Snak

Hvor er jeg glad for at det er i morgen - Jeg håber River vinder 8-0.


Helt enig - skal liiiiiiiiiiige tjekke hvad tid det er.



Five keys to Chivas upset of America in Super Clasico

There’s no hiding the fact that the difference in form between Chivas and America coming into Saturday’s Super Clasico at the Azteca is the biggest in recent history.

Reigning champions Las Aguilas are flying high on 28 points in the league, are oozing confidence and are looking to smash their own record by winning their ninth consecutive home game on Saturday.

Chivas, on the other hand, limp into the game in the midst of what can be aptly described as a crisis, having won only once in their last 18 league games and having only escaped an embarrassing loss to Atlas in Estadio Omnilife last Sunday due to the charity of the officials.

Everything points to an America victory, but this rivalry has thrown up more than the odd surprise before.

Here’s the minimum Chivas need to do to have a fighting chance:

1. Expel the fear

In recent months, a kind of dark mist has descended on the Rebano Sagrado, crippling the ability of Guadalajara’s players -- most of whom are highly technically gifted -- to consistently carry out the most basic functions of a soccer player, like passing the ball to teammates on a regular basis.

Certainly, the players are lacking confidence, but it may have now turned into a kind of fear of making mistakes, with the pressure as one of Mexico’s big two weighing heavily.

Owner Jorge Vergara’s appearances at training and him spouting off the club’s vision of grandeur in the press probably don’t help at this point. The reality is that Chivas have been in relegation form over the last couple years and points are required to alter that.

But perhaps, just perhaps, the fact Chivas are such heavy underdogs and aren’t expected to get anything from the Azteca may just have the effect of lifting that cloud.

The first 20 minutes are more crucial than usual in that regard. If Chivas go behind, the demons may kick back in and the game could get ugly, but if they can hold America at bay, confidence may slowly grow.

2. Sort out the defense

When Juan Carlos Ortega took over as coach from Benjamin Galindo, he immediately implemented a back line of three central defenders. Six weeks later, the team is still adapting to the change. Players are unsure of their responsibility and are prone to positional errors.

Hector Reynoso is the experienced figure at the back and -- along with keeper Luis Michel -- needs to produce a heroic performance if Chivas have any chance. Alongside him, Nestor Vidrio and one of Victor Perales or Kristian Alvarez have to show the kind of mutual understanding they haven´t so far.

Another defensive aspect that needs correcting is set pieces. Atlas consistently threatened every time they got a corner or free kick last weekend.

3. Keep the game tight

An open game will likely be bad news for Chivas. America has been good going forward this season and giving room to the likes of Rubens Sambueza, Luis “Quick” Mendoza and Raul Jimenez could see Chivas being heavily punished.

One option for Ortega could be to sacrifice one of Chivas´ more attacking players and pack the midfield in a 5-3-2, with two holding midfielders and Marco Fabian just ahead, dropping back to defend when America has possession. The problem is that with Jorge Enriquez injured, it is difficult to know who could do the job alongside Pato Araujo.

4. Getting the wingbacks right

Another problem with Ortega’s new system is that Chivas does not have quality wingbacks. Miguel Ponce should be ideal, but is struggling for form, while Jesus Sanchez is a winger converted to the position.

Giovanni Hernandez -- also a winger - started on the left against Atlas, but Ponce should be handed the task against America.

5. Hope Fabian can work some magic

There have been signs that since Fabian´s off-on move to Qatar was nipped in the bud, the player has found some fitness and, with it, some form. Evidence of that came from his late equalizer against Atlas last Sunday.

It’s a strange relationship he has with Chivas fans, with Fabian regularly booed, especially after it was made public he was at the point of leaving.

But all the antagonism is also partly due to the recognition of Fabian’s talent and that he has the ability to produce something special and win games for Chivas.

If he can do that on Saturday, all will be forgiven.

Chivas will be competitive in the Super Clasico

"In soccer as in life, 10 percent is talent and 90 percent is attitude..."

Jorge Vergara doesn´t just hide behind what seems to remain of the Chivas club. He says that his team has hit rock bottom in its crisis and promises us he has a plan without changing the coach and signing needed players.
He declares he will find answers in the near future. Vergara also emphasizes the fact that Chivas will need the cooperation of the rest of the teams in the Mexican League, its rivals, in order to allow it to survive in the market, compete with balance, and strengthen itself with enough growth. This shouldn´t be seen as something "strange." It´s not that Chivas is asking for "help" from its rivals. It´s just asking for fair treatment in a certainly unfair market, where its competitors evidently take advantage of the fact the team only uses Mexican players.

