The eagle-eyed among our readership - and thanks to both of you for sticking with us - will have noticed we've just about ground to a halt here.
This isn't down to any falling out with each other, the game, the blogging 'scene' or anything like that, more a change in circumstances that seriously limits our time available to do what we've been doing. As a result, we're winding this up - well not winding up so much, but certainly putting into the deep freeze for now. Months/years from now when we come to defrost it (not sure where this metaphor is going at this point, but stick with it) we may find it's still good to eat and pick it up again, but for now that's it.
We'll be keeping on with the twitter, so follow us there if you want to digest our little nuggets of thought, follow us on there. We'd also like to thank the good folk at Premier Sports TV for their support.
In the meantime, may we divert your attention to sambafoot.co.uk for all your futbol Sudamericana needs and also our sister site, Euroballs, where we may pop up on occasion in the not-too-distant future.
Thanks for your readership. See you about.
The CONMEBalls team
Friday, 9 March 2012
Friday, 24 February 2012
Ex-pat of the week #12
This week's noteworthy performances do not include Ever Banega, who is out for the season after breaking his tibia and fibula by running himself over with his own car.
Lionel Messi. You might not have heard of this lad, but he's got a bit of promise, underlined by a trifling four out of Barcelona's five against Valencia at the weekend. Special mention too for Pablo Piatti, whose early goal for Los Che seemed to anger La Pulga Atomica and spur him to these heights.
Denis Stracqualursi. Relatively unheralded on signing for Everton, it has taken a while for the ex-Gimnasia and Tigre striker to settle in England and his opportunity to start games has come about by injuries, transfers and, consequently, necessity. But he's making the most of his opportunity and helped send Everton through to a cup quarter-final a week after bagging one in a league win over Chelsea.
Ezequiel Lavezzi/Edinson Cavani. A joint nomination for the Napoli tyros. Brilliant against Fiorentina last Friday night and equally good against Chelsea in midweek. Six goals between them too, shared equally, and a general air of brilliance that surprised only people who hadn't been paying attention. And Ray Wilkins.
Marcelo Toscana. Bagged the solitary goal for Vitoria Guimaraes to inflict Benfica's first defeat of the season and open up the Portuguese championship once again.
Matias Fernández. The Chilean was fantastic as Sporting CP overcame Legia Warszawa in the Europa League. They were in the box seat after a 2-2 draw in Poland, but toughed it out at the Alvalade, Fernandez driving them forward from midfield and chiming in with a late winner.
And the winner is... Ezequinson Lavani. Or Ediqiuel Cavezzi. Whichever. Individually they were both quite fabulous, but together they formed a dynamic thrust - ooerr missus - that was simply unmatched. Fiorentina and Chelsea couldn't live with it. On this week's form, we doubt anyone else could either.
Lionel Messi. You might not have heard of this lad, but he's got a bit of promise, underlined by a trifling four out of Barcelona's five against Valencia at the weekend. Special mention too for Pablo Piatti, whose early goal for Los Che seemed to anger La Pulga Atomica and spur him to these heights.
Denis Stracqualursi. Relatively unheralded on signing for Everton, it has taken a while for the ex-Gimnasia and Tigre striker to settle in England and his opportunity to start games has come about by injuries, transfers and, consequently, necessity. But he's making the most of his opportunity and helped send Everton through to a cup quarter-final a week after bagging one in a league win over Chelsea.
Ezequiel Lavezzi/Edinson Cavani. A joint nomination for the Napoli tyros. Brilliant against Fiorentina last Friday night and equally good against Chelsea in midweek. Six goals between them too, shared equally, and a general air of brilliance that surprised only people who hadn't been paying attention. And Ray Wilkins.
Marcelo Toscana. Bagged the solitary goal for Vitoria Guimaraes to inflict Benfica's first defeat of the season and open up the Portuguese championship once again.
Matias Fernández. The Chilean was fantastic as Sporting CP overcame Legia Warszawa in the Europa League. They were in the box seat after a 2-2 draw in Poland, but toughed it out at the Alvalade, Fernandez driving them forward from midfield and chiming in with a late winner.
And the winner is... Ezequinson Lavani. Or Ediqiuel Cavezzi. Whichever. Individually they were both quite fabulous, but together they formed a dynamic thrust - ooerr missus - that was simply unmatched. Fiorentina and Chelsea couldn't live with it. On this week's form, we doubt anyone else could either.
