Snak

Independiente recupera a lesionados

BUENOS AIRES -- El defensor Gabriel Vallés y el mediocampista Federico Mancuello se recuperaron de sus respectivas lesiones y quedaron a disposición del DT de Independiente, Omar De Felippe, de cara al encuentro ante Instituto de Córdoba, por la 20ma. fecha de la B Nacional.

Vallés se recuperó de un esguince en el tobillo izquierdo que sufrió el sábado pasado ante Defensa y Justicia, mientras que Mancuello hizo lo propio con su dolencia en el ciático.

Ambos jugadores entrenaron en la mañana del jueves a la par del plantel y se perfilan para continuar en el equipo titular ante Instituto, el lunes, a las 18.10, en el Libertadores de América.

En tanto, Cristian Tula y Claudio Morel Rodríguez, que el miércoles trabajaron en forma diferenciada por molestias menores también trabajaron a la par del plantel.

El plantel de Independiente se entrenó el jueves, en el predio de Villa Domínico. De Felippe dispuso ejercicios de fútbol en espacios reducidos y tareas de definición.

En la jornada del viernes a las 9, el plantel practicará, a puertas cerradas, en el Libertadores de América.

Un cambio en Vélez ante Colón

BUENOS AIRES -- El retorno a la titularidad de Lucas Romero en lugar de Leandro Desábato será la única modificación en Vélez Sarsfield para el partido del próximo sábado, a las 17, ante Colón en Santa Fe.
Fernando Tobio, en tanto, se recuperó de una sobrecarga muscular que no le permitió entrenar ayer y llegará sin problemas para el partido por la 18va. fecha del certamen.

Así, el equipo de Ricardo Gareca alinearía a Sebastián Sosa; Fabián Cubero, Tobio, Sebastián Domínguez y Emiliano Papa; Lucas Allione, Romero, Ariel Cabral y Federico Insúa; Lucas Pratto y Mauro Zárate.

El equipo de Liniers se encuentra a cuatro unidades del puntero San Lorenzo, al que enfrentará en la última fecha, y apuesta a ganar los 6 puntos que restan para pelear el título del Inicial.

Manifestación pacífica de hinchas de Colón en la puerta de la AFA

BUENOS AIRES -- Alrededor de 50 simpatizantes de Colón de Santa Fe se manifestaron en la tarde del jueves, en forma pacífica, en las puertas de la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), solicitando que no se le descuenten puntos al club por no presentarse a jugar contra Atlético de Rafaela, el partido de la 16ta. fecha del torneo Inicial.

Los hinchas sabaleros se congregaron en las inmediaciones de Viamonte al 1300, cortaron la calle a la altura de la intersección con Uruguay y cantaron en favor de la entidad rojinegra.

Además, un núcleo de la denominada `Agrupación Colón 1985` entregó un petitorio en AFA, advirtiendo de la "crisis económica e institucional" que vive la entidad, que convocó a elecciones anticipadas para el próximo 22 de diciembre.

Ubicado muy cerca de zona de descenso, Colón sufrió durante este campeonato el descuento de seis puntos, por decisión de FIFA, a pedido del Atlante de México, que no recibió pago alguno por la transferencia del ex volante Juan Carlos Falcón, en 2006-2007.

El último lunes 18 del corriente, los jugadores sabaleros, a instancias de Futbolistas Argentinos Agremiados (FAA), no jugaron contra Atlético de Rafaela, a causa de la abultada deuda que la dirigencia mantiene en concepto de salarios.

Por tal motivo, el Tribunal de Penas de la AFA tenía previsto emitir el fallo este jueves. Sin embargo, a través de una gestión interpuesta ante el Ministerio de Trabajo, la decisión del ente que rige los destinos del fútbol se conocerá recién la semana entrante.

LOS PROBLEMAS POR FALTA DE PAGO

En tanto, el presidente del Atlante mexicano, Tonio García, declaró que "no hay acuerdo todavía por el tema Falcón y no ganamos nada pidiendo el descenso de Colón", expresó.

Del mismo modo, el dirigente desmintió que parte de los pases del delantero Martín Luque o bien del enganche Lucas Mugni sean cedidos por la entidad sabalera como "parte de pago" por la deuda de más de 600 mil dólares.

