retired_roxysunny101

November 2003


Opening Stage Championship Quarter Final Draw:


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Veracruz Vs Tigres Necaxa Vs Cruz Azul Monterrey Vs América (MEX)Querétaro Vs Toluca </pre>

retired_roxysunny101

November 2003

Quarter Finals Preview:

Veracruz Vs Tigres: We knew there would be one, and Tigres are that one team wishing that the Mexican League was just a simple league where the team that finishes top are champions; because Nery Pumpido’s men were awesome all through the opening stage and deservedly finished top by 5 points. Our only display of Tigres’ quality, as we observed over Zander Zitero’s side, came as they demolished América (MEX) 5-2, and that was typical of their magnificent Opening Stage League Phase. So, in all fairness, you would have to say that Tigres’ - inspired by Walter Gaitan’s magnificent performances from midfield and Jesús Olalde’s goals - go into the knockout phase of the Championship as the best team in Mexico.

Veracruz finished in the top 2 of their group, but only finished a meagre 14th in the overall standings; so only a matter of days ago Veracruz were involved in a playoff with Jaguares (who finished out of the top 2 in their group but 8th in the overall standings), a playoff which most people expected Jaguares to progress from; but after two penalties from Joel Sanchez helped Veracruz to a 3-1 home win, and Jaguares could only manage a 1-0 win at home to send Veracruz through. As a result of that playoff win only days ago Veracruz now find themselves fatigued, standing, looking up, from the base of a very big mountain.

Prediction: Tigres


Necaxa Vs Cruz Azul: Necaxa were a side who were consistently inconsistent all through the Opening Stage League Phase, occasionally turning in the brilliant performances they are capable of, and occasionally not showing up at all. One thing is certain with regards to América (MEX)’s bitter rivals: they will have to perform to their absolute best to beat a Cruz Azul side who have not quite hit top gear this season, yet still finished third in the overall table. To get an unlikely win against the team some sources consider to be the most talented in Mexico they will need massive performances from important players like Braulio Luna and Juan Reynoso, although most people agree the main problem will be in the goalscoring department; with free kick machine Victor Ruiz their top scorer on 7 goals it is widely considered that if Necaxa do not gain any free kicks near the penalty area they may struggle; with Jorge Orozco their most prolific striker - with 3 goals from 15 starts.

Cruz Azul are not quite ‘Tigres-esque’ favourites for this one, but close enough. Enrique Meza’s side are chocked full of some of the most talented players currently plying their trade in this part of the World - names like Cesar & Marcelo Delgado, Conejo Perez, Juan Carlos Cacho, Luciano Figueroa, to name but a few, dictate that the men from Mexico City must be seen as favourites, not only for this match, but, amongst some, for the Opening Stage Championship. We could search all day for a weaknesses in the Cruz Azul side, and at the end of the day we would just be tired after a futile exercise; the truth is Necaxa will only put Cruz Azul out if Cruz Azul play very badly.

Prediction: Cruz Azul


Querétaro Vs Toluca

Querétaro were the other side from this Quarter Final draw that made it here via the playoff; Querétaro (who finished in the top 2 of their group but low in the overall table) faced Morelia (the inverse of Querétaro; see it’s not that complicated), and just as in the Playoff involving Veracruz, the team that were lower in the overall league went out. From a neutral perspective it is a little disappointing not to see Morelia here as they have some quality players, but Querétaro earned their place here. Alfredo Tena will be relying on Allon Delon and Carlos Ochoa - who were so impressive when we witnessed Zander Zitero’s América (MEX) take on Querétaro - to provide much of the inspiration and take his side, void of too many star names, to an unlikely Opening Stage Championship win; a win which would be the first in the clubs history.

The weight of being defending champions would bear heavily on the shoulders of some teams, but Toluca seem to be revelling in the role this season. Tuca Ferriti’s side have been the most consistent side in the division bar Tigres and must be seen as likely candidates to lift that much coveted trophy come the 6th of December. Their good form and 2nd place finish in the Overall standings is down to a good work ethic and a bit of flair here and there by a team full of players that you would not immediately recognise as stars, engine room players like Israel Lopez, Rafael Garcia and Édgar Gonzalez. Although one stand-out amongst a group of players who are very much a unit as oppose to a group of individuals has been José Cardozo, with the Paraguayan striker firing in 14 goals in 20 games for Toluca; there is no doubt he will have to be closely guarded and contained in this match for Querétaro to keep any, already slim, hope alive.

