retired_roxysunny101

October 2003

Now that we possess a better knowledge of how this Opening Stage will climax we can continue towards that climax. Zitero’s team welcome Morelia to the Azteca this gorgeous Saturday afternoon - a Morelia side who are 4th in the overall league but because they have Cruz Azul and Tigres (3rd and 1st) in their group of 5 they look like they may miss out on a place in the knockout phase of the tournament.

Nevertheless, if they can defeat América (MEX) their situation may seem just a little bit brighter; and considering América (MEX) have gone 4 matches without a home win that target may not be too unassailable.

Although Zander Zitero will undoubtedly boosted by the returns of Ricardo Rojas and José Julián de la Cuesta to the starting eleven, players who will definitely give the home defence a stronger look about them.

Morelia’s main attacking threat will come from flamboyant Colombian attacking midfielder Mauricio Alejandro Molina, who won goal of the month for September for the pick of the 6 goals he has scored from midfield in his loan spell from Colombian giants Envigado, you may also remember him curling home a free kick when these two sides met in the PrePre Libertadores Phase in Kansas City. A repeat of that result - and hence another home disappointment - is, again, unthinkable to the home fans, the 50,000 who still come in their droves (a fool and their money.....)


8/10/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Match #14)/ América (MEX) Vs Morelia / Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

(Note: The column to the right of the League position now designates their Group position now that we know how important it is [remember top 2 from each group go into the knockout phase, not top 8 in the overall league].)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Grp | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | 3rd | Morelia | | 13 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 29 | 15 | +14 | 26 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 5th | 1st | América (MEX) | | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 32 | 14 | +18 | 25 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Castro, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta ; DMC - Pardo (c), ML - Mendoza, MR - Esteche, AMC - Blanco; SC - Navia, SC - Romário

We seem to say this every second week but: América (MEX) certainly came out the blocks in this one looking like a team determined to set a couple of wrongs right; and came close to doing so with only 4 minutes on the clock when an Esteche cross found a leaping Navia who knocked the ball just over the bar with a looping header, nevertheless it was a promising start for the home team and fans.

The fans did not have to wait too long for the opener though; after 12 minutes Chuy Mendoza found some space on the left hand side of midfield, his deep cross found Romário art the back post and the Brazilian dwarf headed the ball back across the face of goal for Navia to tap in from - at most - 3 yards. Although it was celebrated like a Pardo thunderbolt from 45 yards against Necaxa.

América (MEX) took heed of the subtle messages hidden in their previous matches and managed to realise one goal probably wouldn’t be enough, so Zander Zitero’s side continued to push forward and cam close on two occasion in the aftermath of the Navia opener; once through a Romário volley which flew into the arms of the keeper; and once through another Navia header which, again luckily for Moises Munoz, went straight into his arms.

But the 2nd goal for América (MEX) was not long in coming in what was comfortably their most productive performance since the 6-0 mutilation of Atlante. On the half hour mark Navia received the ball on the edge of the box, the Chilean poacher held the ball up wonderfully before feeding an intricate ball through to Blanco as he overlapped Navia into the box; Blanco then rounded off a glorious flowing move by blasting the ball into the roof of the net.

Half-time came and went, with no noticeable change of pattern, América (MEX) continued to press and continued to make chances; in fact only a couple of minutes into the second half Pavel Pardo - who was having a great game controlling the middle of the park - crashed a fantastic effort off of Munoz’s crossbar.

It was only a matter of time, though, before América (MEX) would add to their tally and it came from the penalty spot after Reinaldo Navia was fouled in the act of shooting. José Julián de la Cuesta stepped up, and as if you didn’t already know the Colombian defender slotted the ball frighteningly calmly into the net. Not that anyone in the América (MEX) camp would be complaining, but: you would expect more of a test from a team 1 point ahead of América going into the game; it did not provail and it was now a case of how many.

Luckily for Senor Rubén Omar Romano’s men América (MEX) were pretty happy with the three; all except from the utterly immense Pavel Pardo who did not stop running all game, and got his reward on the 90th minute when one of his edge of the box strike he tries so often flew into the corner, securing the most well deserved Man of the Match award you will ever see.

\o/

América (MEX) (Navia 12; Blanco 32; de la Cuesta pen 64; Pardo 91) 4 - 0 Morelia


Our patented relief-o-meter which we set up prior to kick-off today is off the chart. This win was long overdue considering what a good season América (MEX) have had on the road and as we look at the high fives and general high spirits that are evident in the home dressing room we can see what this mean’s to the players.

