America, One Step Away From The Semis.

By: Mauro | May 22nd, 2008

Santos Futebol Clube vs. Club América (Estadio Vila Belmiro, Santos, Brazil)

LIVE @ 6pm PST on Fox Sports Español. Gamecast here. Online TV here.

The only thing standing in América’s path to the Semi-finals is Santos. Quite a big thing to get past, I should say. Santos are not anything to scoff at. They are unbeaten at home in the Copa Libertadores so far. América has a pretty poor record away from home, with only one win out of four matches but that win re-vitalized this team giving them new hope despite the adversity they faced in the round of 16.

Coming into the first leg of this tie with the win over Flamengo in the Maracaná on their backs and the emotional momentum they brought with them, they handily beat Santos in the Azteca Stadium. Not a surprise really. Santos is 0-1-2 in stadiums of a higher geographic altitude than their own.

In that first leg match, we were all a witness to the rise of Salvador Cabañas who scored twice to come level on goals with eliminated goal-scoring leader, Marcelo Martins Moreno, with eight goals a piece. Both goals coming off long aerial passes, something Santos will have to look for in tonight’s match.

Look for Cabañas to be a huge threat to the Santos defense yet again. He’s got a smaller, stalky body that’s deceiving because he can really move with the best of them. He can receive the ball with his back to the goal, win in the air and beat defenders with his speed.

But tonight, Santos’ defense might been looking at the tape of the last match and may do something about defending things a little differently which may open up the door for Cabañas’ partner, Enrique Esqueda.

Look for German Villa to pull the strings from the midfield. Keep in mind that Santos dominated the midfield in the second half so we might only see a glimpse or two of Villa and co. Also be sure to watch for keeper Guillermo Ochoa to keep his team in the hunt for their ticket to the semis.

Look for Santos’ offensive strategy tonight. Word is, Santos coach Emerson Leao will be fielding three out and out strikers for this match. Mariano Tripodi, Lima and Kleber Periera. There’s also doubts about whether or not Mauricio Molina will be on the pitch from the start. Leao has complained that his form has dropped recently.

Bottom Line: América are riding big emotional wave and have nothing to lose and nothing else to play for. Santos have not taken a firm step against quality opposition in the Libertadores but will have the home crowd behind them and they want to see a good show.

My pick: 1-1. América advance. Santos don’t have enough to stop América’s rollercoaster ride through this competition. América face either Fluminense or LDU Quito/San Lorenzo in the Semis. I don’t believe there’s any way they could face Boca before the finals.

Check the CONMEBOL website for results, stats and upcoming matches.