CF America Squeak Through, Thanks to Goal Posts and Ochoa’s Hands.
By: Mauro | April 18th, 2008Played at the same time as the River Plate-San Martin match taking place in Buenos Aires, Universidad Catolica faced off with CF America for one of the two spots for the next round. With a 3-0 win Catolica could advance to the next round, all America needed was a draw and they were through.
Catolica came out of the dressing rooms, guns blazing but America managed to have the first few shots on goal. It was a back and forth match. Saves on either side, America’s Guillermo Ochoa would dive and save then Jose Maria Buljubasich would do the same.
In the 52nd minute, Catolica put together a nice little play inside the box where Gary Medel headed it past Ochoa to give Catolica the lead and Argentine Dario Botinelli scored in the 89th off a spectacular free kick that curled around the wall, beating Ochoa and going in off the inside of the post. What you don’t see in the video is that Catolica had 3 heart breaking shots go off the posts.
Interesting note: Dario Botinelli is the brother of Jonathan Botinelli who plays for San Lorenzo.
I had this one going 1-1 with neither team able to beat each other. The actual score didn’t hurt America’s chances of qualifying. One of the few groups where 9 points would have got you into the second round. Another note of interest is, there were no draws in this group. All teams, either won or lost.
Check the CONMEBOL website for final Group 5 standings and results.
Category: Tournament News
Tags: CF America, Copa Libertadores, River Plate, Tournament News, Universidad Catolica, Universidad San MartinSubscribe
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