Argentina: Apertura 2007

River, as we already told, missed both starting games, Although, everone who watched Peace Cup matches, knows team's miserable condition.

It became clear that last year's Boca's triumph is connected solely with Riquelme. In leader's absence the team looked helpless against mediocre Argentinos Juniors, first of all tactically. Russo sent in eberyone but those who would be taking decisions. Ledesma, Cardozo and Battaglia were shifting responsibility for plot's development one on another. As a result, the game was conducted by young Ever Banega from very deep, if not from too deep. He did it very skillfully, for what was incomplrehensibly substituted. The histerical sending in of Datolo and Bosselli did not result in anything. Finally, Boca was pinned down by Alejandro Delorte alone, who produced an incredible game - golazo (a long cross header from 20 meters) and two assists. Eight points, if not more.

In other game a team, which looks like the main claimant to a title, appeared in its full beauty. In two starting games Independiente scored already eight goals. But what's more important, the guys are showing playing in the best Argentinean traditions. The absence of wonderful Daniel Montenegro (the best player in the first game) did not change anything. The game was conducted by fantastic Rodrigo Diaz, who should definitely play today in Argentinean national team. On the left wing Lucas Mareque was shinig in his best possible manner by splashing the superfootball over the edges. To get rid of him was the most stupid thing made by River recently. Another one to undoubtedly be in the national team. German Denis produced a great game too, including his superpass to Diaz, after return of which Denis himself scored his second goal. Today Denis is better than Palacio, so could be invited by Basile too. As for the next loudest transfer, it will surely bear a name of Ismael Sosa. Another ex-Riverer, Matias Oyola was as good. The defense was extremely solid thanks to one of the best South American defensemen, quite underestimated though, Uruguayan "Guille" Rodriguez. Poor Tigre intended to struggle with the efforts of Sebastian Ereros and interesting lanky enganche Roman Martinez, but failed. To put it in brief, Independiente stunned. The most important now is not to allow a coach to break a game, which already occured a year ago under Burruchaga.

Huracan again did not lose, this time to strong Lanus, which is good news for the supporters of a respectful team.

The champion vindicated itself by beating a newcomer. Ramon Diaz praised his team. Bilos is still waiting for permission to play for San Lorenzo.

Velez Sarfield defeated Olimpo, which turned out to have a great squad. Estudiantes colorlessly won against peripherial Gimnasia. Central and El Lobo go on playing the role of dark horses.

Racing received a double slap on the face. First, from Banfield, which won at Avellaneda, then from hinchada of their own, which organized an obstruction for selling Maxi Moralez. Without its genius the Academy turned out not to know what to do. The same story as with Riquelme in Boca.


Argentinos Juniors - Boca Juniors 3:2
Delorte, Battion (2) - Ledesma (2)

River Plate - Newell´s Old Boys postponed

Arsenal Sarandi - Colon 2:0
Calderon, Ulloa

San Martín San Juan - San Lorenzo 1:2
Tonelotto - Bottinelli, Fernandez

Rosario Central - Gimnasia La Plata 2:2
Diaz, Vizcarra - Silva, Batalla

Vélez Sarsfield - Olimpo 3:0
Escudero, Zapata, Sena

Racing - Banfield 0:1
Civelli

Estudiantes - Gimnasia de Jujuy 1:0
Braña

Lanús - Huracán 1:1
Valeri - Mendoza

Tigre - Independiente 0:3
Sosa, Denis (2)