Argentinos Pulls a Big Rabbit Out of Their Hat in São Paulo.

By: Mauro | October 23rd, 2008

So close to league leaders Gremio they can taste it, I think we all know that Palmeiras coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo is not going to be fielding his best starting eleven in this competition since it’s not really a big priority for the club. Sitting in 16th place in the Argentine Apertura, they have no chance of catching league leaders San Lorenzo so this competition is their only chance at any silverware this year.

The first half was slow and plodding. Boring really. But once the teams settled in, there were a few plays that were noteworthy. Leo Lima’s free kick was rejected off the crossbar only to have the ball bounce on the line (or just inside, the controversy continues) where Thiago Cunha headed it only for the defective header to hit the crossbar again. Gabriel Hauche had a chance to give his team the go ahead goal but Palmeiras keeper Marcos managed to keep it out.

In the second half, Palmeiras charged forward on the attack and created various dangerous plays for the Argentinos defense and it was off of one of these plays that Palmeiras got their first goal. But it wasn’t quite a goal. Diego Souza stepped up and buried the ball in the net but the ref disallowed it because Souza had paused on his run up to the ball. On the restart, Argentinos keeper, Sebastián Torrico saved it and the 0-0 scoreline stood. Another piece of controversy. I’ll upload a video of longer highlights when I find one.

While the Brazilians were still reeling from the disallowed penalty, Argentinos took advantage and struck hard and fast with a goal by Sergio Escudero. Off a long (about 30 meters, I’d say) pass, one that surprised the Brazilians, the ball landed at Escudero’s feet who showed real grace under pressure, took control of the ball, beat his defender and unleashed a rocket to get past the keeper. 1-0 to Argentinos.

With this goal, Argentinos did what any visiting side would do, they played eleven men behind the ball. Palmeiras tried to react but the defense was too stifling and the Paulistas were unable to get one back.

Final Score: 1-0 to Argentinos.

I had this match ending 2-1 to Palmeiras. But again, Argentinos serve me up a hefty slice of humble pie and Palmeiras disappoint me again.

This one will be sorted out next week at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona. The winner here will face the winner of Estudiantes-Botafogo in the Semi-Finals.

Check the vid below to see the Argentinos faithful cheer their team on as they watch it on closed circuit.

Feel free to check the CONMEBOL website for results and information about upcoming matches and for those of you in need of a bracket to get your heads around the competition, get an updated one here.