Friday, 17 February 2012
Ex-pat of the week #11
This week's round-up of the best of South America playing their trade away from the continent does not feature Diego Lugano, who proved himself to be a bit of a bell-end by describing Luis Suárez as "the only victim". The Champions League and Europa League returned and the latter proved the more entertaining. Here are the nominees:
Robinho. One of a trio of Milan players that ripped Arsenal a new one at the Giuseppe Meazza in the Champions League. Alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin Prince Boateng, Robinho was pretty much unplayable and weighed in with a couple of classy finishes.
Maxi Lopez. Had Milan succeeded in signing Carlos Tevez in January, Lopez would have remained a Catania player. He paid for himself to stay in Milan while the Tevez storm blew over and is beginning to reap the benefits, helping Milan to top spot in Serie A with the equaliser in the win over Udinese.
Radamel Falcao. Again proved himself to be possibly the deadliest striker running around today with a superbly taken brace in Rome against Lazio in the Europa League.
Jonathan Cristaldo. One of five Argentines in the Metalist Kharkiv side, striker Cristaldo was unstoppable away in Salzburg, scoring twice and virtually eliminating the Red Bull-backed nouveau riche Austrian history-deniers.
Everton. With FC Twente on a roll under their new manager, it looked a nailed on certainty they'd win the local derby at Almelo with Heracles last Friday. Heracles had other thoughts, particularly their dynamic midfield schemer Everton who bossed it throughout and scored twice in a 3-2 win.
And the name in the golden envelope is...
Jonathan Cristaldo. The diminutive striker ran Salzburg ragged and pretty much put his side in the last 16 of the Europa League with his performance. The 22-year old has one senior cap for Argentina, but he's improving all the time and more will surely follow.
This section returns in a week's time. Let us know if you spot any noteworthy performances.
Meanwhile, we apologise for the lack of regular updates from the Brazilian state leagues and the Copa Libertadores which cranked back into life last week. Unfortunately, the need to earn a living has impinged on the time our contributors have to dedicate to this project. Normal service will resume soon.
Robinho. One of a trio of Milan players that ripped Arsenal a new one at the Giuseppe Meazza in the Champions League. Alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin Prince Boateng, Robinho was pretty much unplayable and weighed in with a couple of classy finishes.
Maxi Lopez. Had Milan succeeded in signing Carlos Tevez in January, Lopez would have remained a Catania player. He paid for himself to stay in Milan while the Tevez storm blew over and is beginning to reap the benefits, helping Milan to top spot in Serie A with the equaliser in the win over Udinese.
Radamel Falcao. Again proved himself to be possibly the deadliest striker running around today with a superbly taken brace in Rome against Lazio in the Europa League.
Jonathan Cristaldo. One of five Argentines in the Metalist Kharkiv side, striker Cristaldo was unstoppable away in Salzburg, scoring twice and virtually eliminating the Red Bull-backed nouveau riche Austrian history-deniers.
Everton. With FC Twente on a roll under their new manager, it looked a nailed on certainty they'd win the local derby at Almelo with Heracles last Friday. Heracles had other thoughts, particularly their dynamic midfield schemer Everton who bossed it throughout and scored twice in a 3-2 win.
And the name in the golden envelope is...
Jonathan Cristaldo. The diminutive striker ran Salzburg ragged and pretty much put his side in the last 16 of the Europa League with his performance. The 22-year old has one senior cap for Argentina, but he's improving all the time and more will surely follow.
This section returns in a week's time. Let us know if you spot any noteworthy performances.
Meanwhile, we apologise for the lack of regular updates from the Brazilian state leagues and the Copa Libertadores which cranked back into life last week. Unfortunately, the need to earn a living has impinged on the time our contributors have to dedicate to this project. Normal service will resume soon.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Ex-pat of the week #10
Which South Americans caught our eye this week? Well Martin Demichelis did, but for all the wrong reasons with his own goal as big-spending Malaga lost to Granada on Monday night. However, these five did the right things:
Martin Caceres. Bagged a brace for Juventus as they beat Milan in the San Siro in the Coppa Italia and was pretty well unplayable throughout.
Lucas Barrios. Might have left Borussia Dortmund during the January window, but stayed put and has since been brilliant for the Schwarzgelb. He was outstanding at the weekend as BvB went top of the league with a 2-0 win over Nurnberg, taking advantage of draws elsewhere and he chipped in again in the DFB Pokal in midweek against Holstein Kiel.