And with some vital matches to come in the knockout phase which kicks-off just over a month from now this will be a welcomed monkey off Zander Zitero’s broad shoulders.

retired_jdupont

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Now, to be perfectly honest I do not see what the point in these groups are considering teams don’t solely play teams from their group it would surely make more sense just to take the top 8 from the overall standings. Another problem I have with this system is: for example look at Chivas - they will get into the Knockout phase even though they are 15th overall just because the teams in their standings group are terrible; whereas Morelia will miss out because they have two teams that are doing very well in the league in their little group even though they are 4th in the overall table. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's a playoff match before the knockout stage if a team that finished among the Top 8 overall don't finish among the top 2 in their group.

In this playoff this team will play against a team that finished second in one group but didn't finish in the Top 8 overall.

retired_jdupont

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PMLF:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Now, to be perfectly honest I do not see what the point in these groups are considering teams don’t solely play teams from their group it would surely make more sense just to take the top 8 from the overall standings. Another problem I have with this system is: for example look at Chivas - they will get into the Knockout phase even though they are 15th overall just because the teams in their standings group are terrible; whereas Morelia will miss out because they have two teams that are doing very well in the league in their little group even though they are 4th in the overall table. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's a playoff match before the knockout stage if a team that finished among the Top 8 overall don't finish among the top 2 in their group.

In this playoff this team will play against a team that finished second in one group but didn't finish in the Top 8 overall. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

For instance, Chivas could have to play against Morelia to decide who qualify to the knockout stage.

retired_roxysunny101

October 2003

Think back to when Zander Zitero revealed his major signings on the turf of the Azteca all those months ago; do you remember the pulse of excitement pulsing through Mexico City, drawing us towards the epicentre, drawing us towards the stadium. That same buzz, that very same draw is in effect today - and the match programme we are hovering over as we approach the towering figure of the Azteca tells us why; no fancy headline or pun needed to sell programmes today, simply: Necaxa Vs América (MEX).

It’s days like these that make us appreciate our invisible, floating, translucent state of observation - because it would take us an age to get through this; we drift serenely through the crushing procession of bodies marching towards the stadium; the chanting has already started - with both sets of fans chanting at each other from either side of the mesh fences erected by the police to separate them. Oh, did I forget to mention, these two deadly rivals share the magnificent Azteca stadium and this helps to make this encounter one of the most anticipated on the Mexican calendar.

The odd missile is flying, though nothing can actually hit us we should still make our way into the stadium. Let us drift up, and up, and up; we are now hovering over the Estadio Azteca. For a moment, as we look down on 97,000 people all wearing their teams colours, all singing and dancing, the odd scuffle breaking out, we forget all about opening stages and league groups and knockout phases; all that matters is this match, and if we, with the benefit of neutrality, are being caught up in this mesmerising moment one can only imaging how the fans of both sides are feeling at this moment; at this moment football is life, everything before and after is just waiting.

Although Necaxa are 10th in the overall table they are the highest placed of their group - Group 4. América (MEX) also top their group - Group 2 - although they have been impressive in the context of all 20 teams in the league, sitting 4th overall.

The sheer noise continues, as if to welcome us, as we drift down to about pitch level. A quick 360 turn in the centre circle and we get a stunning mere moment of what these players will experience for 90 minutes this afternoon. In fact many of the players are on the pitch warming up with around 15 minutes until kick-off - one notable player, who is getting the treatment from both sets of fans, albeit very different treatment from the two sets, is Diego Encarnación, who, despite poor performances in the aftermath of his one man show, is still the golden boy of Mexican football and the América (MEX) fans will be looking forward to a long awaited home performance of his talents in the biggest domestic match of them all.

Both sets of players are making their way back inside for their last instructions from the coaches, who themselves will have churning stomachs at the moment - the days after losing this match are always hard if you’re a manager; you suddenly become very unpopular with chairmen and fans. As the players make their way back inside we feel imprisoned; there is an obstructive wall of sound coming from all four ends of this magnificent testament to the passion induced by football in this part of the World.

Nevertheless, let us take one lingering look at our surroundings; in the centre circle being pelted with sound from all directions, seeing flares going off, hearing the beat of the drums, all of which beckon these players to their triumph or despair. Let us leave this scene which will surely stay with us; this fixture will obviously be seen again but it’s never as good as the first time, and let us drift down the tunnel and follow the sounds of butterflies pummelling footballers stomachs.

And we reach the América (MEX) dressing room. This match is technically an away game for América (MEX) but, as we look up at the blackboard which dominates the wall on the east side of the room, with the bold arrows telling Blanco to get into the box; and the even bolder arrows telling Mendoza and Esteche to get to the bi-line we can see that Zander Zitero wants his team to go out and win this match; this is a manager who has not experienced, and nor does he wish to experience the aftermath of losing this fixture. The other thing that hits you as you look up at Zander Zitero’s derby day master plan is the strike force Blanco’s bold arrow is penetrating: Navia and Encarnación. So after 7 games without a goal Romário has been dropped in favour of the 17 year old media darling.

