At this point in the tournament, the games matter more for improving averages than for accumulating points to win the title or to enter the copas. Surely the latter two goals matter, but one win or one loss is easier to think of in terms of helping or hurting a team's promedio. As mentioned before (http://futbolargentino08.blogspot.com/2008/10/ord-to-eze.html), the system was put in place to ensure that the remaining 3 out of the 5 grandes would never descend after (Racing Club and San Lorenzo did in the 1990s.) Fast-forward 10 years, and River (16th), Boca and (9th) and Independiente (15th) are all in danger of descending within the next few years unless they score some serious wins this semester. Even a deep run in Libertadores will not help Independiente's bajo promedio.
The doubles pairing of Chela and Schwank will likely cost Argentina in the 2011 Davis Cup. Even though most of the matches will be at home, thanks to the bewildering alternating annual schedule, the lack of strong volleyers has always been the bane of the Ensaladera de Plata resting on the banks of the Rio de la Plata.
However, I would not like to bet against Nalbandian and Del Potro sweeping their way to the finals against Spain or France, and possibly this time the ATA won't blow off the ITF, the Orfeo de Cordoba will be sanctioned, and Nalby can retire with the one title he covets the most.
While inflation was the fear just two months ago in emerging markets, and food costs remain high, slowing economic growth is becoming a problem. Even though growth rates versus last year are up nearly 10% due to high commodity prices, this type of growth causes Dutch disease, the syndrome of an export laden economy prone to currency appreciation (not in post-default inflationary ARG) and non export disfunction.