Prediction: Toluca


Monterrey Vs América (MEX)

Much to the annoyance of both Zander Zitero and Américo Gallego this tie has to be the most evenly matched fixture on the Quarter Final card - with the sides finishing 5th and 4th in the overall table respectively. Monterrey have not had a spectacular season thus far - qualifying 2nd from a group void of any quality except Toluca and stuttering to 5th place with some mediocre performances along the way. Although with the quality they possess you can’t help but think that they were just guiding themselves serenely to this point in 1st gear, where they will kick into life, and with players like Jesús Arellano and Guillermo Franco on the books, that is a possibility that cannot be ruled out for Zander Zitero. Another intriguing factor here is the fact that there is no real point of reference for this fixture; with the two side playing out a convenient 0-0 a few weeks back, meaning América (MEX) haven’t really come up against a flying Monterrey side (and vice-versa).

Due to the fact we have followed Zander Zitero in his quest to build a career as a manager before rebuilding his shattered reputation in Europe (d’you like how I keep reminding you that there is a plot even when I’m pre-occupied with the football? ) we know all about his side’s strengths and weaknesses. In the strengths department: América (MEX) will be looking for big performances from their front three players when they take the field against Monterrey, because as a general rule when they play well, América (MEX) play well; although they will be without Reinaldo Navia who is away with Chile for the first leg, which will be a big blow for Zitero’s men. A worry will be the fact that over the season América (MEX)’s home form has not been great; and with Monterrey possessing the second best home record in the League there is a good chance América (MEX) may need a good result back in the Azteca in the 2nd leg. Let’s leave this one on a good note: in the probable trio of Diego Encarnación, Romário and Cuauhtémoc Blanco they have 20 goals this season; which would definitely point to goals in the most even, and arguably most anticipated game of the quarter finals.

Prediction: Monterrey :eek:

retired_roxysunny101

November 2003

In the preview we mentioned that there was no real point of reference for this fixture; and that when these two sides met here a few weeks ago the match was something of a non-event, and never has that been more clear than right now, as we witness the extraordinary atmosphere inside the Estadio Tecnológico, Monterrey. 38,500 is only 500 people short of a full house and one look at the crowd will tell us just how important this match is to the people of Monterrey.

The importance of the fixture is not lost on the two teams, as the players use light banter inside the tunnel to disguise the nerves; nerves which must be particularly prominent inside the bodies of those América (MEX) players as they hear the intimidatory chants and songs of the home crowd drift towards them. América (MEX) also find themselves without Navia, Esteche and Rojas through two suspensions and Navia being away with Chile, and Zander Zitero has made some interesting team selections.

Nevertheless, you can’t help but feel that team line-ups and tactics are rendered somewhat void when you get down to matches like this, you have to feel the team that copes better with the cauldron of the Estadio Tecnológico will come out victorious.


19/11/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Quarter Final 1st Leg) / Monterrey Vs América (MEX) / Estadio Tecnológico, Monterrey

América (MEX): GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Castro, DC - Salinas, DC - de la Cuesta; DMC - Pardo (c ), ML - Mendoza, MR - Torres, AMC - Blanco; SC - Oviedo, SC - Encarnación

Considering this match is only the fist leg in what is a vitally important tie, the opening stages were extremely open, with the home side probably just edging it territorily. Although América (MEX) were the first to come close when an Ignacio Torres shot was parried in rather eccentric and unnecessary fashion by Juan de Dios Ibarra after only a couple of minutes.

That effort was followed by a lengthy period of sustained Monterrey pressure, with Alex Fernandes - playing just behind Guillermo Franco - proving a particular nuisance, with the Brazilian forward coming close with a couple of long range efforts early on. Guillermo Franco, himself, was also proving a danger with his pace and presence, although Franco was working from lean service; with Walter Ervitti, who is one of Monterrey’s main creative forces, being closely shepherded after his superb performance the last time these sides met, as well as a rather poor Jesús Arellano not providing much from the right wing.