SCIAQUA PARÓ UN EQUIPO

Por último, el técnico Mario Sciacqua paró el jueves un equipo, con miras al duelo del sábado ante Velez Sarsfield, por la 18va. fecha del Inicial.

La alineación elegida por el entrenador incluyó a Germán Montoya; Maximiliano Caire, Oscar Carniello, Lucas Landa y Bruno Urribarri; Gabriel Graciani, César Meli, Sebastián Prediger; Mugni; Facundo Curuchet y Luque.

Quedó en duda la renovación de Martín Palermo en Godoy Cruz

MENDOZA -- La renovación del contrato del DT Martín Palermo en Godoy Cruz de Mendoza "ingresó en una nebulosa y no se sabe cómo va a terminar", reconoció el jueves su representante, Gustavo Goñi.

El agente recordó que "la semana pasada estaba todo arreglado" para extender el vínculo por un año y medio pero "de un día para el otro surgieron muchos rumores" que entorpecieron la negociación.

"Hay cosas extrañas que no se entienden. Por eso, a esta altura no sé cómo puede llegar a terminar todo", dudó en diálogo con el programa "Rock & Closs".

Palermo, máximo goleador histórico de Boca Juniors, fue elegido por el dirigente xeneize Marcelo London como futuro reemplazante del actual entrenador, Carlos Bianchi.

En el mismo sentido, el expresidente boquense Mauricio Macri recordó que después de la salida de Julio César Falcioni, antecesor del Virrey, reclamó el inicio del "ciclo de los ex Boca, aquellos que ganaron todo", en referencia a Palermo y Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

"En ningún momento pusimos una cláusula por una presunta salida", concluyó Goñi acerca de la renovación del contrato de Palermo en Mendoza y los rumores de Boca.

Fideleff por Paparatto, en Tigre

BUENOS AIRES -- Ignacio Fideleff será el zaguero que reemplazará al suspendido Norberto Paparatto en la formación principal de Tigre, que este sábado se enfrentará a Atlético de Rafaela, en uno de los encuentros correspondientes a la 18va. fecha del torneo Inicial de Primera División.

El director técnico del Matador, Fabián Alegre, diseñó el jueves la práctica de fútbol e incluyó al ex Newell`s en lugar de Paparatto, que fue expulsado el lunes último en el cotejo con Belgrano, en Córdoba (0-2). El defensor recibió una fecha de suspensión de parte del Tribunal de Disciplina de la AFA.

El resto del equipo sería el mismo que saltó a la cancha del estadio Mario Kempes en la capital cordobesa. Entonces, la alineación comprendería a Javier García; Gastón Díaz, Erik Godoy, Fideleff y Guillermo Cosaro; Sebastián Rusculleda, Diego Castaño, Joaquín Arzura y Ramiro Leone; Matías Pérez García y Cristian Bordacahar.

En el banco de suplentes para el encuentro ante la crema rafaelina, programado para las 17.00 del sábado, estarán Nicolás Navarro, Facundo Sánchez, Gabriel Peñalba, Marcos Gelabert, Lucas Wilchez, Pablo Vitti y Sergio Araujo.

Driussi sería el 10º debutante en River, en esta etapa con Ramón Díaz

BUENOS AIRES -- El entrenador de River, Ramón Díaz, hará debutar en Primera División a Sebastián Driussi, el décimo juvenil de inferiores en poco más de un año de trabajo desde su regreso en octubre del 2012, cuando vio desde la platea el triunfo ante Lanús por 1-0 en el Monumental.

Precisamente ese día se estrenaba, de la mano de Gustavo Zapata, el volante Matías Kranevitter, quien luego tendría continuidad durante este semestre con el riojano, tanto en la Copa Sudamericana como en el Torneo Inicial donde actualmente es titular.

En la pretemporada en Tandil, en el inicio del 2013, el Pelado Díaz llevó a los defensores Eder Alvarez Balanta, Federico Vega, Ezequiel Espíndola López, Sebastián Silguero, Tomás Martínez y Federico Andrada. Más tarde se sumó Nicolás Gómez.

En Copa Argentina jugaron ante Estudiantes de Buenos Aires, los citados Espíndola López, Silguero y el volante Gómez. Mientras que el colombiano Balanta, Tomás Martínez y Andrada debutaron en el torneo Final. El lateral derecho Vega, por su lado, vio rodaje en el Inicial.