Chivas wants fair opportunities and prices so that it can compete to fill its and its rivals’ stadiums to generate television ratings, sales, and increase business. That seems right.

However, the game on Saturday scares some people...

The games have to be played on the day and at the time the ball starts to roll. Not before, not based on statistics, not the position in the ranking, or on goal totals or on performance from last week. Each game is different and when it is a ´Clasico´ there are other types of factors that are inevitably part of the game, which weigh on and shake up the senses, awakening dreams and imaginations.

Forget everything that is being said. Indeed, forget everything that is not being said. Chivas will be competitive on Saturday at Azteca Stadium. It will leave its reservations in the locker room, it will not feel inferior, it will start the game tied at zero and its players will have a heavenly opportunity to show that they are ready, have the spirit, and show what kind of blood they have running through their veins. It may be that this isn´t enough, that this won’t bring success into reach. But in the end Chivas will compete and this seems to be enough for the moment.

The difference in the ranking is a factor to consider, but I strongly believe it will not be the determining factor. America cannot reckon itself to be completely superior —although this may be the case on paper— because these types of games are won with more than just the belief that you are better. This scheduled game is not a regrettable and painful task for Chivas to carry out. To the contrary, it is a magnificent chance to leave the bitter place in which it dwells during its crisis, reverse everything, become reborn, compete, and why not, beat América. Chivas can do it... Absolutely.

Súper Clásico Preview

On Saturday evening, the latest chapter in Mexican football’s biggest rivalry will be written when Club America host Chivas in the Estadio Azteca. The two most successful sides will do battle once again but this latest installment of the Súper Clásico comes at a time when the contrast in fortunes of the two clubs could not be starker.

While Club America, off the back of a Clausura championship, look odds on to win back-to-back titles and in the process break a few records, Chivas face a relegation dog-fight and have only 1 win this season. The disparity between the clubs has never been greater so what does the Súper Clásico have in store this Saturday?

The Súper Clásico is not only fierce in its rivalry but is also incredibly competitive throughout the years that Mexico’s two biggest sides have competed with each other. Both sides have 11 league titles in the Professional era and even head-to-head, Club America have only one more win in 174 Súper Clásicos. All this makes the match on Saturday evening all the more interesting as it is rare occasion that one side comes into the game as an overwhelming favourite.

Club America are enjoying a spell of dominance at present in Mexico. Fresh from their dramatic Clausura victory they have begun their Apertura title challenge in similarly impressive fashion. Tuesday night’s 2-0 home win over Tijuana, despite missing several first team players, was their 8th consecutive win in the Estadio Azteca. A victory in the Súper Clásico would equal the record set back in the 1981-82 season. As if beating the rivals wasn’t incentive enough?

Not only this but they are also on course to break the record for the highest points tally over the course of a championship. What is all the more impressive with this is that the record of 43 points dates to a time when they were two more matches available due to there being 20 teams in Liga MX. Anyway, you get the idea, this America side are pretty good.

A clear system of playing, a solid defence, organised by the intelligent Miguel Herrera, an in-form winger with an eye for goal, in the form of Rubens Sambueza and the best striker in Mexican football in Raul Jimenez, makes this America side a formidable opponent.

In contrast, Chivas are in a terrible state. One win in their last 18 Liga MX matches and only 8 points so far, things look very bleak. This is not an overnight problem either as they have slid to a precarious position in the relegation standings. It seems absurd to talk to Chivas and relegation but that is the grim reality. Most likely, Atlante will save them that fate at the end of this Clausura but in a year’s time, if there hasn’t been dramatic improvement, make no mistake, Chivas will be in the thick of a fight for survival.

Last time out in the Clasico Tapatio, Chivas were undoubtedly saved by some generous refereeing decisions and they will not be able to rely on the same fortune inside a packed Estadio Azteca.

There are currently 20 points seperating the two sides in the table and this difference has never been greater since the introduction of the short season format. However, perhaps Chivas’ record does give cause for some optimism? After all on these occasions, isn’t form supposed to go out the window?

In the short tournament format, Chivas have a good record in the Estadio Azteca. In the 21 matches between the two, Chivas have lost only 7. Not since 2009 have America managed a win in this fixture and the last 2 meetings have both ended in 3-1 victories for the visitors. This very even record should give Chivas cause for optimism despite the recent statistics suggesting otherwise.