Despite the unarguable territorial advantage Monterrey could boast, América (MEX) would be the happier of the two sides in the fact that they did not concede an early goal, nor did they concede any real clear cut chances. With a solid first 15 minutes under their belt the onus was now on Zander Zitero’s side to look to be a little more adventurous; and that is exactly what they did. Just before the twenty minute mark América (MEX) launched their first attck with any real numbers behind it into the Monterrey half. The attack originated from José Julián de la Cuesta who strode out from the back and found Chuy Mendoza down the left wing; the man with 9 caps for Mexico then made a good attacking run down the left hand side before getting in a decent early cross to the Monterrey box; the ball was contested in the air by Franky Oviedo and Pablo Rotchen; but there was no real winner in that contest and the ball fell, inside the area, to Diego Encarnación who rattled home his first ever goal in the latter stages of a Championship! To the delight of him, his teammates and the small - but at this point, very loud - away support.

In a sort of sadistic, ‘thank God he’s off way’ thing then went from great to even better 10 minutes later as Alex Fernandes was stretchered off the field after a nasty looking collision to be replaced by Diego Ordaz, a defensive midfielder who is joining Atlante in December (?), the man he collided with was José Julián de la Cuesta, a collision from which the big Colombian came away unskaved \o/.

Rtaher unsurprisingly, after replacing their most potent attacking force with a defensive midfielder bound for Atlante, Monterrey struggled for the remaider of the first half to find any rhythm at all, never mind an equiliser; with América (MEX) displaying the same organisation at the back that had kept the score sheet black through the first quarter of an hour of Monterrey pressure. One could only presume that Américo Gallego would have something up his sleeve for the second half after, what to the untrained eye seems, a blunderous substitution.

No immediate change in the Monterrey system was visible, although, as the second half began, they did look a much beeter attacking force - despite having Diego Ordaz as the figurehead. Only five minutes into the second period Américo Gallego’s side had rattled the woodwork after a Jesús Arellano corner was headed goal ward by Pablo Rotchen, who was stunned to see his effort crosh off the bar and bounce to safety.

It was clear that after 45 minutes of dissapointment for the home faithful, their side were finally in the ascendancy, and showing some cutting edge to go with that. This was plain to see again as Mauricio Espinosa - a 19 year old holding midfielder - pushed forward with the ball at his feet; perhaps naïvely underestimating the young man, the América (MEX) players gave him room, and with the time and space he was being afforded, the young Mexican dinked in a delicious chipped through ball for Walter Ervitti - who had lost Castro with an equally superb run inside - and the left winger needed no invtation to make up for the goal that was the only thing missing in his sublime performance back in October, by thrashing the ball powerfully past Alberto Becerra to level the scores and raise the decibel level.

Unbelievably, just after that goal Américo Gallego took off Diego Ordaz, replacing him with the striker they had on the bench all along, José Cruz Gutierrez; bringing an end to one of the most peculiar substitution saga’s you’re ever likely to see.

Nevertheless, that change done nothing to change the flow of the game. América (MEX) were now doing a Culshaw-esque impression of a rabbit caught in headlights, as they stuggled to cope with Monterrey throwing men forward with the backing of a full volume Estadio Tecnológico behind them. The defence that looked so solid in the first half was now beginning to wobble, and by the time they got to the last 15 minutes it was beginning to girate.

Monterrey finally got the chance to get the goal they had richly deserved over the second half performance when match referee, Mario Chavez, adjudged Chuy Mendoza to have pushed Jesús Arellano in the box as a corner came in. In all honesty it was a soft one, and no doubt the roar of 38,500 bodies made a difference in Senor Chavez’s decision; but the rights and wrongs of the penalty award were now irrelevant - Becerra was the only one who could now provide what Zander Zitero and all connected with América (MEX) would see as justice. Young Mauricio Espinosa, who had gone a long way already to making a name for himself with a superb assist, stepped up to take it…….. and sent Becerra the wrong way! To nestle the ball into the bottom corner of the América (MEX) net and put Monterrey into a 2-1 lead after a magnificent second half display by Gallego‘s men. Suddenly Zander Zitero was just concentrating on taking an assailable result back to the Azteca in three days.