Juan (Silveira dos Santos). Roma shoulder-barged the Inter bandwagon off the rails - if that's not mixing too many metaphors - and Juan was at the heart of it in the middle of defence, keeping the Inter attack at arm's length. And he popped up with one of Roma's four at the other end.
Nenê. He just won't go away. Again, PSG failed to move him on during a transfer window and again he's forced his way into the side by being great. Scored twice at the weekend to further stake his claims as PSG remain three points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Raul Bobadilla. Frozen out by Gladbach, the Argentine striker moved to Switzerland in January and marked his Young Boys debut in fine style with one of their three as they saw off Servette, consolidating third and closing in on Luzern in second.
And the winner is... Raul Bobadilla. The lad can be a handful and, by the same token, can infuriate. Clearly not in Lucien Favre's plans, he's made a fine start to life in Switzerland.
More next week and your nominations are welcome below or on twitter.
Martin Caceres. Bagged a brace for Juventus as they beat Milan in the San Siro in the Coppa Italia and was pretty well unplayable throughout.
Lucas Barrios. Might have left Borussia Dortmund during the January window, but stayed put and has since been brilliant for the Schwarzgelb. He was outstanding at the weekend as BvB went top of the league with a 2-0 win over Nurnberg, taking advantage of draws elsewhere and he chipped in again in the DFB Pokal in midweek against Holstein Kiel.
Juan (Silveira dos Santos). Roma shoulder-barged the Inter bandwagon off the rails - if that's not mixing too many metaphors - and Juan was at the heart of it in the middle of defence, keeping the Inter attack at arm's length. And he popped up with one of Roma's four at the other end.
Nenê. He just won't go away. Again, PSG failed to move him on during a transfer window and again he's forced his way into the side by being great. Scored twice at the weekend to further stake his claims as PSG remain three points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Raul Bobadilla. Frozen out by Gladbach, the Argentine striker moved to Switzerland in January and marked his Young Boys debut in fine style with one of their three as they saw off Servette, consolidating third and closing in on Luzern in second.
And the winner is... Raul Bobadilla. The lad can be a handful and, by the same token, can infuriate. Clearly not in Lucien Favre's plans, he's made a fine start to life in Switzerland.
More next week and your nominations are welcome below or on twitter.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Ex-pat of the week #9
Slim pickings this week for some reason, so we'll be brief. This week's nominees are:
Diego Alves. Saved a Lionel Messi penalty.
Diego Milito. Milito has been nominated a few times and on the fringes for quite a while. He's impossible to leave out this time. He bagged four goals for Inter in midweek against Palermo and good job he did too, because his back five conceded the same amount.
Claudio (Rodriga Siqueira Carlino). The veteran Brazilian defender bagged two - one from the penalty spot - as lowly Gil Vicente beat Porto in Barcelos, denting the Dragons' title ambitions.
And the winner, for proving that little feller isn't a machine after all: Diego Alves. He can look like a flap merchant at times, but he's proving a key member of the Valencia squad these days. And he saved a Lionel Messi penalty.
More next week, if any games survive the freezing weather across Europe.
Diego Alves. Saved a Lionel Messi penalty.
Diego Milito. Milito has been nominated a few times and on the fringes for quite a while. He's impossible to leave out this time. He bagged four goals for Inter in midweek against Palermo and good job he did too, because his back five conceded the same amount.
Claudio (Rodriga Siqueira Carlino). The veteran Brazilian defender bagged two - one from the penalty spot - as lowly Gil Vicente beat Porto in Barcelos, denting the Dragons' title ambitions.
And the winner, for proving that little feller isn't a machine after all: Diego Alves. He can look like a flap merchant at times, but he's proving a key member of the Valencia squad these days. And he saved a Lionel Messi penalty.
More next week, if any games survive the freezing weather across Europe.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara - Week 2
Group A
Bonsucesso 3-1 Maduriera
Macaé 0-0 Flamengo
Nova Iguaçu 0-0 Botafogo
Resende 3-2 Olaria
The big surprise in Group A at the weekend was the failure of the big two to gain victories. Flamengo, with a big game on Wednesday night in the Libertadores ahead of them, again sent out very much a second team and they were held to a goal less draw at Macaé. The same could be said about Botafogo who travelled to Nova Iguaçu and were also held to the same scoreline. Away from the big two, Bonsucesso picked up their first win back in the top flight of Carioca football when they defeated Madureira 3-1. Resende bounced back from their opening day defeat at Botafogo when they were victorious over Olaria. They raced into three goal lead before two late strikes from Allan left them hanging on for dear life for the last two minutes.