There are also Zitero’s prudent defensive precautions with many top players circled, some even aggressively crossed out with red chalk, oooh get him. As we drift into the ‘home’ dressing room we can see the man who has been so aggressively singled out - Braulio Luna, the Mexican left winger with 36 caps to his name, who has, ironically, been keeping Chuy Mendoza out of the XI. Given the murderous use of red chalk one can only presume Zitero is very worried about a repeat of Walter Ervitti’s on man show on the left for Monterrey which could have proved costly; and if América (MEX) allow Luna to run amok like Ervitti then it could be deadly.

Never has a knock on a door provoked such a mixture of fear and adrenaline; the referee - who will have a lot on his mind at the moment let’s not forget - Senor Mario Chávez has just given the signal for the two teams to leave the dressing rooms and make there way on to the park. The two teams slowly shuffle out of their dressing rooms; the actual tunnel is the stem of a ‘T’ and the two teams come from either sides of the horizontal; so they have to meet in the middle before making their way out. No doubt this would be awkward for some, but the first two out, the captains are not phased at all, Pavel Pardo and Juan Reynoso - with a combined 176 caps for their respective Mexico and Peru - look each other straight in the eye and run straight into the barrier of light and sound without saying a word - the time for talking is over

retired_jdupont

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PMLF:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PMLF:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Now, to be perfectly honest I do not see what the point in these groups are considering teams don’t solely play teams from their group it would surely make more sense just to take the top 8 from the overall standings. Another problem I have with this system is: for example look at Chivas - they will get into the Knockout phase even though they are 15th overall just because the teams in their standings group are terrible; whereas Morelia will miss out because they have two teams that are doing very well in the league in their little group even though they are 4th in the overall table. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's a playoff match before the knockout stage if a team that finished among the Top 8 overall don't finish among the top 2 in their group.

In this playoff this team will play against a team that finished second in one group but didn't finish in the Top 8 overall. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

For instance, Chivas could have to play against Morelia to decide who qualify to the knockout stage. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry for posting again, but just to make it clear for once and for all:

This is how it works (I found it in RSSSF):

Playoff qualification for each tournament (Opening and Closing) will be
determined by the following criteria:

(a) The winner of every group (4 in total) goes right to the quarter-finals, that is, has a 1st-round bye.

(b) - The runner-up of every group goes to the playoffs as well.

- The top two runner-ups get a 1st-round bye. The third and fourth runner up (RU.3 & RU.4) might play in the 1st-round playoff against two wild card teams.

c) The top two teams of the remaining ten not yet considered will go to the 1st-round playoff ONLY if they have a better overall standing than that of the lowest qualified team according to (a) and (b) above. They are tagged WC.1 and WC.2 (wild cards) according to their final overall standing.


So, you'd better finish among the Top 10 and if possible as winner of your group.

retired_roxysunny101

PMLF: Thanks for clarifying that mate, at least the reader should now have a clearer picture of how things work.

October 2003

15/10/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Match #15)/ Necaxa Vs América (MEX) / Estadio Azteca, Mexico City


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Grp | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | 1st | América (MEX) | | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 36 | 14 | +22 | 28 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 10th | 1st | Necaxa | | 14 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 20 | -6 | 19 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Castro, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta ; DMC - Pardo (c), ML - Mendoza, MR - Esteche, AMC - Blanco; SC - Navia, SC - Encarnación

The game kicked off to the kind of roar you would expect if one of the sides had just took the lead; and as you would expect the game was scrappy from the offset, although not void of chances as the pre-match danger man Braulio Luna made a break infield after three minutes before firing a shot wide of Alberto Becerra’s right hand post to set the tone of the match to come. Reinaldo Navia proceeded to pull the shot count level a minute later when his speculative effort flew over the bar - nonetheless a promising start from what you would expect to be an incredibly tense match.

The game, which was continuing in the same vein it started, and Reinaldo Navia had a second effort, this time it could have feasibly ended in a goal; an Israel Martinez low cross was atrociously dealt with by the Necaxa defence and the ball fell straight to Navia who was waiting about 10 yards out to smash the ball goalwards; however his shot was deflected wide by sprawling defender Miguel Acosta for a corner which amounted to nothing.

As the game approached the half hour mark the teams were both continuing to attack, though neither side appeared totally committed to going for broke, another long distance attempt, this time from Necaxa striker Jorge Orozco; although that was only a prelude to the first boiling point of the game. Before Alberto Becerra could even take the goal kick Diego Encarnación perhaps showed his immaturity by pushing over Miguel Acosta; the referee could have justifiably pulled out a red card which would have burned into the retina and soul of the young man on such a big day, but he showed some common sense and brandished a yellow.

