Copa Libertadores - Boca To Take On Fluminense

Manchester United has already proven they are the best in Europe. Now it is obvious that they’re next conquest is for global domination, which will be at FIFA Club World Cup tournament later this year.

They could start doing their homework right now by paying attention to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Copa Libertadores that is. After all, it is highly likely that the Final will be contested between Europe and South American’s finest.

One thing that I can guarantee is that, Argentina (whether it is in the form of a certain player or team) will have a winner.

One team that will grab most of the attention among Mundo’s reader will definitely be Boca Juniors. How can we all forget last year’s edition, which saw the Juan Roman RIQUELME inspired Boca capturing glory from the hands of Gremio from Brazil? We all know the love-hate relationship between Brazil, and us, which will continue again this year when Boca take on Fluminense in the semis.

Now I have to admit that my knowledge may be limited on the football scene in South America due to the lack of coverage here in Malaysia (the only staple diet that I have is either from Seba or Sam from HEGS). But it doesn’t take a genius to understand Boca’s deadly offensive trio of Roman, Martin PALERMO and Rodrigo PALACIO.

On his best and given half a chance, Roman can provide some delicious splitting passes against the tightest defense. PALERMO will benefit the most from this. Add to PALACIO mobility and trickery on the field, Boca does look good enough to go all the way.

From what I read, Roman has established a highly productive performance alongside Jesús DATOLO in midfield. Someone which I’m keen to look forward too. Not to forget, Gabriel PALETTA returning after a ill-fated stint at Liverpool. He could come in handy from set piece situations.

As for the rest, I’m sure plenty of you hardcore Boca supporters out there might want to share interesting stuffs about them. I would love to hear more about them.

My personal reason why I picked Boca to win (forgive me if I might sound controversial here) is the fact that Roman has never dissapointed anyone in a Boca’s shirt. Period.

Boca’s rival in the semis Fluminense will also bring their own Albiceleste flavour into the pitch, in the form Darío CONCA. The ex-River has been on loan for the past four years playing in Chile & Brazil. What amazes me the most, that how even Brazllian teams love to have an Argentine on roster (Carlitos, Javier etc.).

The other semi-final, which was played today, saw Club América of Mexico taking on Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) from Ecuador at home. The match ended in 1-1 draw.

Sebastian DOMINGUEZ was sent off for a sliding tackle in the 73rd minute. Federico HIGUAIN (the brother of Gonzalo of Real Madrid) also came into action as a second half substitute. The Mexican side of course were playing without Federico INSUA who was still out injured (It seems his out for about 6-8 months).

While LDU was not short of Albiceleste talent in their line up with all three players, Damián MANSO, Norberto ARAUJO and Claudio BIELER, was in starting eleven.

LDU success on becoming the first side from the country reaching the semis in a decade is just another milestone for Ecuadorean football in this decade.