Copa Sudamericana 1st Leg: Botafogo 1 – 0 River Plate
By: Christian | September 19th, 2007
River’s first international title in 10 years may have to wait. Though the home leg will decide everything next week at the Monumental, and the deficit is easily surmountable, River will need to completely turn things around if they are to advance in the Copa. Passarella’s much talked about 4-3-3 made little impact, and overall the team looked out of synch. While not the worst performance I’ve seen this year, it was certainly a huge step back for a squad that looked to be getting things together.
The first half River simply looked out of sorts. Passes could not be strung together, shots on goal were either weakly hit or way off target, and far too many runs inside the box were simply held for too long before being stopped by the Botafogo defense. Keeper Juan Pablo Carrizo showed he hasn’t lost a step, getting some great saves to keep River in it, but he had no chance of stopping a stunning golazo by Joilson in the 44th minute. El Kaiser made some much needed changes prior to the second half, taking off an ineffective Rubén for Sixto Peralta and putting in Abelairas for Lima. The double switch was almost immediately noticeable, and despite some very good chances throughout the second half, including a free kick on the edge of the box that went wide, Los Millonarios were simply unable to find the much needed equalizer.
It’s hard to fault Passarella’s tactics here; sure it didn’t have the effect we all wanted, but on paper it looked like River were going to pose a serious threat to the Brazilian’s back line. But Belluschi had at best an average game, and while Alexis Sánchez had some good runs and showed a lot of movement on the ball, he was unable to create much for Falcao and especially Rubén, who simply couldn’t get in the game.
So now River will need to be perfect next week in Buenos Aires if they are to advance at all. They have yet to lose at home this season, and you can expect the Monumental to be rocking. But as has been the case all season, River are not making things easy for themselves.
Category: Team News
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Comments
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Apparantly Fiorentina are going to try and sign Belluschi in the January transfer window. Bad news for River.
Posted from
United Kingdom
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Bad news, but there have been rumors about his transfer for some time. At one point I believe he was linked with Steaua Bucharest.
This is the problem with South American football; the second a player shows some skill, they get herded off to Europe. And with River’s President Aguilar, you can expect that they’ll sell him for the right price without blinking.
It would be a shame for him to leave before he can have a chance to win some silverware.
Posted from
United States -
He was actually linked to Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Steaua Bucaresti, and a few Greek clubs! :O The only one to make an official offer, though, was Atletico Madrid.
Still, I have a feeling he will leave by the end of this season. If he doesn’t, though, there is no doubt that he won’t be here after June 2008.
Posted from
United States -
I know a lot of clubs were interested in him, I was making the point that even though he’s been targeted by so many clubs in the past, even “small” clubs like Steaua, nothing has been done yet.
If recent history repeats itself, you can expect a mass exodus of players in the transfer window, and Belluschi will probably be at the top of the list.
Posted from
United States -
Okay, we are pretty much resigned to him leaving. If not in the January definately in the summer. That is the state of football nowadays buts lets not dwell on that. How much do you think he should go for? Personally I would be gutted if he went for less then €15 million. If Higuain is worth €13 million then Belluschi is worth more. I think €20 million would be a good price for River Plate. Also does Belluschi hold an EU passport?
Posted from
United Kingdom -
I don’t believe he holds an EU passport, but I would have to check. If he continues his form he could easily fetch €20 million, the question is where. Personally I think Italy would be the better fit for him. What do you think?
Posted from
United States -
I woud love to see Belluschi in Italy. The League is becoming stronger and stronger every season. The problem is many of tthe clubs are being tight with their money. I think Spain may be a more likely direction though. I just hope not Atletico de Madrid. Too many players waste their careers there. I think Real Madrid and Barcelona are just too big of a step at the moment. They have quality midfields and strike forces and he could not feature much. For the love of all things holy not the Premiership. Italy would be a good bet. Although I loathe to say it Internazionale could be a good choice since they have plenty of Argentines and play the same formation as River Plate.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
River Plate lost against newly promoted Tigre 4-1. Ortega was sent off ion the 85th minute and Lima was sent off not long later in the send minute of injury time. What a crap weekend. Passarella should be sacked at the end of this campaign I feel. I have had enough. This is so embaressing.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
I can’t even bring myself to write about it. Look for the hammer to fall this week.
Posted from
United States
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