Group B
Friburguense 2-1 Bangu
Volta Redonda 0-3 Fluminense
Americano 1-1 Boavista
Duque de Caxias 1-3 Vasco da Gama
Business as usual in Group B as the big two both recorded comfortable victories. Fluminense needed three goals in the last eighteen minutes to see off Volta Redonda with Wellington Nem picking up his first goal since returning from his successful loan spell at Figueirense last year. A strong Vasco side were eventually too strong for Duque de Caxais at the Engenhão. Juninho Pernambucano put Vasco ahead before Gilcimar stunner the complacency out of Vasco with a leveller nine minutes after the break. Alecsandro restored the Vasco lead four minutes later before Diego Souza wrapped things up. Friburguense picked up their first win back in the top flight when two goals from Romulo set up victory agaisnt Bangu. The other game produced the first draw in Group B when Boavista would have been disappointed to let a lead slip against Americano and it finished all square.
Despite being in Libertadores action on Wednesday night Flamengo will back up on Friday night when they face Olaria. They line up like this
Group A
Bonsucesso x Nova Iguaçu
Macaé x Resenda
Madureira x Botafogo
Flamengo x Olaria
Group B
Bangu x Vasco da Gama
Friburguense x Duque de Caxias
Fluminense x Boavista
Volta Redonda x Americano
Bonsucesso 3-1 Maduriera
Macaé 0-0 Flamengo
Nova Iguaçu 0-0 Botafogo
Resende 3-2 Olaria
The big surprise in Group A at the weekend was the failure of the big two to gain victories. Flamengo, with a big game on Wednesday night in the Libertadores ahead of them, again sent out very much a second team and they were held to a goal less draw at Macaé. The same could be said about Botafogo who travelled to Nova Iguaçu and were also held to the same scoreline. Away from the big two, Bonsucesso picked up their first win back in the top flight of Carioca football when they defeated Madureira 3-1. Resende bounced back from their opening day defeat at Botafogo when they were victorious over Olaria. They raced into three goal lead before two late strikes from Allan left them hanging on for dear life for the last two minutes.
Group B
Friburguense 2-1 Bangu
Volta Redonda 0-3 Fluminense
Americano 1-1 Boavista
Duque de Caxias 1-3 Vasco da Gama
Business as usual in Group B as the big two both recorded comfortable victories. Fluminense needed three goals in the last eighteen minutes to see off Volta Redonda with Wellington Nem picking up his first goal since returning from his successful loan spell at Figueirense last year. A strong Vasco side were eventually too strong for Duque de Caxais at the Engenhão. Juninho Pernambucano put Vasco ahead before Gilcimar stunner the complacency out of Vasco with a leveller nine minutes after the break. Alecsandro restored the Vasco lead four minutes later before Diego Souza wrapped things up. Friburguense picked up their first win back in the top flight when two goals from Romulo set up victory agaisnt Bangu. The other game produced the first draw in Group B when Boavista would have been disappointed to let a lead slip against Americano and it finished all square.
Despite being in Libertadores action on Wednesday night Flamengo will back up on Friday night when they face Olaria. They line up like this
Group A
Bonsucesso x Nova Iguaçu
Macaé x Resenda
Madureira x Botafogo
Flamengo x Olaria
Group B
Bangu x Vasco da Gama
Friburguense x Duque de Caxias
Fluminense x Boavista
Volta Redonda x Americano
Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 3
São Paulo 2-1 São Caetano
Oeste 0-0 Mirassol
Portuguesa 2-1 Guaratinguetá
Botafogo SP 1-2 Comercial
XV de Piracicaba 2-3 Bragantino
Corinthians 1-0 Linense
Catanduvense 1-1 Palmeiras
Paulista 1-1 Santos
Guarani 2-0 Ituano
Mogi Mirim 1-3 Ponte Preta
Only two team remain now with 100% records after Week 3 of the 2012 Paulista A1 as Mogi Mirim and Paulista fell by the wayside at the weekend. So, it's the big guns of São Paulo and Corinthians who remain perfect for the season, the former were 2-1 winner over São Caetano on Saturday night with Lucas Silva getting the winner thirteen minute from time. An pretty much full strength Corinthians side were made to work for their victory over Linense with the winner coming from Emerson Sheik with elven minutes left. Mori Mirim went down 3-1 at home to Ponte Preta side which has recovered from it's opening week defeat with back to back victories. Alan Kardec was the savour for Santos as they came from a goal down to end Paulista's 100% start. Renen put Paulista ahead with eight minutes gone and they were sixteen minutes away from victory before a fourth of the season for Kardec levelled things. The Santos striker has now scored in all three games so far this season as both teams remain unbeaten.