As if Mario Chavez had not just had enough excitement, just moments after blowing the whistle to restart the game something of an incident took place near the Monterrey penalty area; he was duely flagged across by his assistant. After a breif discourse, which was of course punctuated by players barging in with their tow cents, Senor Chavez made the decision to send off Monterrey centre half Rodrigo Barragán, and only book the second party in the incident, Diego Encarnación.

This should have provided something of a lifeline for Zitero’s side to try and get an equilliser, but in all honesty they were completely ineffective, you get the feeling they were just pleased to finally get some respite after being pummelled for 45 minutes; and try and overturn this 2-1 scoreline back in Mexico City.

Monterrey (Ervitti 51; Espinosa pen 75) 2 - 1 (Encarnación 19) América (MEX)


Other Results:

Veracruz 0 - 2 Tigres (Suarez 2; Olalde 46)
Necaxa (Orozco 32) 1 - 1 Cruz Azul (M.Delgado 64)
Querétaro (Delon 45) 1 - 1 Toluca (Zepeda 10)

retired_roxysunny101

November 2003

With the scoreline sitting at 2-1 to Monterrey coming in to the match at the Azteca, this tie is far from a clear cut affair, and one that could still go either way. But we can assume that the second half implosion of Zander Zitero’s side has brought some home truths to the surface with regards to América (MEX)’s strength in depth; we can assume this because the América (MEX) boss has confirmed the signing of two more players. Inigo Rey, a 19 year old goal poacher, who looks like having a big future ahead of him will join on a bosman from Puebla in July of 2004. Zander Zitero is also delighted to have secured the services of Mauricio Alejandro Molina; the Colombian right or central midfielder has been superb thus far in his loan spell with Morelia, scoring 8 goals in the opening stage, and he will also join in July 2004 when his loan deal finishes; for £850,000. And lets not forget that Antonio de Nigris will be an América (MEX) player in less than a month’s time.

The news of Inigo Rey and Mauricio Alejandro Molina are most certainly exciting for everybody connected with América (MEX); but it is difficult to get too excited considering they wont be modelling their new América (MEX) kits on the turf of the Azteca until the Summer of 2004. In truth, most people are more interested in the 2nd leg of the Quarter Final against Monterrey, and as usual, as we hover around the stands near kick-off time, there is an air of confidence about the Azteca; these fans simply never go in to a match thinking a loss is feasible.

Into the dressing room, and a loss is very feasible in the mind of Zander Zitero as he paces around the home dressing room. Nerves are playing havoc with him, but he is keeping a cool exterior despite his pacing, giving his final instructions to his team. A team with the notable and important presences of Reinaldo Navia, Ricardo Rojas and Franscisco “The Animal” Javier Esteche.

The three days since defeat at the Estadio Tecnológico had passed quickly, with the final papers being signed for two new players and a cuple of training sessions, and now - after what had seemed like a matter of minutes since he was consoling his players in the away dressing room in Monterrey - match referee Antonio Marrufa was knocking on the dressing room doors. Pavel Pardo lead his team out, and as he opened the door the roar that hit him nearly physically knocked him back, the atmosphere drifting down the tunnel from pitch side was unbelievable, with 78,000 fans in full voice. It was one of those nights.


23/11/03

(Mexican First Division, Opening Stage, Quarter Final 2nd Leg) / América (MEX) (1) Vs (2) Monterrey / Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

América (MEX): 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

Roared on by a wildly passionate crowd approaching the 80,000 mark América (MEX) roared out of the blocks from the very start. This attitude was epitomised by Pavel Pardo who found himself beside Blanco on the edge of the Monterrey box several times in the opening few minutes as América (MEX) hunted the goal that would bring the aggregate scores level.