However, only 5 minutes later Diego Encarnación found himself being chastised by the referee for a deliberate trip, before talking some trash to the referee. The referee, who was no doubt having his patience tested by this brash young man (although we’ve seen that is not his persona off the field) plus the pressure of the Necaxa contingent of fans baying for blood, decided to refrain from brandishing a second yellow; instead giving Diego a last warning, and giving Zitero thoughts about taking the kid off.

Half time approached. After all the Encarnación controversy towards the end of the half there had been something of a lull in actual football action; although América (MEX) were looking to change that as the game entered the first of three minutes of first half stoppage time. Pavel Pardo played a nice ball down the right hand side, finding Esteche, who, for the first real time in this half had made a forage down the right wing; the Paraguayan proceeded to whip in one of his trademark superb crosses, which was begging to be attacked; and attacked it was, flying in at the front post was 17 year old Diego Encarnación to grab his first goal on Estadio Azteca turf! The young man sprinted off to the end of the stadium closest to him, luckily it was populated by América (MEX) supporters, who were clambering to mob the teenage goal scorer as he ran towards them; Encarnación, his team mates, and the fans took part in something resembling a euphoric100 man big-hug, before making their way back into their own half for what remained of the first half injury time.

Necaxa would be shook up after a goal so close to half time, but they didn’t show it, and they calmly went about their business for the remainder of injury time, even forcing an attack well into the 5th minute of injury time - after Encarnación’s convoluted celebrations; Pavel Pardo made a rather clumsy challenge on Fabián Pena, and gave away a free kick 30 yards from goal. After some arguments and time wasting and wall re-positioning, Mexican veteran midfielder Victor Ruiz stepped up and put his foot through the ball; the free kick had great pace, and once it made it over the wall everything seemed to go in slow motion; not only did it have pace, it had direction, and it was heading for the corner, it was far enough out that Becerra could see it and desperately dive, but the free kick was to good and flew off the post and in; causing the Azteca to erupt for the second time in a matter of minutes. Heads on bodies wearing yellow dropped; it was suddenly clear what manager had the tougher team talk.

Both team talks at half time clearly emphasised the importance of a head over heart mentality after some point in the first half which could have easily seen one of the two sides reduced to ten men. This philosophy saw the second half start in quite a rural pace; and hence make the Azteca rather muted for the first time in the match.

However, after the hour mark the instincts of the two teams - to win - seemed to kick in. This was illustrated when, while pushing men forward, second half Necaxa attacking substitute Milton Nunez found himself unmarked in the box on the hour mark after a nice infield pass by Braulio Luna; and after a quick swivel, the man with 10 goals from 26 caps for Honduras got a powerful shot off which Alberto Becerra had to be on his toes to parry away for a corner.

The game was hotting up with both sides clearly fired up and going for a win, and it was about to hit fever pitch come 70 minutes. The ever-dangerous but never dominant Braulio Luna made collected the ball and set off on another run down the left hand side; and from absolutely nowhere, like the proverbial steam train Javier Francisco Esteche flew in with a two footed tackle which could have easily ended this talented Mexican’s career. Senor Chavez - who we guessed might have a tough 90 ahead of him before kick-off - was all out of patience after what, in truth, was a petulant display in the first half by Diego Encarnación and rightly sent the Paraguayan internationalist off. In the mean time Luna was receiving treatment at the wrong point in the field for him, right in front of the ‘away’ fans and he was inevitably getting torrents of abuse, and bottles, and abusive messages in bottles.

Even though Zander Zitero was forced into a tactical change - putting Encarnación on to the right hand side and leaving Navia up front all on his lonesome - there was a feeling that this match was not about to simply fizzle out.

Those feelings were confirmed as the full time whistle drew ever closer. Cuauhtémoc Blanco, to his credit, still trying to support Navia and in turn banish the memories of the little outburst earlier in the campaign that saw him stripped of the captaincy, was played through by current captain Pavel Pardo into a little space in the left hand side of the Necaxa box; Blanco did well to get a shot off while being closed down and the keeper could only parry Blanco’s good effort out towards the danger area; and if ever there was a goal which was the definition of a player it was this, as Reinaldo Navia reacted before anyone else to smashed the ball home from 4 yards out. One side of the Azteca absolutely erupted, this was fairytale stuff for Zitero’s first experience of this fixture, and as Navia wheeled away in front of the Necaxa fans behind the goal he just scored into celebrating his strike he was mobbed by jubilant colleagues; all of whom got the same treatment as Braulio Luna had done only 20 minutes earlier from the surrounding Necaxa fans. Not that they cared a jot.