Palmieras also remain unbeaten but has to settle for yet another draw, this time at promoted Catanduvense. The Big Green fell behind to an Osny goal seventeen minutes from time before Fernano de Santana rescued a point eight minutes from time. Guarani made it two wins from three when they defeated Ituano at home. Two goal from Ronaldo in the space of seven first half minutes the difference between the sides. The first goal less draw of the season took place at Oeste when they were held by Mirassol. Its a first point of the season for the home side but they remain next to the bottom of the table.
XV de Piracicaba are still on the hunt for their fist win of the season, but Bragantino were able to claim their in the highest scoring game of the weekend.A last minute goal from Romarhino giving Bragantino the points and denying the home side a second point of the season. Portuguesa were another side to put a register in the win column when they defeated bottom of the table Guaratinguetá at the Candidé. They had to come from behind as well after Thiago Cunha put the visitors ahead after twenty minutes but Henrique and a Marcelo Cordiero penalty turned things around. Finally Botafogo's mixed start to the season continued when they let a lead slip to give Comercial their first win back in the top flight. Alex Barros put Botafogo ahead but a goal in each half from Elionar Bombinha, the second ten minutes from time, gave the visitors the win.
No rest for the wicked and week 4 takes place in midweek. They line up like this
São Caetano x XV de Piracicaba
Guaratinguetá x Botafogo SP
Bragantino x Portuguesa
Comercial x Catanduvense
Mirassol x Paulista
Ituano x Corinthians
Palmeiras x Mogi Mirim
São Paulo x Guarani
Santos x Oeste
Ponte Preta x Linense
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Oeste 0-0 Mirassol
Portuguesa 2-1 Guaratinguetá
Botafogo SP 1-2 Comercial
XV de Piracicaba 2-3 Bragantino
Corinthians 1-0 Linense
Catanduvense 1-1 Palmeiras
Paulista 1-1 Santos
Guarani 2-0 Ituano
Mogi Mirim 1-3 Ponte Preta
Only two team remain now with 100% records after Week 3 of the 2012 Paulista A1 as Mogi Mirim and Paulista fell by the wayside at the weekend. So, it's the big guns of São Paulo and Corinthians who remain perfect for the season, the former were 2-1 winner over São Caetano on Saturday night with Lucas Silva getting the winner thirteen minute from time. An pretty much full strength Corinthians side were made to work for their victory over Linense with the winner coming from Emerson Sheik with elven minutes left. Mori Mirim went down 3-1 at home to Ponte Preta side which has recovered from it's opening week defeat with back to back victories. Alan Kardec was the savour for Santos as they came from a goal down to end Paulista's 100% start. Renen put Paulista ahead with eight minutes gone and they were sixteen minutes away from victory before a fourth of the season for Kardec levelled things. The Santos striker has now scored in all three games so far this season as both teams remain unbeaten.
Palmieras also remain unbeaten but has to settle for yet another draw, this time at promoted Catanduvense. The Big Green fell behind to an Osny goal seventeen minutes from time before Fernano de Santana rescued a point eight minutes from time. Guarani made it two wins from three when they defeated Ituano at home. Two goal from Ronaldo in the space of seven first half minutes the difference between the sides. The first goal less draw of the season took place at Oeste when they were held by Mirassol. Its a first point of the season for the home side but they remain next to the bottom of the table.
XV de Piracicaba are still on the hunt for their fist win of the season, but Bragantino were able to claim their in the highest scoring game of the weekend.A last minute goal from Romarhino giving Bragantino the points and denying the home side a second point of the season. Portuguesa were another side to put a register in the win column when they defeated bottom of the table Guaratinguetá at the Candidé. They had to come from behind as well after Thiago Cunha put the visitors ahead after twenty minutes but Henrique and a Marcelo Cordiero penalty turned things around. Finally Botafogo's mixed start to the season continued when they let a lead slip to give Comercial their first win back in the top flight. Alex Barros put Botafogo ahead but a goal in each half from Elionar Bombinha, the second ten minutes from time, gave the visitors the win.
