general standings, were knocked out of the playoffs in the quarter finals Saturday after losing 3-2 on aggregate to fellow Mexico City side Pumas UNAM.
Holding onto a 2-1 victory from the first leg in Pumas Olimpico Universitario, Cruz Azul were heavy favorites knowing that only a 2 goal or more defeat would see them get knocked out. To put the gargantuan task Pumas had to face into perspective, Cruz Azul won all eight of their home games in the regular season, conceding only three goals.
As can happen with playoff tournaments that are, in effect, knockout cup competitions, teams can have an off day and bang, they’re out.
That’s exactly what happened to Cruz Azul. Pumas snuck a goal within two minutes and suddenly Cruz Azul knew they were in for a fight in front of their own fans. By halftime they’d had a man sent off, were a goal down and had two other players substituted with injuries (including national team midfielder Gerardo Torrado). In the second half, Pumas pressed for the second and came close on a number of occasions. Dropping back with nine men behind the ball, it appeared that Cruz Azul might just hang on. Then more misfortune. The referee called a penalty for Pumas for a handball. It was a decision which could’ve gone either way. To rub salt in Cruz Azul wounds, Juan Cacho stepped up to convert the penalty. Cacho was a product of Cruz Azul’s youth system.
Fair play to Pumas though. They were determined, efficient and made the most of the opposition’s crumbling luck and lack of zip. Scrapping for their place in the playoffs in the last few weeks has obviously done them no harm. They came into the liguilla battle-hardened. Cruz Azul, on the other hand, qualified some weeks ago and perhaps couldn’t find that extra gear in the second half Saturday.
Questions about how just it is that Cruz Azul lost their first home game of the season and were dumped out will be asked. But for non Cruz Azul fans and the game in Mexico, this game was a great example of the playoff system at its best whether you agree with it or not.
America teach “little brother” a few basic lessons
The Aguilas of America soared imperially in the Estadio Azteca on Saturday evening dishing out a masterclass to a San Luis team that defensively were all over the place.
Following a stale 0-0 draw in San Luis in the first leg, America won 4-1 and coach Manuel Lapuente was lapping up the applause on the touchline as the fourth went in. All season the coach has been angered by questions about how defensively minded his America team is. For most teams it wouldn’t matter but this is America and there past tells them they have to not just win, but win well.
Of course, San Luis is owned by the same Televisa television company and suspicions of corruption linger in the press. The theory goes that for gate receipts and general interest in the liguilla it’s more financially rewarding for America to advance and somewhere in the corridors of futbol power shady deals are done to make sure the result goes the right way.
The accusations have to be taken with a pinch of salt though and on the field though it was clear that America were dominant and could be hitting form at the right time. With America’s Argentine midfielder Daniel “Rolfi” Montenegro back and ready for the semi finals, no one will fancy facing them.
Monterrey survive scare to put Pachuca to the sword in epic clash
Played out in 30 degree Centigrade in Monterrey’s Sunday afternoon sun it would’ve been easy to predict a languid affair. What a game this was played out in front of a packed house in Monterrey’s Tecnologico Stadium with the city’s famous Serro de la Silla (Horse Saddle) mountain providing the backdrop.
Chilean Humberto Suazo scored a goal worthy of the setting after slaloming his way through the Pachuca defense and slotting home on 18 minutes. Pachuca needed to win after Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Pachuca and the early goal could’ve killed them.
Pachuca weren’t giving this up though and equalized via the head Colombian Franco Arizala seven minutes later after a fine ball by Argentine Damian Manso. Then, on 36 minutes, Aldo De Nigris tapped in after a fine passing move from Monterrey. Going into halftime at 2-1 to Monterrey, the game appeared all but over.
Pachuca came out and pushed for the goal they needed to tie the game and make Monterrey nervous. They hit the post and they looked dangerous. Then on a rapid counter attack in the 57th minute, Monterrey struck again. Game. Set. Match.
Pachuca had other ideas though and refused to go out ignominiously, continuously pressing for the three goals they needed. Arizala scored on 84 minutes and then again on 89. Monterrey fans were extremely nervous as Pachuca put their giant goalkeeper Miguel Calero upfront to try and win balls pumped into the box for the four minutes of injury time.
In the end, it wasn’t enough but Pachuca leave the Apertura 2010 with their heads held high. It’s worth remembering that if it was a Champions League game, they would’ve progressed on away goals. In the Mexican league it is decided by final position in the general standings.
Monterrey, as we have become accustomed, are an extremely dangerous team. The Suazo/De Nigris striking partnership is looking ominous. Last time the duo really got their scoring act together, Monterrey won the Apertura 2009. With Cruz Azul out the way, they are now favorites to lift the trophy but they’ll need to tighten up the defense. In their last three home games they’ve conceded ten goals.
Santos and Jaguares bore
Like chalk and cheese, the second leg of the Santos v Jaguares series on Sunday was a stale game settled by a last minute penalty for Santos. Requiring a win after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Jaguares pressed but failed to break down the Santos defense. The home fans booed at 0-0 even though their team was set to get through.
Perhaps the highlight of the game was the haircuts of the Jaguares players; multicolored in the style of the cat they are named after.
Semi-finals (times and dates not 100 % confirmed):
Pumas v Monterrey (Wed, Nov 24 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Olimpico, Mexico City)
America v Santos (Thurs, Nov 25 @ 9 p.m. in Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
Return legs:
Monterrey v Pumas (Saturday, Nov 27 @ 7 p.m. in Tecnologico, Monterrey)
Santos v America (Sun, Nov 28 @ 6 p.m. in Estadio Corona, Torreon)
Friday, 19 November 2010
Estadio Jalisco closed for two games
Violent clashes between supporters of Guadalajara soccer team Atlas and the police marred the last weekend of soccer fixtures this year for the city’s teams.
The stadium will be closed for Atlas’ first two games of 2011 and the stadium owners will have to pay a fine of 173,000 pesos to the Mexican Soccer Federation. The fracas ended a dire season for Guadalajara’s soccer teams. Chivas, Atlas and Estudiantes Tecos all failed to reach the playoffs and are under pressure to perform much better in 2011.
The stadium will be closed for Atlas’ first two games of 2011 and the stadium owners will have to pay a fine of 173,000 pesos to the Mexican Soccer Federation. The fracas ended a dire season for Guadalajara’s soccer teams. Chivas, Atlas and Estudiantes Tecos all failed to reach the playoffs and are under pressure to perform much better in 2011.
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