Well Hello everyone! I am going to try my hand at updating the threads every week or so. I noticed that it hasn’t been updated for awhile, and I was getting tired of seeing the same old CHAMPIONS LEAGUE thing…how about you guys???

I think we should try to begin forgetting about Juan Roman Riquelme because I don’t think he will be back… Really guys, I know we all have mixed feelings about him, but it’s time to move on. It’s sad I know, but we should try to think positive, and make the best out of what we have. Let’s dedicate this thread to the Argentine National team.

So how about our qualifiers coming up? First against Venezuela on March 28 and then against Bolivia on April 1st. This is the REAL test for Maradona, it isn’t a friendly, it is for real. I have a feeling that we will do well. We have a pretty good record against Venezuela at home, I don’t think they have ever beaten us on home soil. Against Bolivia? Well again, we shouldn’t have a problem with them. What do you all think??? I want to read all your comments!

Another question… Now that we have the starting roster, and we know who will be playing, what do you think? Is it the same old, same old? or will it be totally different without Roman? Let’s not go off on a tangent about ROMAN (I know it’s hard to avoid, but we can do it!) Let’s think fresh! This is a new thread, it calls for it! )

Ok everyone, enjoy the blog! Take a look at the pictures… It fills me up with emotion and excitement! Now that I am in Buenos Aires, I feel it all around me!

Now let’s enjoy the thread!

-Julian

Two things I’ve taken from this year’s edition of the Copa: first, there are no certainties, and more importantly, away goals should NOT be considered an advantage. Teams like Boca, Flamengo, America, River, and Atlas, just to name a few, have either been victims of or benefactors to them, and in the end, teams must play both legs to the death. Unlike the boring Champions League, whereby teams are lauded for their defensive tactics, here in South America, it’s push on for 90 minutes, regardless of what the score is.

So for Fluminense, they should not think for a second that this semifinal is done and dusted. If they fail to show respect to Boca, who have dominated the competition this decade, then they will be in for a rude awakening. Los Xeneizes meanwhile should not rest on their history to pull them through; Flu are a very strong side, and if their performance last week was average, seeing them at full strength in front of their home fans could be lethal. Streaks are meant to be broken; will Boca’s end tonight?

Leave your comments below.

So with that in mind, I want to ask everyone here how you want this blog to approach this massive summer. This space has always been dictated by those who come here to read or leave comments, and I want you to choose how best to use this site to follow the games.

So what would people prefer – more original content from the writers (there are three of us technically), or more along the lines of what we do now, essentially fewer posts with more space for discussion in the comments? Live-blogging? More discussion on the podcast?

I do have one person who will be attending the game in New York against the USMNT who will act as a correspondent and give his personal thoughts (yes, I ripped it off from Ives’ blog). I’m still hoping to be in San Diego in time for the friendly against Mexico, so if anyone plans on going please let me know. Also, a few of you have mentioned about your own personal Argentina sites and Facebook groups – please post URL’s so I can keep a list.

While I wait to hear from everyone, please check out my post on The Offside main page on the Copa Libertadores, where I try ever so subtlety to suggest that it beats the boring-ass Champions League any day of the week.

Chau.

Riquelme, Palermo, Marioni – IMO this is the draw of the quarterfinals, and neutrals and disgruntled River fans alike should find it an exciting match to follow.

As for the three teams that remain, it isn’t looking much better. Boca will be in Brazil tonight to face Cruziero, and althought they won 2-1 in the Bombonera in the first leg, conceeding that late away goal may come back to haunt them. Reports in the press indicate that the Boca squad received a rude “welcome” from Cruziero fans who banged drums, set off fireworks, and played loud music outside the team’s hotel in Belo Horizonte.

On Thursday of course, San Lorenzo will travel to the Monumental to face River Plate. Though el ciclon are arguably the most in-form team in Argentina, and won the first leg 2-1, River have yet to be beaten in the Monumental this season, so really anything is possible.

What may not be possible though, is to have more than one team from Argentina advance deep in the Copa.

Soccernet Article
Offside Libertadores Blog
Boca Banned Indefinetely from Bombonera in International Competitions

While Estudiantes will most certainly blame the high altitude in Quito, they still have a huge mountain to climb when the second leg is played in La Plata on May 7th. Lanús meanwhile looked unimpressive, losing for the first time in the tournament, and conceeding an all important away goal to Atlas.

With at least one team being eliminated from the River Plate – San Lorenzo draw, and Boca facing a tricky tie against Cruzeiro, it’ll be tough for a team from Argentina to advance to the final.

Last Night’s Results
Libertadores Offside Blog

Also, if you haven’t already, check out Mauro’s Libertadores site now on the Offside, and for an ultra-biased perspective, check out my River Plate page.

I know that the WC blog, despite the many comments left by you all, has been lacking in new content. It ain’t on purpose; a lot of us are just swamped with all the other duties of the site that unfortunately it’s hard to find the time. But like I’ve said before, as the seasons wind down we’ll spend more time devoted to the full slate of summer games ahead for the albiceleste.

Thanks for all your input on the site, and keep the comments coming.

Gregory Sica focuses on the poor start from Argentina’s top clubs participating in this years Copa Libertadores. While I think it’s a little early to call this years campaign a total disaster, I agree that teams, especially San Lorenzo, need to find a solution and quick if they have any hope of advancing.

In the Guardian UK, Marcela Mora y Araujo has an interesting take on young Argentine prospects leaving earlier and earlier overseas, and it’s impact on clubs at home. An interesting fact in the article:

In 1978 Mario Kempes was the only player in the national squad playing in Europe. In the 2002 World Cup squad only one player was playing in Argentina.

The group stages of the Copa Libertadores begin this week, with 4 teams from Argentina, San Lorenzo, Estudiantes, River Plate, and Lanús all scheduled for matches in South America’s biggest club competition. Last years winners Boca Juniors will debut next Wednesday, as will Arsenal de Sarandí.

Which of these teams has the best chance of advancing out of their groups? Boca Juniors are clear favorites; the man most responsible for getting them their 6th Copa, Juan Roman Riquelme, is back with the team, and since 2000 los xeneixes have hoisted the trophy 4 times. But like their rivals River Plate, who last won the tournament in 1996, a tough group stage awaits. Both clubs will have to travel to Mexico and Chile, always tricky and difficult places to visit.

Estudiantes have won the Copa three times previously, but have yet to do so since 1970. To advance out of their group they’ll need to face local Primera side Lanus, who like San Lorenzo and Arsenal, will look to win the title for the first time ever in their history.

Despite last years tournament, which featured a few dull fixtures in the opening rounds, this years edition features some of the biggest teams across the continent and Mexico. All matches will be shown live on Fox Sports Español. Click here to see the complete groups.

Tuesday
San Lorenzo @ Caracas FC (VEN) – 5PM ET
Estudiantes @ Cuenca (ECU) – 7:30PM ET

Wednesday
River Plate @ San Martin (PER) – 4:30PM ET

Thursday
Lanús v. Danubio (URU) – 6:30PM ET

Wednesday, February 20th
Boca Juniors @ Maracaibo – Time TBD
Arsenal v. Libertad – Time TBD