Well what can I say? Johnny my friend, I can understand how you must be feeling right after your beloved Boca were beaten 3-1 by Fluminense. The result meant that the Brazilian side advance to the final 5-3 on aggregate.
Boca started off brightly with plenty of chances from Martin PALERMO but Flu’s keeper Fernando HENRIQUE was in top form. But PALERMO persistence was awarded in the 58th minute when he headed in to give Boca the lead, courtesy of a cross from Jesus DATOLO.
That led only lasted for five minutes when WASHINGTON curled in a free kick to level the score. Then disaster happen when Hugo IBARRA strikes into his own net after a shot from Flu’s very own Albiceleste, Dario CONCA.
It was time to press the emergency button for Boca as they had to get a goal to level the score 2-2 in order to keep their hopes alive. Plenty of chances fell into hands of PALERMO, Sebastian BATTAGLIA and Pablo LADESMA just to name a few but nothing materialized. Another goal for Flu from Dodo in the dying minutes put the game beyond Boca’s reach.A day earlier in the other semi-final match between LDU and America was also decided by the away goal factor. A goalless draw was in good enough to ensure the Ecuadorian side to march through after both teams finished off with 1-1 draw last week in Mexico.
For both Fluminense and LDU, this will be their first Copa Libertadores Final. Good luck to both of them.
John-thanks for thinking of me ! The worst part of the night is that I missed the swamping of Mexico because I was drowning my sorrows ! In some ways this match with Flu was a microcosm of Boca's season. Lot's of chances, but not many goals. It bit them hard last night. In the Libertadores last year Roman was a one man gang and was unstoppable. Not so this year. So, there will likely be a few major changes with Boca. Palacio appears certain to be gone (Lazio the latest rumor), Palermo is not a sure thing to return and we will see what else happens. And to add further insult, River Plate is posed to win the local tournament unless they flame out the next two weeks.
ReplyDeleteWell, some sadness, but the future always seems bright with Boca. Now to focus on Argentina's matches over the next few months. Vamos Albicelestes !!
Just as a side note. if you didnt see the match, head over to www.justin.tv
ReplyDeleteYou can watch the match in streaming or download the flash video to your pc. Enjoy the game!!