A la siguiente pretemporada -en Salta- el entrenador subió a Primera a Giovanni Simeone y Juan Cruz Kaprof, quienes se estrenanron en el presente torneo. El arquero Nicolás Rodríguez estuvo en el banco de relevos durante cinco partidos, aunque todavía no debutó, lo mismo que el joven mediocampista Iván Díaz, quien, por problemas de habilitación, no fue considerado por el técnico.

De todo este grupo de nueve jugadores que hizo debutar Ramón Díaz en este año se afianzaron en Primera jugando más de una decena de partidos en la temporada tanto en la Copa Sudamericana como en el Inicial, los juveniles Balanta, Kranevitter, Simeone y Andrada.

Driussi será la última apuesta juvenil del DT riojano que en sus anteriores etapas acertó en la elección de jugadores como Javier Saviola, Maximiliano López, Martín Demichelis, Damián Alvarez, Guillermo Pereyra y Andrés D´Alessandro entre otras "joyas" que lograron afianzarse en Primera, salir campeones y ser vendidas al exterior.

Olimpia, Real Espana draw in Honduran SF opener

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Olimpia and visiting Real Espana battled on Wednesday to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Honduran Apertura semifinal series at the Estadio Nacional.

Olimpia -- winner of the last four domestic titles -- was without the services of Brazilian duo defender Fabio de Souza and forward Douglas Caetano Mattoso.

Real Espana almost went ahead in the second minute, when Wilfredo Barahona´s left-sided cross looked destined to find the waiting Mario Martinez. Henry Bermudez, however, did well to deflect the ball away before reaching its intended target.

The host´s first solid chance of the encounter came in the 30th minute. An effort from the edge of the box by Uruguayan Ramiro Bruschi forced 19-year-old goalkeeper Luis Lopez into a tremendous save.

Just before the break, Lopez averted danger, stopping Bruschi again off a feed from Antony Lozano.

In the 53rd minute, Real Espana was back on the attack. Costa Rican Allan Aleman eluded three Olimpia defenders only to see goalkeeper Noel Valladares save his shot smoothly.

Midway through half, the influential Bruschi had a goal disallowed for offside.

The final minutes proved to be dramatic as Olimpia failed to convert on stretch that resulted in three consecutive corner kicks.

Real Espana´s Julio Rodriguez then found Marlon Pena, but his attempt was saved dramtically by the outstanding Valladares.

On Sunday, the sides will meet again at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula. Based on the competition regulations, Real Espana needs only another draw to advance to the final, where it will meet the winner of the Deportes Savio-Real Sociedad pairing. Savio won the first leg 2-0.

Isidro Metapan seals Salvadoran semifinal spot

AHUACHAPAN, EL SALVADOR – Isidro Metapan clinched a berth in Salvadoran Apertura semifinals with a 1-0 playoff win over Alianza on Wednesday at the Estadio Simeon Magaña.

Johnathan Barrios was the hero on both ends of the field. The defender struck in the first half and did a tremendous job in keeping the dangerous Alianza attack under wraps.

The match was needed in order to decide the fourth seed after the sides completed the regular season even on 26 points.

Metapan will now face Atlético Marte in a two-leg series for a place in final.

Alianza came out aggressively as it looked to control the encounter with use of the long ball. The Albos, though, were unable to crack the Caleros’ backline.

In the 39th minute, Barrios netted the game´s only goal, finishing well off a cross from Panamanian Nicolas Muñoz.

Garcia Maradiaga nearly leveled for Alianza in the 69th minute, but his shot hit the post.

Metapan, which is one of only two teams to qualify for all six editions of the CONCACAF Champions League, and Atlético Marte will meet on Sunday in their semifinal opener.

Guatemala - Kvartfinaler

Halcones FC og Heredia spilledp 0-0 i Huehuetenango, mens Marquense har et ben i semifinalen efte 3-0 over USAC, Joaquín Álvarez, Jorge Ortiz og Élder Fuentes med målene for los leones


Colombia - Puljespil

Once Caldas slog i Manizales Millonaríos med 2-1, i en pulje A kamp. Edwin Moreno havde bragt Los Azules foran, men en doblete af hjemmeholdet´s midtbanespiller fra Daniel Hernández. Gæsterne fik forsvarspillerenRoman Torres smidt ud i slutning af kampen. Resultat spiller mere eller mindre Deportivo Cali i finalen.