That goal América (MEX) so desperately wanted did not evade them for long; after only 5 minutes Chuy Mendoza cut in field with the ball at his feet; he then played a great ball to Encarnación on the edge of the box; the prodigy’s shot was only fumbled by Juan de Dios Ibarra, straight to Reinaldo Navia, and the man who was an unused substitute against Venezuela when América (MEX) really needed him in midweek, fired home from close range. The Azteca absolutely exploded, the fans were willing an early goal and their tem had provided it. But the stadium quickly quietened, and the players celebrations quickly turned to dissent, as they saw linesman had his flag up and the goal would not count. The replay showed that Navia was indeed offside when Encarnación’s shot came in, but it was still a hard one for América (MEX) to swallow.

That disallowed goal had visibly knocked some of the vigour out of Zitero’s side. With América (MEX) not showing the same calibre of attacking football after Navia’s non-goal. In fact Monterrey used this break to begin to come into the match, and create their first chance. Jesús Arellano burst down the right wing, leaving Israel Martinez for dead, and whipped in a sumptuous ball across the face of goal; no-one could get a foot or a head onto it, and at the back post the ever-dangerous (Off Character: I’m gonna sign this guy one day) Walter Ervitti arrived to plunge and header the ball into the net at the back post to silence the Azteca which had been so unbelievably loud only minutes earlier, with Monterrey’s first visit to América (MEX)’s half.

That was undoubtedly a sore blow for Zander Zitero’s side, and it was made even more sore by the fact América (MEX) did not seem to know how to deal with it, and Monterrey began to press home some territorial advantage, pushing 4 corners in quick succession. The last of which was swung in by Walter Ervitti and only flicked on by de la Cuesta as opposed to cleared, and the young Colombian’s mistake was punished as that flick on brought the ball straight to the head of Guillermo Franco who headed past Alberto Becerra, to make the aggregate score a horrible 4-1 to Monterrey.

Naturally Monterrey settled back on their two goal advantage; erecting what proved to be - for the rest of the first half - an impenetrable defensive wall which stood firm through barrages of men-heavy América (MEX) attacks. The only real chance of the second half for the men in yellow fell to Cuauhtémoc Blanco who headed wide from point blank range from an Esteche corner.

As you might expect, for the second half América (MEX) went completely gung-ho, penning Monterrey back into their own half; however Américo Gallego - who you might remember we questioned in the first leg - had his troops impeccably organised and it seemed América (MEX) were withering under the pressure of their home crowds expectations; until they got a gift from Senor Antonio Marrufo.

For the first time in the game Blanco actually showed some creativity and slipped Encarnación through on goal, the 17 year old striker was bearing down on goal and about to throw América (MEX) a lifeline, until Tilón Chávez decided to scythe the youngster down inside the box. Chávez was given his marching orders and de la Cuesta was given the chance to bring the score back to 2-1. The young Colombian defender - responsible for Franco’s goal - stepped up….. and fired the ball into the roof of the net.

This let a slither of hope slip through a tiny crack in the Monterrey fort and América (MEX) launched one final push to grab an unlikely comeback with a couple more goals. But unlike América (MEX) when they conceded, Monterrey stayed calm and kept their composure at the back. That was, until injury time, when Rojas angled a long hopeful ball up field, it caused some confusion in the previously excellent Monterrey defence and the ball fell nicely to Navia on the edge of the box; and the Chilean dispatched the effort with aplomb to get the goal so cruelly taken from him after 5 minutes of this match.

However, it was too late, and despite pushing 4 upfront - bringing on Oviedo and Zepeda - for the last ten minutes, they could only get that Navia equaliser - not enough; and the 78,000 fans who crammed in to the Estadio Azteca go home very disappointed despite the brave efforts of those América (MEX) players, who now lie stricken on the ground, inconsolable to even the efforts of Zander Zitero; who has the foresight to know that one day we will see the other side of this painful coin.