No rest for the wicked and week 4 takes place in midweek. They line up like this
São Caetano x XV de Piracicaba
Guaratinguetá x Botafogo SP
Bragantino x Portuguesa
Comercial x Catanduvense
Mirassol x Paulista
Ituano x Corinthians
Palmeiras x Mogi Mirim
São Paulo x Guarani
Santos x Oeste
Ponte Preta x Linense
Premier Sports TV is the home of South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000
Friday, 27 January 2012
Campeonato Paulista A1 - Week 2
Mirassol 1-1 Catanduvense
Botafogo SP 2-1 XV de Piracicaba
Oeste 2-3 São Paulo
Ponte Preta 5-1 Bragantino
Paulista 3-0 Comercial
Linense 3-3 São Caetano
Palmeiras 1-1 Portuguesa
Guaratinguetá 0-2 Corinthians
Mogi Mirim 3-0 Guarani
Santos 2-1 Ituano
Two games into the season and only four teams remain with 100% records after two games. São Paulo and Corinthians you would expect, but the other two are Paulista and Mogi Mirim. São Paulo has to come from a goal behind to help secure their victory at Oeste while Corinthians had a much easier time of things down at Guaratinguetá where two first half goals from Chicão and Alessandro saw the Muskateers home. An early goal from Hernane set Mogi Mirim on their way to a 3-0 victory over promoted Guarani. Another side new to the top flight, Comercial, were easily dispatched by Paulista with Chiquinho's last minute goal putting the icing on the cake of another 3-0 victory.
With Oeste, Comercial and Guaratinguetá still waiting to pick up a point this season, the other team yet to make an impression on the league table is Bragantino. They ended up on the back of a 5-1 defeat at Ponte Preta, who bounced back from their weekend defeat although three goals in the final three minutes made the scoreline a little lop sided. A still under strength Santos were another side to pick up their first win of the season but they needed a last minute Alan Kardec goal to defeat Ituano at the Vila. Botafogo SP were the other side to get their first win of the season when they defeated promoted XV de Piracicaba. Gustavo Bastos with the winner nine minutes from time.
At the Pacaembu, Palmeiras needed a Ricardo Bueno goal nine minutes from time to rescue a point after Portuguesa had gone ahead four minutes after the break through Maylson. Catanduvense picked up their first point at the season at Mirassol. Sergio Manoel put the home side ahead with nine minutes gone but Washington levelled fifteen minutes later. Finally the highest scoring game of the week was at Linense where the home side came from behind twice in an exciting 3-3 draw with São Caetano. The visitors were two up inside eighteen minutes before Éder Marcelo levelled for Linense five minutes after the break. Carlos Silva put São Caetano ahead again half way though the second half but Fabio Santos squared matters four minutes later but neither team could find a winner.
Week three takes place this weekend and they line up like this
São Paulo x São Caetano
Oeste x Mirassol
Portuguesa x Guaratinguetá
Botafogo SP x Comercial
XV de Piracicaba x Bragantino
Corinthians x Linense
Catanduvense x Palmeiras
Paulista x Santos
Guarani x Ituano
Mogi Mirim x Ponte Preta
Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000
Botafogo SP 2-1 XV de Piracicaba
Oeste 2-3 São Paulo
Ponte Preta 5-1 Bragantino
Paulista 3-0 Comercial
Linense 3-3 São Caetano
Palmeiras 1-1 Portuguesa
Guaratinguetá 0-2 Corinthians
Mogi Mirim 3-0 Guarani
Santos 2-1 Ituano
Two games into the season and only four teams remain with 100% records after two games. São Paulo and Corinthians you would expect, but the other two are Paulista and Mogi Mirim. São Paulo has to come from a goal behind to help secure their victory at Oeste while Corinthians had a much easier time of things down at Guaratinguetá where two first half goals from Chicão and Alessandro saw the Muskateers home. An early goal from Hernane set Mogi Mirim on their way to a 3-0 victory over promoted Guarani. Another side new to the top flight, Comercial, were easily dispatched by Paulista with Chiquinho's last minute goal putting the icing on the cake of another 3-0 victory.
With Oeste, Comercial and Guaratinguetá still waiting to pick up a point this season, the other team yet to make an impression on the league table is Bragantino. They ended up on the back of a 5-1 defeat at Ponte Preta, who bounced back from their weekend defeat although three goals in the final three minutes made the scoreline a little lop sided. A still under strength Santos were another side to pick up their first win of the season but they needed a last minute Alan Kardec goal to defeat Ituano at the Vila. Botafogo SP were the other side to get their first win of the season when they defeated promoted XV de Piracicaba. Gustavo Bastos with the winner nine minutes from time.