http://www.youtube.com/w…foPC9Zi-D0Y

I Pulje B gik det ikke meget bedre for et andet Bogotá-hold Sant Fé de forsvarende mestre tabte hjemme på El Campin til Atletico Nacional med 2-0, Jefferson Duque scorede begge mål - i en kamp der bød på 11 gule kort og et enkelt rødt.

http://www.youtube.com/w…6DHE9n-IJlw

Who will win the Torneo Inicial? Too close to call? A look at the contenders

With only two rounds of fixtures remaining and 8 teams still in with a shout of lifting the Torneo Inicial trophy, it’s anyone’s guess who will be champions. Golazo takes a look at the candidates and their remaining fixtures in an effort to clear things up….

5 points currently separate the top 8 making the final matches of this Torneo Inicial incredibly exciting as over the next 2 weekends many of those vying for the title will go head-to-head. Last season’s Torneo Final was fairly predictably claimed by Newell’s Old Boys and although the Rosario outfit were favourites to repeat their success they have tailed off badly allowing for a thrilling race. Here is the look at the sides in their positions in the league as it stands….

1. San Lorenzo – 31 points

Rather pleasingly I predicted San Lorenzo to win the title in my preview back in August so I am not too surprised to find them in this position. However, when leading scorer Martin Cauteruccio was injured just a few games in with a cruciate knee injury I was less confident and had lined up my excuses well in advance.

My worries were misplaced as El Ciclon have out-scored every other side helped by Juan Antonio Pizzi’s system not being too reliant on a centre-forward.

Ignacio Piatti has been superb and instrumental in San Lorenzo’s lofty position. The midfielder has been involved in more goals than any other player in the league with 8 goals and 5 assists.

Their remaining fixtures are a home game against Estudiantes and then a short trip to Liniers to face Velez Sarsfield. Both of these sides stand a chance of winning the title themselves so it will not be easy. Estudiantes’ chances are very slim and San Lorenzo should win this in El Nuevo Gasometro but the match with Velez on the final day will be difficult.

Vs Estudiantes (home)
Vs Velez Sarsfield (away)

2. Newell’s Old Boys – 30 points

The loss of Tata Martino and leading scorer, Ignacio Scocco was always going to be a blow but for a while it appeared as though it was business as usual in Rosario. New coach, Alfredo Berti stayed true to the system that made them so successful and Maxi Rodriguez was imperious.

However, since losing in the clasico to rivals, Rosario Central, Newell’s have been on the kind of run that is associated with sides dropping out of the league rather than winning it. Without a win in 6, the run has seen them fall from championship shoe-ins to chokers in a quick space of time.

Newell’s are only a point off the lead but need to address this slump fast if they are going to regain the lead. An away game at All Boys on Saturday will not be straight-forward following their confidence boosting win in La Bombonera and a home match against Lanus on the final day will be a real test. Realistically Newell’s probably need to win both and in current form that is not too likely.

Vs All Boys (away)
Vs Lanus (home)

3. Lanus – 29 points

Perhaps the form side in the title race and only 2 points behind San Lorenzo, Lanus could be on the verge of a historic league and Copa Sudamericana double. Having not lost since a 1-0 defeat to Godoy Cruz on October 14th, Lanus have been looking in very good shape.

Important wins over title rivals, Arsenal and San Lorenzo have put them right in the mix and with them also on the brink of the Copa Sudamericana Final, Lanus just might be on the verge of the best season in the club’s history.
Of course, involvement in the Copa Sudamericana could prove to be a huge distraction at this crucial stage but their solid back-line, marshalled by goalkeeper, Agustin Marchesin and attacking line-up led by Santiago Silva make them a match for anyone on their day.

Either way, Lanus will have a huge say on the title race based on their remaining fixtures. Hosting Boca Juniors at the weekend will end one of the sides title hopes and on the final day a daunting trip to Rosario to face Newell’s, 6 points from this and Lanus would probably deserve the trophy.

Vs Boca Juniors (away)
Vs Newell’s Old Boys (home)

4. Arsenal de Sarandi – 29 points

Arsenal have been in the mix all season and the small blip at the end of October where they didn’t win in 4 may end up costing them dearly. Still only 2 points off the pace but the 2 home draws against Gimnasia and All Boys dented their hopes of adding another trophy to their rapidly expanding cabinet.