América (MEX) (de la Cuesta pen 75; Navia 90) 2 - 2 Monterrey (Ervitti 9; Franco 16) - (Agg: 3-4)

Other Results:

Tigres (Irenio 37; Olalde 40) 2 - 0 Veracruz - (Agg: 4-0)
Cruz Azul (M.Delgado 43, 45) 2 - 1 Necaxa (Sosa 87) - (Agg: 3-2)
Toluca (Zepeda 78, 90) 2 - 1 Querétaro (Ortiz 23) - (Agg: 3-2)

Shermanez

This is fantastic Ringmaster, you should be proud. One of - if not the best - stories I've read in a long time. Keep it coming!

retired_roxysunny101

*Gino: Thanks mate, that is high praise indeed from you. I hope you, and the silent Millions continue to read and enjoy

December 2003

In the days following América (MEX)’s aggregate defeat at the hands of Monterrey the atmosphere around the players, and the coaching staff at the Azteca was predictably subdued. But at least Zander Zitero was there to keep everyone’s spirits at a decent level in the immediate aftermath of having their Opening Stage Championship dreams snatched away from them in a devastating 15 minute spell in front of their own fans. You see, after having both his legs broken in a dark Mexico City alleyway, ending his football career, Zander Zitero has learned to put things into perspective; and with the Closing Stage Championship kicking off on the 10th of January there will be another chance to win the Mexican League soon. Not to mention the fact they will be attacking the Closing Stage with Antonio de Nigris and Duilio Davino (who will actually be back around February) to bolster their - at points in the Opening Stage - fledgling squad.

Nevertheless Zander Zitero, as a man passionate about his football, and passionate about his América (MEX) would still have preferred to have been on the sidelines, watching his side participating in the Semi Finals and Final, as oppose to sitting in the Communal Room over the next few days with his players watching Cruz Azul, Toluca, Monterrey and Tigres vie for the title of Opening Stage Champions of Mexico. Incidentally Zander saw this is a good team building exercise, as well as seeing first hand the teams that they would be challenging again in a months time.

The respective semi finals pitted Monterrey up against Toluca and Cruz Azul up against Tigres, with the latter of these ties a real clash of the titans. The first leg of that clash of the titans, taking place at Tigres’ Estadio Universitario de Nuevo León in Monterrey, was graced by sublime performances by The Delgado’s (I sense a sitcom), with Cesar Delgado opening the scoring on 8 minutes, before Marcelo Delgado doubled the lead on 70 minutes. Tigres’ gave themselves a tiny glimmer of hope on the 90th minute when Mexican right winger Daniel Galvan pulled one back. It was still hard to see Tigres pulling through considering they were taking a 2-1 deficit to the Estadio Azul.

The other semi final first leg was also an open affair, with Monterrey and Toluca sharing 4 goals evenly. It took only 5 minutes for Alex Fernandes to open the scoring for the home team, on the Brazilian’s return from an injury sustained on this very ground in the first leg against América (MEX). Monterrey continued to be the better team, but football sometime is a cruel game and Israel López equalised for Toluca with a great long range effort on the half hour. The cheers in the Communal Room of the Azteca were audible when, only minute after the teams emerged back on to the pitch, José Cardozo leapt highest to head home a Zinha cross and put Monterrey behind. An end to the scoring came only 5 minutes after the Cardozo strike as Alex Fernandes fired home his second goal of the match to bring the scores level again. Toluca goalkeeper Hernán Cristante picked up the Man of the Match award come full time, and that is a measure of how much pressure Monterrey had. However, with the scores 2-2, Toluca now headed back to the Estadio Nemesio Diaz as favourites.

Coming into an away game against Cruz Azul already 2-1 down was always going to be a tough task for Tigres, who of course finished top of the league phase. Tigres battled valiantly early on, creating a few good chances, but spurning them. Otherwise Cruz Azul were well organised at the back, with a clear game plan. Then, with time and hope slipping away Enrique Meza’s side smoothly slipped up several gears from organised defence to swift and clinical offence; with Luciano Figueroa putting his ill fated spell at Birmingham behind him to grab the goal just after the hour mark that would surely see Cruz Azul in the Final. Before Marcelo Delgado slopped on some gloss with a goal five minutes from the end to give the side many feel to be the most talented in Mexico the chance to prove it on the 3rd and 6th of December.

