Argentinos Stonewall Palmeiras Again and Book a Spot in the Semi-finals.

By: Mauro | November 6th, 2008

With a 1-0 away win, Argentinos came into his match looking to close out the series with their very best players. Palmeiras, however, brought just enough players to play an official match. One wonders if they even packed bandages, looking to save them for the Brasileirao matches instead.

Argentinos started the match on a very offensive note and seemed decided to add to the already favorable score line. Mauro Bogado had a chance to score for his side when off a cross from Gabriel Hauche, Palmeiras defender, Mauricio stepped in only to have the ball rebound off him, forcing keeper Bruno to dive and shove it wide of the goal, giving up a corner.

But only a few minutes later, spurred on by the home support, Argentinos found the difference maker. Off an amazingly struck corner kick by Mauro Bogado, Andrés Scotti headed the ball past the keeper and three defenders. Because the cross came in at such a high velocity, if you blinked, you missed the play. 1-0 to Argentinos and the Diego Maradona erupts.

With Denilson on the pitch and with the ball at his feet, Palmeiras attempted to direct play but he was only able to show the quality that distinguishes him from his teammates for short periods of time. Plus, he had to face the home side’s midfield that was very inspired.

Leo Lima had a chance for the Paulistas in the 17th minute but the play ended in the hands of Argentinos keeper Sebastián Torrico.

But only one minute later Argentinos managed to extend their lead. Scotti was involved on the second play, setting up Nicolás Pavlovich (leading goalscorer of the competition with this goal) who scored off a great header from just inside the penalty area. 2-0 to Argentinos and when you thought it couldn’t get any louder, the Argentinos fans find the 11 on the volume dial.

Palmeiras’ players deflated after that goal and it seemed only Lima was asking for the ball and playing with any kind of impetus. Palmeiras managed to keep the ball for a stretch but only managed to keep it while in the center of the field, when they advanced they lost the ball.

The second half was just a chore really. Argentinos controlled the match and had only one scare where Martinez had a shot go off the post. The match did have some rough play from the Brazilians when they realized they couldn’t do much to change the result. One thing’s for certain, this is not the Palmeiras team that left quite a trail of successes on the international stage.

Final Score: 2-0 to Argentinos. Goodbye Palmeiras and good luck in the Brasileirao.

I had this match ending 1-1, I was wrong but I had Argentinos qualifying for the Semi-finals regardless.

Argentinos Juniors face Estudiantes, who managed a 2-2 draw with Botafogo, in the Semi-Finals, ensuring that at least one of the teams in the final will be from Argentina.

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.