Independiente - Liga

Estadio Libertadores de America hosts by far the biggest game of its less-than-one-year existence today as the Red Devils host Liga de Quito in the second leg of the semifinal of the Copa Sudamericana (my favorite soccer tournament). This tournament provides the best chance for glory for the largest amount of teams. Along with Copa Libertadores, it provides opportunities for strategic personnel management by coaches due to the mid-week game format and because it is played simultaneously with the various local leagues throughout South America (and sometimes CONCACAF invitees).

Independiente must win 1-0 or 2-1 to advance to the final against already descended Goias. While Brasil futbol aficionados may declare Goias to be an unimportant side, an intercontinental trophy would do much to change that perception. Which brings us back to my point: the Copa Sudamericana, due to its broad and challenging format, is more than a chance to add prestige to middle-of-the-table clubs. Victory, in the case of Independiente, would salvage a horrible local tournament. In the case of Goias, it would allow them to remain relevant despite no longer playing in Brasil's top league.

Imagine what how a victory for either team could change the landscape of futbol in Latin America. The Ascension tournaments could gain a larger following and financial investments (although in many cases winning the Serie B is more profitable than languishing in the Serie A/Promocion). So, with tonight's crucial game in mind, let us analyze the matchups for Fecha 16 of the Torneo Apertura:

All Boys has the chance to continue their surprising climb up the table in their first season in the Primera since the 1970s against a Quilmes team currently in last place (descenso directo).

Racing, tied with All Boys for 6th place with 22 points, desperately needs to qualify for Libertadores to provide their fanbase with some excitement and revenue. A result against Banfield would help in this regard.

First place Estudiantes faces an Independiente side on Sunday that will be coming off a Thursday night game in which all their starters will play. Although beleaguered at 17th place with only 13 points, Independiente will surely play their starters in this game if they lose tonight. Stay tuned.

Finally, second place Velez plays Tigre with a chance to take the lead with only four games remaining if Estudiantes loses.

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Now on to international monetory policy. It seems that Argentina may no longer rankle capital markets. Recent news regarding full repayment of the $7 billion debt outstanding to the Paris Club of investors is welcome news to those awaiting accurate inflation statistics, currency stability, and lower debt spreads.

Does this mean that Argentina will borrow from the IMF once again? In my opinion, it should. Rather than spending hard-earned reserves to pay debt, Argentina should borrow money at a sustainable rate to finance public works and economic development initiatives. Kristina is unlikely to do this because it would be political suicide. However, these recent signs of pragmatism from the Cono Sur could signal an economic overhaul in a region that, with smarter policy management, has the chance to successfully combat high poverty rates and provide international investors with more emerging market opportunity.