It was absolute party time for half of the Estadio Azteca; Becerra had a massive grin on his face as he mock orchestrated the América (MEX) fans behind his goal; but wouldn’t it just be terrible if Necaxa were to get another free kick in injury time from similar range to the one which they scored in the first half. Enter José Julián de la Cuesta; the Colombian with the big future gave away a stupid foul from behind on Orozco, this time only 25 yards out. We were now into the 4th minute of stoppage time, this was most likely the last kick of the match and the Azteca was absolutely stone cold silent. Victor Ruiz stepped up once more, displaying the same run, the same technique as at this point in the first half; the contact was sweet and the ball made it over the wall again; and the curling dipping ball was once again to good for Becerra and the ball made a crunching noise as it struck the net which seemed pierced Zander Zitero’s eardrums before nestling in the corner. A double for the Necaxa holding midfielder had broke the hearts of América (MEX), and he would savour it: a quick u-turn behind Becerra’s goals with one finger over his mouth shhh-ing the fans, before sprinting back up field to his adoring fans and Klinsmann diving on the turf in front of them, before being leapt upon by all remaining 10 players in the most intense pile-up you’ll ever see when a match hasn’t actually finished yet.

Diego Encarnación and Reinaldo Navia were back in the centre circle; dejectedly they kicked off and the whistle was blown immediately, that free kick was indeed the last kick of the game. Despite the fact it was a draw only one side of the stadium were in celebration.

Necaxa (Ruiz 45, 90) 2 - 2 (Encarnación 45; Navia 89) América (MEX)


As we look at 11 players sprawled, wearing yellow, out on the Azteca turf after having victory so cruelly snatched away it yet further illustrates how on this occasion only today mattered - América (MEX) will still make the knockout phase, so in that way the result is pretty irrelevant, but the players are still in pieces because of how important this one match is.

We can only imagine, and savour, the potential meeting of these two sides in the knockout phase of the Opening Stage Championship.

retired_roxysunny101

October 2003

As you might expect the immediate aftermath of the draw against Necaxa saw many dejected players in training, players that simply could not believe - after an 89th minute goals - they had not won the Mexico City derby; but this is where Zander Zitero earns his money and the rookie manager put things in perspective and got his troops ready for the last few games of the league phase and then the subsequent knockout phase.

One plus point is that they were back in action almost straight away; and they had literally the easiest match in the league, as they welcomed Irapuato to the Azteca; an Irapuato side with only one win this season, and who are sitting 20th in the overall table and 5th in their group.

The home dressing room is without Francisco Javier Esteche, after his GBH on Braulio Luna in the last match he is suspended; the Paraguayans place will be taken by Azuara. Other than that forced change the team will field the same 11 that was so cruelly robbed of 2 points as they look to get back on the winning trail.

19/10/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Match #16)/ América (MEX) Vs Irapuato / Estadio Azteca, Mexico City


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Grp | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | 1st | América (MEX) | | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 38 | 16 | +22 | 29 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 20th | 5th | Irapuato | | 15 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 35 | -27 | 7 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Castro, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta ; DMC - Pardo (c), ML - Mendoza, MR - Azuara, AMC - Blanco; SC - Navia, SC - Encarnación

By the opening stages of this match you would suggest that perhaps América (MEX) were still suffering from something of a post-Necaxa hangover, as within four minutes of kick-off Costa Rican star Mauricio Wright rose highest from a corner and crashed his header of Alberto Becerra’s crossbar to give the home support a real early scare.

And then with 10 minutes on the clock the unthinkable happened and Irapuato opened the scoring in the Azteca; it came after a great run down the right flank by Victor Saavedra, who then drove in a powerful cross into the box, and coming on to the cross was Brazilian loanee from Alegrense: Ademilson who fired the ball, low, past the plunging Becerra to silence the 46,000 América (MEX) supporters.

The second half then deteriorated into something of a hacking match as both side picked up an abundance of yellow cards as the half progressed; this would have been a wonderful sight for Irapuato who had not had a serious effort from the home team to contend with, and that is exactly how it stood at half time as an absolute blunt-knife of an América (MEX) side could not slice through Irapuato.

The second half started a little brighter for the home side - granted, it could not get much worse - as Navia got América (MEX)’s first shot on target in on 50 minutes; a decent effort from about 15 yards out which Carlos Briones dived to smother comfortably. América (MEX) were certainly suffering from something of a creative block is this match and after Navia’s effort they once again struggled to create chances; seemingly stumped as to how to break down this stubborn, if not good, Irapuato side.

With 20 minutes left Zander Zitero simply replaced Encarnación and Navia with Zepeda and Romário to see if a new strike force would breath any life into this América (MEX) performance.