Having already won the Copa Argentina this season with the 3-0 demolition of San Lorenzo in the Final, this season is already a success but a league-cup double would something very special indeed.

Next up is a home game against Belgrano, which you would expect Arsenal to win but their final day fixture is a little more complicated. Atletico Rafaela are the surprise package in this race and only Newell’s have travelled to Santa Fe and come away with 3 points. Winning there will not be easy especially if Rafaela are chasing their first ever league championship.

Vs Belgrano (home)
Vs Atletico Rafaela (away)

5. Velez Sarsfield – 27 points

Velez have been almost impossible to predict this season and had they been slightly more consistent we could have been looking at another title for Ricardo Gareca’s side.

At times, Velez have looked superb, for example their 3-0 win over Newell’s in September, but as is typical of their season, they followed this with a dreadful defeat by the same scoreline against Belgrano.

Big-name signing, Mauro Zarate has missed much of the season through injury which has no doubt hindered their attack. Lucas Pratto has performed admirably but in the games where he has an off day so too do Velez it appears.

The Copa Sudamericana appeared to be their most likely route to silverware this term but the surprise elimination at the hands of Ponte Preta ended that.

Velez travel to Colon this weekend, where a win would be expected given the state that Colon are in at present and host San Lorenzo on the final day, in what could be an epic title decider.

Vs Colon (away)
Vs San Lorenzo (home)

6. Boca Juniors – 27 points

Boca probably saw their chances go up in smoke last week with the damaging defeat in La Bombonera to All Boys. The narrow 3-2 defeat in Sarandi, the week before against Arsenal leave Carlos Bianchi’s side needing a miracle to lift the trophy.

Juan Roman Riquelme limped off against All Boys and will miss the run-in and in his absence, Boca often look devoid of creativity. The return of Fernando Gago is a boost but his injury problems have also hampered Boca’s title hopes.

Emanuel Gigliotti has proved a good signing and his goals, including one in the Super clasico victory over River, have provided Boca with a focal point to their attacks but a fragile defence and injury prone midfield look to have cost them.

Defeat away to Lanus on Sunday will end any hopes but should they win, a match against Gimnasia in the La Bombonera on the final day is ideal.

Vs Lanus (away)
Vs Gimnasia (home)

7. Estudiantes – 26 points

Mathematically, Estudiantes can still win the championship but realistically….no.

Boosted by the return of Juan Sebastian Veron, Estudiantes have built this season on their superb home form. No side has left La Plata this season with a victory and despite being one of the lowest scorers, they boast the best defence in the league, aided by the wonderful signing of Santiago Vergini from Newell’s in the close season.

Goals have been the problem for Estudiantes, only 3 times have they scored twice in a game this season and never anymore.

After their pre-season victory over Atletico Madrid, it is interesting to think how might this side have fared had they been able to keep hold of Colombian, Duvan Zapata? The young centre-forward has not had a great deal of playing time at Napoli and may just have provided the goals to change so many of those draws to wins.

This weekend, they visit San Lorenzo in what will have a huge impact on the title either way and finally Tigre visit La Plata. A side unbeaten at home against a side who haven’t won away all season, surely that is about as certain as Argentine football gets?

Vs San Lorenzo (away)
Vs Tigre (home)

8. Atletico Rafaela – 25 points (3 games to play)

Without question the smallest side in this list, possibly in the league, Atletico Rafaela are realistic contenders given that with the extra game, they would be just 3 points behind the leaders.

Only Newell’s have travelled to Rafaela and won and it is this impressive home form that sees Rafaela mixing it with the big boys.

In addition to this the strike force of Diego Vera and Lucas Albertengo has proved fruitful with the duo scoring over half the teams goals.

Their game in hand comes courtesy of the game that was postponed after Colon’s players went on strike. In theory, Rafaela should have been given the points but AFA being AFA changed their minds and decided that they should replay. Either way, Rafaela are expected win this putting them firmly in with a shot.

A trip to Victoria to face Tigre on Saturday will provide a stern test. As bad as Tigre have been away, they have been very good at home, losing only twice so 3 points from this will be a tough ask. On the final day, Rafaela will host Arsenal in another potential title decider and you wouldn’t bet against La Crema at home if they were playing for the championship.

Vs Tigre (away)
Vs Arsenal (home)