Tiros Libres: Giving Thanks

By: Christian | November 21st, 2007

With a long weekend break ahead of us, I thought I would take a moment to see what’s happening in the world of football.

* Rumors are running rampant in Argentina that River is getting closer to signing Ramón Díaz from rival club San Lorenzo to take over as head coach. San Lorenzo, winners of the 07 Clausura title earlier this season under Diaz, apparently cannot match the offer that River have on the table. It has been no secret that the club directors, not to mention the majority of the River faithful, have Diaz has their number one pick to replace Daniel Passarella; during his previous stint as head coach between 1995-2003, El Pelado led la banda to 5 local titles, 1 Supercopa, and a Copa Libertadores in 1996. Stay tuned.

* With the yawn-inducing international break mercifully behind us, we can get back to the business of not winning the league. Interim coach Jorge Gordillo will take over for the final 3 games of the season, in which an already eliminated River will attempt to gain the most possible points to finish high in the table. First up will be Colón de Santa Fe, this Saturday at 4:15 ET on TYC Sports USA. Colón oddly enough, are coached by Leonardo Astrada, who managed River after Ramón Díaz was let go in 2003.

* While both Lanús, Boca Juniors, and Tigre will be fighting it out for the title, this weekend’s must see fixture is no doubt the Avellaneda clásico between Racing Club and Independiente. As a River fan I couldn’t care less who wins (although it must be said that I despise los rojos much more than Racing), but this is one of the most bitter rivalries you will see this side of a River-Boca derby. Watch it live Saturday on TYC at 2PM ET.

* Speaking of the international break, Argentina were stunned by Colombia in World Cup qualifiers, losing 2-1 in Bogota Tuesday night. Lionel Messi scored in the first half, but el albiceleste were done in after a straight red was shown to Carlos Tevez. Argentina stll lead the group with 9 points.

* THIS JUST IN: ENGLAND ARE OUT OF EURO 2008. Needing only a point at home against Croatia, England instead went down in a stunning 2-3 loss, which combined with Russia’s win against Andorra means they’ll be watching from home next year. Steve McClaren should be flown out of London tonight.

* And speaking of helicopters, our favorite usless coach this side of the Atlantic Ricardo LaVolpe resigned as head coach of Vélez Sársfield a few weeks ago after leading the club to nowhere.

Really, a day without LaValope is just a day without sunshine; where else are you guaranteed 3 points? Ricardo, if you’re listening, you may want to look into getting a standard resignation form, leaving the boxes next to the club name and signature blank. Just want to make things easier for you the next time you get sacked for badly managing a club, assuming there’s a womens under-15 reserve side somewhere that needs your services.

So to LaVolpe and all turkeys everywhere, have a Happy Thanksgiving.