It proved to be an inspired substitution, as with 13 minutes left, a Pavel Pardo through ball gave Christian Zepeda a couple of yards inside the box; the young predator managed to snap his shot away quickly and succeeded making a great connection and the ball arrowed into the bottom corner to level the contest and announce Zepeda’s arrival back on the first team scene after a few weeks of impressing back in the Under-19’s.

If you had offered Irapuato a draw at the beginning of the game they would have bitten you’re hand off, but now the result did not seem that great and the team looked rather despondent. América (MEX), on the other hand, were on the crest of a wave and pushed forward looking to go ahead; and the goal came only 2 minutes later. It came after Cuauhtémoc Blanco was given far too much space about 30 yards out, and the Mexican genius used the time and space well to thread a delectable ball into the box for Romário to run onto, and the Brazilian star ended his goal drought by firing the ball low and hard past the despairing Carlos Briones.

Irapuato were now physically and mentally shatter after having a in turned into a probably defeat in the space of 2 minutes, and the game threatened to turn in to what was expected prior to kick-off. That was indeed the case as Romário was fed through by Pardo to smash home his second of the match and make it 3-1 with 3 minutes left; before Cuauhtémoc Blanco put even more gloss on the result as his header from an Azuara cross flew into the top corner and round off an unbelievable 13 minute display of power by América (MEX).

América (MEX) (Zepeda 77; Romário 79, 87; Blanco 90) 4 - 1 (Ademilson 11) Irapuato

After what happened to América (MEX) against Necaxa it is very hard to feel sorry for Irapuato, nevertheless the ending of the match was very tough on a technically limited side who worked their asses of for 90 minutes - and for 77 of those it looked like they would pull of the most unlikely of wins.

América (MEX), however, can now stop fighting until the knockout phase, as this late demolition of Irapuato has seen Zitero’s men win their group with 3 games to spare:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 1st | Pl | América (MEX) | | 16 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 42 | 17 | +25 | 32 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 2nd | | Tecos | | 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 17 | 15 | +2 | 23 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 3rd | | Querétaro | | 16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 22 | 21 | +1 | 20 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | | Santos Laguna | | 16 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 19 | 21 | -2 | 18 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 5th | | Pumas | | 16 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 20 | 28 | -8 | 17 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

Mind you, we must assume that Zander Zitero will be looking for his side to keep up the momentum as we head towards the Knockout phase of the championship, and hence will be looking for another win when we next catch up with América (MEX), in Guadalajara.

retired_roxysunny101

October 2003

Prior to travelling to Guadalajara to face Tecos, Zander Zitero completed a couple of pieces of business. José Julián de la Cuesta, who was originally only signed until 2005 has been given a new contract that will see him at the club until the summer of 2008; also signing a new contract was Diego Encarnación who will also be at the Azteca until the summer of 2008.

It was certainly a peculiar situation that América (MEX) found themselves in as they prepared to make their way out to play Tecos; they were already winners of their group and guaranteed to be in the Quarter Finals of the Knockout stage of the Championship, yet it was still important to get a result to keep up momentum.

Tecos, on the other hand, are not guaranteed to make the Knockout phase, they are actually in América (MEX)’s group and although they are in 2nd right now they are only 3 points clear of 3rd place in the group - Querétaro. So you would assume that Tecos would have to be the favourites to beat an already qualified América (MEX) side, who, incidentally, are without Castro, but football never is predictable.

26/10/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Match #17)/ Tecos Vs América (MEX) / Estadio Galeria de la UAG, Guadalajara


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Grp | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | 1st | América (MEX) | | 16 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 42 | 17 | +25 | 32 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 8th | 2nd | Tecos | | 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 17 | 15 | +2 | 23 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Gonzalez, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta ; DMC - Pardo (c), ML - Mendoza, MR - Azuara, AMC - Blanco; SC - Navia, SC - Encarnación

Despite stunning performances from the two substitutes in the last match Zander Zitero decided to continue with Reinaldo Navia and Diego Encarnación up front for this one; and both players looked sharp in the opening stages, with Encarnación getting a good shot in on target after a good run with only 5 minutes gone.

That effort was quickly supplemented by a Navia header from a nice ball in by Azuara - who incidentally, has played very well after coming in for Esteche - which was glanced just wide with Mario Rodriguez rooted to the spot.

After Tecos managed to ride out the opening stages they started to come into the game as an attaking force; with Eduardo Lillingston coming close with a curling effort; and with Bolivian International José Alfredo Castillo proving a constant threat with his direct running and willingness to shoot for goal.

Despite Tecos’ undisputedly coming back into the game as the half progressed América (MEX) continued to be the better team, the team looking like they had the greater cutting edge; this was emphasised when Diego Encarnación played a glorious reverse through ball into the box, splitting open the defence, to Blanco, who could have shot, but instead rolled the ball across to Navia, taking the keeper out the game, leaving the Chilean hit man to tap the ball into the empty net.