At the Pacaembu, Palmeiras needed a Ricardo Bueno goal nine minutes from time to rescue a point after Portuguesa had gone ahead four minutes after the break through Maylson. Catanduvense picked up their first point at the season at Mirassol. Sergio Manoel put the home side ahead with nine minutes gone but Washington levelled fifteen minutes later. Finally the highest scoring game of the week was at Linense where the home side came from behind twice in an exciting 3-3 draw with São Caetano. The visitors were two up inside eighteen minutes before Éder Marcelo levelled for Linense five minutes after the break. Carlos Silva put São Caetano ahead again half way though the second half but Fabio Santos squared matters four minutes later but neither team could find a winner.
Week three takes place this weekend and they line up like this
São Paulo x São Caetano
Oeste x Mirassol
Portuguesa x Guaratinguetá
Botafogo SP x Comercial
XV de Piracicaba x Bragantino
Corinthians x Linense
Catanduvense x Palmeiras
Paulista x Santos
Guarani x Ituano
Mogi Mirim x Ponte Preta
Premier Sports TV is the home of live South American Football in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000
Copa Libertadores - First Stage First Leg
Arsenal 3-0 Sport Huancayo
El Nacional 1-0 Libertad
Unión Española 1-0 UANL
Real Potosí 2-1 Flamengo
Internacional 1-0 Once Caldas
Peñarol 4-0 Caracas FC
The opening game of the 2012 Copa Santander Libertadores took place in Avellaneda on Tuesday night as Arsenal put one foot into Group Four with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sport Huancayo of Peru. Jorge Córdoba put the Arsenal one up half way through the first half and Emilio Zelaya doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Half way through the second half the home side were reduced to ten men when Carlos Carbonero was sent off but they grabbed a vital third two minutes from time when substitue Claudio Mosca struck five minutes after coming on. In Quito, El Nacional will take a slender advantage back to Asunción next week after a single goal victory over Libertad. Juan Luis Anangonó got the only goal of the game a minute before half time. There was also a single goal in Santiago as Unión Española grabbed an advantage to take back to Mexico next week after victory over UANL. Gonzalo Barriga with the goal just short of the hour as the teams compete for a place in Group Three.
A much changed Flamengo side from the one the opened up the Carioca at the weekend travelled to the highlands of Real Potosí with a place in Group Two up for grabs. The visitors were at full strength, but were lacking in match time but they took the lead on the half hour through Luiz Antonio. The lead lasted two minutes before Claudio Centurion levelled for Real and they gave themselves an advantage for the return at the Engenhão next week when Edgardo Brittes got a winner just short of the hour. If past reputations were anything to go by, this is the tie of the round as two former winners in Internacinal of Brazil and Once Caldas of Colombia met in Port Alegre with a spot in Group One up for grabs. It will be the 2010 champions who will take an advantage back to Caldas next week after Andre D'Alessandro set up Leandro Damião who continued his fine form of 2011 with the only goal of the game after twelve minutes. Last year's runner up Peñarol of Uruguay should take their place in Group 3 after rolling Caracas of Venezuela in Montevideo. Two goals in three minutes from Nicolas Freitas and Marcelo Zalayeta put the home side in control. João Pedro made it three twenty minutes after the break and Fabian Estoyanoff got a fourth twenty minutes from time. The night went from bad to worse for Caracas when Fidel Pérez was sent off eight minutes from time.
The second legs take place next week
Libertad v El Nacional
Sport Huancayo v Arsenal
Flamengo v Real Posotí - LIVE on Premier Sports TV
Once Caldas v Internacional
Caracas v Peñarol
UANL v Unión Española
Premier Sports TV is the home of the Copa Libertadores in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000
El Nacional 1-0 Libertad
Unión Española 1-0 UANL
Real Potosí 2-1 Flamengo
Internacional 1-0 Once Caldas
Peñarol 4-0 Caracas FC
The opening game of the 2012 Copa Santander Libertadores took place in Avellaneda on Tuesday night as Arsenal put one foot into Group Four with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sport Huancayo of Peru. Jorge Córdoba put the Arsenal one up half way through the first half and Emilio Zelaya doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Half way through the second half the home side were reduced to ten men when Carlos Carbonero was sent off but they grabbed a vital third two minutes from time when substitue Claudio Mosca struck five minutes after coming on. In Quito, El Nacional will take a slender advantage back to Asunción next week after a single goal victory over Libertad. Juan Luis Anangonó got the only goal of the game a minute before half time. There was also a single goal in Santiago as Unión Española grabbed an advantage to take back to Mexico next week after victory over UANL. Gonzalo Barriga with the goal just short of the hour as the teams compete for a place in Group Three.
