Amidst the drama of Eurocopa 2008, the Argentine Clausura came to and end on Sunday, June 22. Here are the important notes:
River eased four years of pain for their faithful fanbase by hoisting the Clausura 2008 trophy. Their beloved midfielder Ariel "El Burrito" Ortega left the team just prior to their final game against Banfield, with their fans chanting "Ole Ole Ole Ola, el burrito tiene que jugar" (he has to play). Too many clashes with the coaching staff and too many skipped practices ultimately led to the decision of Diege "Cholo" Simeone to dismiss Ortega from the team.
Argentinos Jrs. defeated Rosario Central 2-1 and remained undefeated at their home Diego Armando Maradona stadium on Friday, June 21 2008. With this victory, they qualified for the 2009 Copa Sudamericana. This capped off a great season, and "Los Bichos" (ants) will be presented in their first intercontinental tournament in almost two decades. I can't wait to see their cute, neighborhood stadium and dedicated followers playing against the best teams from South America and Mexico. One can only hope their board of directors uses the windfall profits that come from a large tournament in their barrio La Paternal for developmental purposes rather than lining their own pockets.
More news to come following the result of the Racing - Colon fight to escape the deadly Promocion (relegation playoffs).
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Fluminense Finalista
In a somewhat surprising result, Brazilian team Fluminense eliminated Boca Jrs. From the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, june 4 2008. Palermo scored for Boca. Riquelme seemed slow at times, perhaps due to his stomach ailment that kept him on the bench last weekend against Arsenal in league play.
Does Carlos Ischia keep his job? He promised one title this semester or else he would leave. He was never the leading candidate for Miguel Angel Russo’s former job. Only Carlos “The Viceroy” Bianchi’s recommendation solidified his place at the helm of Boca. Maradona was staunchly against the Ishia hire, threatening to watch games from his house rather than his usual box seat perch. Ramon Diaz may become the first coach to lead San Lorenzo, Boca, and River to a league championship.
With no Argentine teams playing in the Copa Libertadores final, one week is left in the 2008 Clausura with River Plate and Estudiantes tied for the lead.
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