The half time break saw three substitutions - two of which could have been classified as attacking changes, but still they struggled for the quality needed to break down what was a stubborn and well organised América (MEX) defence; and on top of that América (MEX) still looked like scoring whenever their trio of players, who were on top form this evening, got the ball.

The second half progressed and more and more Tecos bodies pushed forward but still created no real chances. José Julian de la Cuesta was the stand-out in an overall superb performance by the América (MEX) back line, and the Colombian - fresh off his new 5 year £10,000 p/w contract - would eventually pick up the Man of the Match award come full time for his performance, which undoubtedly was a big part in securing a textbook away win.

Tecos 0 - 1 (Navia 37) América (MEX)

Morale was high in the away dressing room after the final whistle between all of the América (MEX) players after such a good away win, and there is no doubt Zander Zitero is absolutely delighted with the way his team coped with the different kind of problems posed by playing a match when you’ve already reached you’re season objective.

Now Zander will be hoping his players can keep up this run in the penultimate game of the League Phase of the Opening Stage Championship; against Lowly San Luis.

retired_roxysunny101

November 2003

In truth, a home match against San Luis has to fall into the same category as the home match against Irapuato, with San Luis sitting 17th in the overall table and 5th in their group. Nevertheless despite - or perhaps because of - the match against Irapuato, Zander Zitero will not be underestimating América (MEX)’s lowly opponents in this one.

With Esteche still suspended Azuara continues to ably deputise on the right wing, and Navia and Encarnación continue their partnership up front, looking for goals in the last home fixture of the league phase; and the men in yellow will be looking to sign off in style after what has, in points, been a chequered home campaign.


2/11/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Match #18)/ América (MEX) Vs San Luis / Estadio Azteca, Mexico City


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Grp | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | 1st | América (MEX) | | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 43 | 17 | +26 | 35 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 17th | 5th | San Luis | | 17 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 31 | -17 | 18 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Gonzalez, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta ; DMC - Pardo (c), ML - Mendoza, MR - Azuara, AMC - Blanco; SC - Navia, SC - Encarnación

América (MEX) started this match like a team determined not to make the same mistakes as against Irapuato, and within a few minutes of kicking off Pavel Pardo had stung the fingers of Christian Martinez with a rasping 25 yard drive; this was followed by a de la Cuesta header from a Mendoza cross which flashed just wide of the post.

All in all it was an awesome start by the home team, and they had the ball in the net after only ten minutes; Pavel Pardo laid the ball to Blanco about 30 yards out, and the Mexican star hit an ambitious effort which dipped majestically into the net for a wonder goal. However, for some inexplicable reason the linesman thought Navia, in an offside position, was interfering with play and he disallowed what would have surely been the November goal of the month.

This did not hinder the home side too much and they continued to dominate their less illustrious opponents, with Navia and Encarnación coming close. América (MEX) did finally break the deadlock after 26 minutes, when Blanco played a great diagonal ball down the wing for Azuara, he drove a cross low into the box and Encarnación reacted quickest to slide in and grab the opener.

The floodgates were now expected to open, but San Luis did well, steadied the ship and managed to calm the game down slightly and get some respite. Zander Zitero was also forced into a change just after the goal, having to bring on Christian Patino for the stricken Chuy Mendoza, no doubt some of the lull in América (MEX)’s attacking play can be attributed to that fact.

Brave San Luis couldn’t quite make it to half time without conceding the second goal and - if there was ever any doubt - sealing the victory. It again came from the boot of the talent that is Diego Encarnación; this time the 17 year old was slipped through by Blanco and he blasted the ball into the bottom corner from around the penalty spot.

San Luis, to their credit, showed real ambition in the second half and pushed forward straight from the first whistle; they did cause América (MEX) the odd problem and forced a couple of decent saves from Becerra. But in the end their ambition was their down fall and, with San Luis pushing bodies forward looking for a way back into the game, América (MEX) caught them on the counter attack; a long ball up the field by de la Cuesta sent Encarnación free on the right flank, and showing amazing pace he simply sprinted about 45 yards in a diagonal line in-field before blasting the ball past the on rushing keeper to claim what will surely be the first of many hat-tricks for Diego Encarnación.

This took the attacking wind out of San Luis’ sails and only 7 minutes later América (MEX) took advantage of the minnows’ dejected state, firing in a fourth goal; this time through the deserving figure of Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who, after having a wonder goal ruled out, completed the simple task of rising unmarked to head home an Azuara corner.

Given the attitude of the away side in the second half there were no grudging faces in the Azteca when, on 70 minutes, Omar Dominguez whipped in a great corner and Peruvian legend Jorge Soto rose to bullet home a consolation header and finish the scoring.