Prediction

All that being said about Chivas’ record in the Estadio Azteca I can’t see anything other than a America win. Herrera’s team look virtually unbeatable and with goal scoring options all over the pitch, Chivas will do well to keep them out. Even with the intense occasion of a Súper Clásico I struggle to see Chivas stopping America. Raul Jimenez could further write himself into America legend if he could put in another match winning performance and that is what I predict.
2-0 or 3-0 to America and Jimenez causing the damage.

Belgrano defeat Argentinos prompting Caruso fury

Caruso Lombardi was left seething at his sides loss at home to Belgrano and left no uncertainty as to who he blamed for the 3-1 defeat.
He blasted referee, Saul Laverni claiming that he used “his whistle as a weapon” and “he is an inept and bad person.”

Belgrano took the lead shortly before half time, the in-form, Cesar ‘Picante’ Pereyra on the end of a cutback from the right but there was still enough time for the home side to strike back. Hernan Boyero volleyed in superbly to ensure that the sides were level at half time.

The controversy came in the second half, after just 2 minutes, Laverni awarded a penalty to Belgrano which Luciano Lollo converted.

It was then Belgrano who were reduced to 10 men when Jorge Velazquez was sent off but that didn’t prevent the visitors from stretching their lead.

Guillermo Farré scored the third and it was what followed that caused Lombardi to combust.

The influential, Rodrigo Gomez thought that he had won his side a lifeline when he went down under a challenge in the box but Laverni thought differently and instead opted to show Gomez a second yellow card for simulation.

Caruso’s anger then led to him being sent from the dugout and Belgrano held on to win, ending Argentinos’ impressive home form.

http://www.youtube.com/w…YmCPGeY700g

Superclásico Preview

Sunday evening the whole of Argentina will grind to halt and all eyes will be on the Estadio Monumental for, arguably, the biggest rivalry in sports. River Plate host Boca Juniors in the Superclásico in what is the one game in Argentine football that captures sport fans from around the world. The long history and the opportunity to lord it over the city rivals makes the Superclásico hugely important for players and fans but this season’s also sees both clubs on the up, near the top of the table and even, perhaps with aspirations of winning the title.

There may well be slightly more to play for than in recent years due to the league positions of River and Boca but sadly one thing this Superclásico will be missing is the famous atmosphere. Away fans are still banned from attending matches due to AFA’s attempts at curbing football violence. As expected, especially in light of the Superclásico, this is not a popular choice but as has been argued it also is not really combatting the real problem in Argentine football. That’s another point but robs the Superclásico of probably its greatest element all the same.

Despite neither side being favourite to win the championship they are both in the chasing pack, giving this fixture an added significance. Boca are currently in fourth, four points behind leaders, Newell’s Old Boys and River are just behind in fifth, trailing by six points. However, with the next two games for River being the Superclásico and then Newell’s, they could be right in the mix with two good results.

RIVER PLATE

Following a pretty busy transfer window there were whisperings of a title challenge coming from River and despite not playing very well so far this season they could still make a move. The promising sign is that in spite of the performances they have been grinding out results and over the past year or so the results, particularly in El Monumental, have been strong.

One of the key reasons for this ability to grind out results is River’s defence. In the Inicial so far, they have conceded only 5 goals and 0 at home in the last 4 games, showing just how durable and tough to beat they have been. Enormous credit goes to goalkeeper, Marcelo Barovero but also Colombian, centre half, Eder Alvarez Balanta. The youngster is destined for great things but at present is the cornerstone of the River backline.

River’s problem has been creatively as the stats show. Only 8 goals scored, and in all honestly, not much more created in many of their games. Teo Gutierrez’s delayed transfer has limited his playing time and the inexperienced other strikers available to Ramon Diaz have been inconsistent, as expected at this stage of their careers.

One player who has started to show some creative flair is Manuel Lanzini. His current form has been superb but a lot will fall on his young shoulders on Sunday if River are to win. The River number 10 scored the fastest Superclásico goal in history when the sides last met.

Of course, in Boca, Lanzini will be up against one of Argentina’s great number 10′s, Juan Roman Riquelme. Perhaps whoever can impact more on the game will have a huge say on the result.

