Match update from 04/01/08

By: Mauro | April 2nd, 2008

Bamin Real Potosi vs. Caracas FC (Potosi, Bolivia)

It’s a long one but here’s a key to the video: Potosi’s 1st goal goes in around 1:25. Caracas FC ties it up at 2:27 (fantastic strike). 3:58 Potosi’s scores to take the lead. 5:53 Potosi extend their lead.

Potosi played some pretty good football with lots of give and goes, moving the ball around and plenty of shots on goal making it a tough night for Caracas’ keeper. This does not complicate the group in the sense that the winning side is now in the running, instead, Potosi have no chance to advance even if they beat Cruzeiro at home two weeks from today.

What this does do, is it makes the Cruzeiro-San Lorenzo match on Thursday pretty damn important and pivotal for deciding who qualifies. San Lorenzo have to repeat their performance in Potosi from a few weeks ago, meaning an almost impossible away win against a much stronger side, and possible contender for the title. Cruzeiro will be through to the next round with as little as a draw.

Caracas’ hopes are not dashed, they could still fight for qualification but need a tough away win in Buenos Aires in order to qualify in their last group match. I think this group will be decided on the last match-day of Group 1 on 4/16.

Santos FC vs. San José (Santos, Brazil)
Santos utterly destroyed San José. San José did earn themselves the title of worst beating in this cup, a title belonging to Arsenal de Sarandi up until now. Santos put on a show, re-vindicated themselves from their loss to this very team but in the altitude of San José. Colombian Mauricio Molina managed to score 4 goals on his own and there were goals of all colors, headers, streaking passes and unstoppable shots.

With this win Santos confirm their 2nd place spot in Group 6. They still have two matches to play one away to Chivas (a tough match) and the last at home to Cúcuta Deportivo, the current and surprising leader of the group.

I had Santos and Chivas qualifying for the next round. 50% right so far. I also had this match going 3-1. The one goal for San José turned out to be generous.

Universidad Catolica vs. Universidad San Martin (Santiago, Chile)

If you didn’t know that Catolica could have faced elimination with a loss and with a win, San Martin could have topped the group alongside River Plate, it would appear this match was the battle between the worst teams of the competition. Not a lot of good football, both teams appeared to want to hold the 0-0 draw and look for the surprise counterattack. So you guessed it, lots of long balls into the area and lots of all out running on the part of the strikers. The lone goal came in the 88th minute. Overall a forgettable match.

I seem to give San Martin a lot more credit than they deserve. I had this match going to Catolica 2-1. The goal difference was right, but the amount wrong. Not bad in my book.

This gives Catolica six points on four matches, earns them a three way tie for second place in Group 5 alongside America and San Martin but are still at the bottom of the group based on goal difference.