América (MEX) (Encarnación 26, 45, 52; Blanco 59) 4 - 1 San Luis (Soto 70)

Before leaving the field at full time the América (MEX) players acknowledged the support of the fans over the league phase of the Opening Stage Championship by standing in the centre circle and applaud the 45,000 fans who came to watch them defeat San Luis, before heading back into the home dressing room in very high spirits.

The last match of the League phase would see Zitero’s side travel to Cruz Azul for a really tough game; and the next time we see América back in the Azteca it will be in the Quarter final of the Opening Stage Championship.

retired_roxysunny101

November 2003

For the final game of the league phase of the Opening Stage Championship América (MEX) didn’t face too far to travel, as they travelled across Mexico City to the Estadio Azul to face high flying Cruz Azul.

This match would usually be a major fixture on the Mexican calendar but, with both teams already in the knockout phase of the Championship (albeit Cruz Azul as runners up in their group behind the league leaders Tigres) the game may not be quite as keenly contested as we might expect.

That would be good news for América side as with players like Marcelo Delgado, César Delgado, Juan Carlos Cacho and Luciano Figueroa all sitting in that home dressing room they have an abundance of players capable of winning a match comfortably. In the away dressing room Zander Zitero welcomes back Francisco Javier Esteche from suspension, other than that it is the same eleven as that which beat San Luis

8/11/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Match #19)/ Cruz Azul Vs América (MEX) / Estadio Azul, Mexico City


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 3rd | 1st | América (MEX) | | 18 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 47 | 18 | +29 | 38 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 4th | 2nd | Cruz Azul | | 18 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 34 | 10 | +24 | 38 || ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Gonzalez, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta ; DMC - Pardo (c), ML - Mendoza, MR - Esteche, AMC - Blanco; SC - Navia, SC - Encarnación

Cruz Azul began this encounter by far the better team, playing some great flowing football, and with César Delgado - a man who has played Argentina’s last two games - was causing all sorts of problems down the right flank for Israel Martinez.

These problems were accentuated after ten minutes when César Delgado got to the bi-line again and cut back a dangerous ball in to the box, a scramble ensued before the ball came out to Marcelo Delgado and the former Boca Juniors man - himself with 17 caps for Argentina - blasted the ball into the bottom corner to give the home side a well deserved lead.

Only 3 minutes later thing made the short trip from bad to worse. Ricardo Rojas was involved in a scrap with Cesário Victorino, and rather harshly considering both men gave as good as they got; Victorino was deemed the victim, and Ricardo Rojas was sent off. This forced Zitero to take off Encarnación for Ramirez and play 1 up front.

Despite the rather obvious logistics which would suggest that América (MEX) scoring now would be difficult, América (MEX) actually coped with the sending off quite well, and Navia seemed to revel in his lone striker role: holding the ball up, winning long ball, and having several shots on goal.

Navia’s star performance from the point which Encarnación was replaced in a defensive change culminated just before half time when one of his numerous good shots on goal was only parried by Mexican No. 2 Conejo Perez, straight into the path of Blanco who fired América (MEX) into a most unlikely half time stalemate.

Senor Enrique Meza clearly used the half time break well and when his Cruz Azul side emerged they looked the better side; the used the flanks again, just as they did in that dominant first 15 minutes, and they began to create chances again.

The Delgado’s both came close early in the second half before Cruz Azul did finally get their second goal. César Delgado, who was just too good for Israel Martinez, got a dangerous cross into the box from the right hand side, and somehow the substitute, Christian Ramirez managed to slice his clearance past a disbelieving Alberto Becerra and into the net, to the rapturous delight of the 46,000 home fans.

Lightening doesn’t strike twice (unless you’re Necaxa ) and América (MEX) did not have the guile or energy to make another comeback, especially with Reinaldo Navia being expertly marked by former Tenerife and Mallorca star Federico Lussenhoff in the second half. And in the end Zitero’s side were lucky to only head back across Mexico City with a 1 goal defeat.

Cruz Azul (M.Delgado 10; Ramirez o.g 61) 2 - 1 América (MEX) (Blanco 43)


Despite the obvious disappointment of losing the game - after all, no footballer worth his salt likes to lose - you cannot help but notice minds drifting towards the knockout phase in the away dressing room, which is perfectly understandable, after all (the ties are two legged) these teams are now only 6 games away from being Champions of Mexico; a dream for every one of these players - especially players like Pavel Pardo, who would lift the trophy as captain in the absence of Davino; and Diego Encarnación, only 17 years old and could get a Mexican Championship winners medal; and Zander Zitero, who could banish some of the demons of his recent past by helping his team lift this trophy.

And when we next join this tale we will know the Quarter Final Line-up for the biggest show in Mexico.