Off the pitch, the match up between two of Argentina’s great managers is an intriguing one. Ramon Diaz and Carlos Bianchi have won it all and so the two of them doing battle once more will add another dimension. Riquelme has stoked the fires a little ahead of the match by claiming that he wouldn’t be too happy with Diaz if he was a River fan so expect some disparaging remarks should River win, from one of Argentine football’s “great” talkers.

Probable lineup: Barovero; Mercardo, Maidana, Balanta, Vangioni; Carbonero, Ledesma, Rojas; Lanzini; Andrada, Gutierrez



BOCA JUNIORS

Where River have been solid defensively but found goals hard to come by, Boca have been the exact opposite. In a most un-Bianchi like team, Boca have been shipping goals left, right and centre. Not helped by an injury list that has depleted the defensive ranks, but sloppy all the same.

Predicting Boca, as a result, has been very difficult as the inconsistencies have been dramatic. For example, the very impressive performance some weeks ago to beat Velez in La Bombonera was followed by a tonking from Olimpo, who have not beaten anyone else and looked dreadful.

Worryingly for Boca is that the one consistent stat, is that they do not score many goals away from La Bombonera. In their last 3 away games, Boca have failed to score resulting in a goalless draw with Argentinos, the 3-0 defeat by Olimpo and a 2-0 loss to Estudiantes.

On the positive side, Boca have players back for the Superclásico. Former River defender, Jesús Méndez will slot back in at right back and importantly, Daniel “Cata” Díaz is fit again to play in the centre. This will greatly improve the makeshift back four that Bianchi has been fielding and should provide some stability.

Perhaps most important is the return of Juan Roman Riquelme. The veteran playmaker came back from injury last weekend in the win over Quilmes and his relationship with Fernando Gago in the heart of the midfield is crucial to Boca. The midfield pairing is probably the strongest in Argentine midfield if both are fit and River will have the work cut out to stop them.

The passing ability and possession which Gago and Riquelme bring will cause all manner of problems if they are allowed to dictate the tempo. Ramon Diaz has already identified this, “the way to beat them is pressuring the ball.” So expect, a busy River midfield to be buzzing around and snapping at them both.

At the point of the attacks will be close season signing, Emanuel Gigliotti. Last season’s top scorer, when at Colon, has started slowly but with his brace last weekend against Quilmes appears to have settled. Full of confidence and with the creativity of Gago, Riquelme, Juan Sánchez Miño and strike partner, Juan Manuel Martinez, Gigliotti will be a threat to River’s defence.

Probable lineup: Orion; Mendez, Diaz, Perez, Zarate; Gago, Erbes, Sanchez Miño; Riquelme; Martinez, Gigliotti

Prediction: The bookies have River as slight favourites as the home advantage has been so important this season in the Inicial, and the two sides form at home and on the road, suggest that is the likeliest of outcomes.
Boca will not have the backing of their supporters in the stadium which could have some effect.
However, I see Boca breaching the River defence so I am opting for a repeat 1-1 draw, as we had back in May in La Bombonera.

Cata Díaz y Zárate no se entrenaron

BUENOS AIRES -- Los defensores Daniel Díaz y Nahuel Zárate no participaron el sábado del entrenamiento del plantel de Boca Juniors, aunque serán titulares el domingo en el Superclásico ante River Plate.

El zaguero catamarqueño viajó de urgencia a Rosario por el fallecimiento de su suegro, en tanto que Zárate fue preservado por un golpe en una de sus piernas.

Díaz regresará por la noche del sábado a la Capital Federal para concentrarse con el plantel en un hotel de Puerto Madero y ocupará un lugar entre los titulares en el encuentro válido por la décima fecha del torneo Inicial.

Por su parte, Zárate arrastra un golpe en una tibia y sólo caminó alrededor de una de las canchas del predio Pedro Pompilio para no ser exigido y llegar en condiciones al encuentro.

Con el juvenil en condiciones para el duelo con River, se despejó la única duda que mantenía el entrenador Carlos Bianchi en la conformación del equipo.

Así, Boca saldrá el Monumental con estos once jugadores: Agustín Orion; Jesús Méndez, Díaz, Claudio Pérez, Zárate; Fernando Gago, Cristian Erbes, Juan Sánchez Miño; Juan Román Riquelme; Juan Manuel Martínez y Emanuel Gigliotti.

Når men det skulle sådan ud ..