A much changed Flamengo side from the one the opened up the Carioca at the weekend travelled to the highlands of Real Potosí with a place in Group Two up for grabs. The visitors were at full strength, but were lacking in match time but they took the lead on the half hour through Luiz Antonio. The lead lasted two minutes before Claudio Centurion levelled for Real and they gave themselves an advantage for the return at the Engenhão next week when Edgardo Brittes got a winner just short of the hour. If past reputations were anything to go by, this is the tie of the round as two former winners in Internacinal of Brazil and Once Caldas of Colombia met in Port Alegre with a spot in Group One up for grabs. It will be the 2010 champions who will take an advantage back to Caldas next week after Andre D'Alessandro set up Leandro Damião who continued his fine form of 2011 with the only goal of the game after twelve minutes. Last year's runner up Peñarol of Uruguay should take their place in Group 3 after rolling Caracas of Venezuela in Montevideo. Two goals in three minutes from Nicolas Freitas and Marcelo Zalayeta put the home side in control. João Pedro made it three twenty minutes after the break and Fabian Estoyanoff got a fourth twenty minutes from time. The night went from bad to worse for Caracas when Fidel Pérez was sent off eight minutes from time.
The second legs take place next week
Libertad v El Nacional
Sport Huancayo v Arsenal
Flamengo v Real Posotí - LIVE on Premier Sports TV
Once Caldas v Internacional
Caracas v Peñarol
UANL v Unión Española
Premier Sports TV is the home of the Copa Libertadores in the UK
You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or by calling 0871 663 9000
Ex-pat of the week #8
Pretty much all the big leagues are back up and running now, so it's wall-to-wall FOOTBALL from here on out until spring. Who has caught the eye of our panel this week?
Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian has been at his very best lately. A spell filling in at right-back has, if anything, improved his all-round game, but restored to the flank he was devastating for Manchester United as they beat Arsenal and turned a five-horse race into a straight duel.
Diego Milito. The boy can't stop scoring, and as a result Inter can't stop winning. He bagged another in the league against Lazio last weekend as Inter went to eight straight wins, a run that was only ended by...
Edinson Cavani. Bagged both and was generally amazing as Napoli ended Inter's long run of wins with a 2-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final win.
Fernando Muslera. Galatasaray assumed control of the Turkish Super Liga and have done so on the back of a string of clean sheets. Another one this week for their Uruguayan goalkeeper.
Radamel Falcao. Another week, another bagful of goals for the Colombian. Three more this week as Atlético cruised past Real Sociedad. When Falcao plays well, Atléti play well and he's key to the club's fortunes.
And the nod goes to:
Fernando Muslera. We don't give enough credit to goalkeepers at times, but after a difficult time in Italy, Muslera settled quickly in Turkey and is a key part of Gala's title push.
More at the same time next week. Do let us know if you spot a noteworthy performance in the meantime.
Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian has been at his very best lately. A spell filling in at right-back has, if anything, improved his all-round game, but restored to the flank he was devastating for Manchester United as they beat Arsenal and turned a five-horse race into a straight duel.
Diego Milito. The boy can't stop scoring, and as a result Inter can't stop winning. He bagged another in the league against Lazio last weekend as Inter went to eight straight wins, a run that was only ended by...
Edinson Cavani. Bagged both and was generally amazing as Napoli ended Inter's long run of wins with a 2-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final win.
Fernando Muslera. Galatasaray assumed control of the Turkish Super Liga and have done so on the back of a string of clean sheets. Another one this week for their Uruguayan goalkeeper.
Radamel Falcao. Another week, another bagful of goals for the Colombian. Three more this week as Atlético cruised past Real Sociedad. When Falcao plays well, Atléti play well and he's key to the club's fortunes.
And the nod goes to:
Fernando Muslera. We don't give enough credit to goalkeepers at times, but after a difficult time in Italy, Muslera settled quickly in Turkey and is a key part of Gala's title push.
More at the same time next week. Do let us know if you spot a noteworthy performance in the meantime.
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