Midnat 00.00 Superclasico: America - Chivas

21.00 Classico dos Milhoes: Flamengo - Vasco da Gama

23.15 El Superclasico de los Superclasicos: River Plate - Boca Juniors

Xolos keep playoff hopes alive with big win while Chiapas lose


In Tijuana, Los Xolos defeated playoff rivals, Queretaro by a single goal and managed to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. A game of few chances was decided in the 76th minute thanks to Fidel Martinez’s close range, poachers finish. The result moves them to 9th and now just 3 points behind Queretaro with 4 games to play.

The win also capitalised on the loss earlier by Chiapas when they travelled to Morelia. Carlos Ochoa’s diving header gave Chiapas the lead but Aldo Ramirez’s smart finish levelled matters shortly before half time. The winner came close to the hour mark when Hector Mancilla was released and he unerringly finished past Oscar Jiménez. The win leaves Morelia on the brink of the playoffs and Chiapas in the thick of the fight for the final places.


TIJUANA 1 – 0 QUERETARO

http://www.youtube.com/w…R36zVn2EhUc

MORELIA 2 – 1 CHIAPAS


http://www.youtube.com/w…huWBZkzM44M

Ecuador Primera A Wrap: Top three struggle

Ecuador Primera A leaders Universidad Catolica saved themselves from complete embarrassment, fighting back for a 1-1 draw at home to Macara.

In a clash between first and 11th in the Ecuadorian top flight, Catolica fans were stunned when Macara - who had one win from 13 heading into the clash - went ahead just four minutes in via Angel Ledesma.

Jonathan De la Cruz saved face for Catolica, equalising on 62 minutes as they preserved their two-point lead atop the table courtesy of Emelec´s slip up at Deportivo Cuenca.

Neither Emelec nor Cuenca could trouble the scorers at the latter´s Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar.

Emelec are unbeaten in four, including three draws, while Cuenca - who sit seventh - have been frustrated by three consecutive stalemates.

Third-placed Independiente fell to a 1-0 loss on the road to El Nacional, who closed to within a point of the side they defeated on the table.

Daniel Samaniego fired the winner on 69 minutes, for El Nacional´s first points in three matches.

LDU Quito and Deportivo Quito drew 1-1 in their derby, with Jaime Ayovi´s opener for hosts LDU cancelled out by Luis Congo´s effort.

Barcelona and LDU Loja played out a 0-0 draw, leaving the sides in ninth and 10th respectively.

Deportivo Quevedo opened their winning account this season, with a 1-0 victory over Manta courtesy of Tito Valencia´s 79th-minute goal.

Quevedo remain bottom, three points shy of Macara, but have two games in hand on their closest rivals.

mål

http://www.youtube.com/w…efo9vB4Ez0A

Súper Clásico: America’s dominance continues

Club America continue to break records and despite having to fight harder than some had predicted, they overcame their old rivals, Chivas, to win 2-0 in the Estadio Azteca. A quick-fire double with 20 minutes remaining, from Raul Jimenez and then Luis Gabriel Rey, gave America the victory to guarantee their place in the Liguilla. It was also the club record, ninth straight league win at home and keeps them on course for the record points.

In front of 90,000 spectators inside the gigantic Estadio Azteca, Club America continued to show why they are currently the best side in Mexico and further highlighted the gulf between themselves and arch rivals, Chivas.

America were heavy favourites and the 20 point gap between the sides pre-kickoff suggested there would be only one outcome, but for large parts of the game there was little to tell between the two sides.

Despite the significance of the fixture, it was fairly open with both sides creating chances but eventually the class of America told. Ruben Sambueza evaded his marker on the left flank and floated an inviting cross into the six yard box. Raul Jimenez needed no invitation to attack the ball and powerfully head in the opener from close range.

Before Chivas could regroup and assess they were two down. Jimenez broke the offside trap to turn provider and he unselfishly squared the ball to Luis Gabriel Rey to slide in the second.

As Chivas pushed for a way back into the game and America continued to commit men forward in the search of more goals the game was equally enthralling in the final 15 minutes.

Had it not been for the cross bar and some inspired goalkeeping from Moises Muñoz in the America goal, Chivas might have set up more of a grandstand finish but in the end America triumphed.

The win moves America to 31 points and guarantees a spot in the playoffs, as well as being a club record, ninth straight home win and keeping them on course for a record breaking points tally.

Manager, Miguel Herrera was quick to play down the significance of such records, ” We will try to break every record possible , but the priority is the championship , if you do not win this, the rest is useless.”


http://www.youtube.com/w…twgSOAX9_jQ