Américo Gallego, the man who masterminded the re-enactment of the Alamo in the Azteca, decided to publicly praise his captain Jesús Arellano in the lead up to the second leg of their tie with Toluca; an interesting tactic to try and boost spirits and give his side more of a chance, time would tell how successful it would be (it had already made him popular with the fans - apparently the papers were ’inundated’ with agreements, ooh well get him). Still, this little Arellano based love-in did nothing to disguise what a difficult task Monterrey had, and after half an hour in front of the home faithful of Toluca things got even harder for the conquerors of América (MEX) as José Cardozo was played through on goal, before blasting past a helpless (I love this name, it‘s got a real beat to it) Juan de Dios Ibarra. Monterrey threw caution to the wind but go nowhere fast, and the penultimate nail in the coffin came when Guillermo Franco was taken off just before half time. The final nail came 20 minutes from the end when Enrique Alfaro headed into the net from an Rafael Garcia corner to put Toluca into the grand final.


<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Mexican Opening Stage Grand Final!!! TOLUCA Vs CRUZ AZUL</pre>


Much was expected of the uber-talented Cruz Azul team in their first leg of the grand final at the Estadio Azul; and displaying the kind of attacking verve that makes us wish we were following the story of Enrique Meza, they did not disappoint. After half an hour of constant pressure in front of 39,000 fans Toluca finally cracked, as they gave Cesario Victorino a little too much space on the edge of the box, he proceeded to curl home a fantastic goal, worthy of being the deciding goal in the tie, although somehow you thought there would be more goals. Surprisingly, just after half time Toluca equalised through the omnipresent when it comes to being in the right place, José Cardozo who was really the only bright spark in this game for Toluca, and would eventually be given man of the match for his gutsy performance as lone striker, to grab his 16th goal of the opening stage. Parity was only restored for 2 minute, as while the band of away fans were still dancing around their Mexican hats, Marcelo Delgado was put through on goal, and the man who boasts 17 caps for Argentina made no mistake in putting the favourites back ahead. 5 Minutes later and Marcelo Delgado was on the score sheet again as a wicked cross by Melvin Brown found the Argentinean’s head to put the home side 3-1 up. In all honesty Cruz Azul had played well enough to have won by enough to safely call them champions, but while that goal by the prolific Paraguayan still hovered above them it was not over as the teams headed to Toluca.

After 3 days of sensationalist build up to the second leg - especially in Toluca, where the people of the city were sure they would pull the result out the fire - the actual second leg was something of a damp squib. This was due to a dream start for Enrique Meza as his side got a goal from Colombian holding midfielder John Javier Restrepo to almost put the tie to bed only 4 minutes in to the second half. You see teams just don’t score 3 goals against Cruz Azul when the game matters this much; and Toluca seemed to know it as they only managed a meagre 3 shot on target in the remaining 86 minutes. The only kind of late drama we had was when 78th minute Cruz Azul substitute Guillermo Robin Álvarez was sent off in injury time for a late, high challenge. But one cannot help but find that indiscretion paling into insignificance as you watch the joyous scenes of Federico Guillermo Lussenhoff lifting the Opening Stage Championship Trophy with Enrique Meza by his side and a jubilant Cruz Azul squad singing and dancing in the background, to the soundtrack of those blue and white fireworks that are illuminating the sky.

Zander Zitero - who had been watching all of the Semi Finals and Finals in the Communal Room with the América (MEX) squad - could not help but notice the hairs standing up on his arms and a slight lump in his throat as he witnessed these scenes of unadulterated joy; and as the América (MEX) squad filed out of the room he stayed in his chair, lost in his thoughts, and he said to himself:

“One Day”


Opening Stage Champions of Mexico: Club Deportivo Cruz Azul

retired_embartl

terrific as usual from you. The atmosphere created by this is so encapsulating. Thoroughly enjoyable.

retired_jdupont

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Brian of Nazareth:
terrific as usual from you. The atmosphere created by this is so encapsulating. Thoroughly enjoyable. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, it's very good. :thup:

Hopefully he iwll Copa Libertadores and the Torneo Clausura (aka Closing Stage). :thup:

retired_roxysunny101

*Brian of Nazareth: Thank you very much for you’re kind words, I hope you continue to enjoy.

*PMLF: I‘m glad you are still interested; I‘ll try to bring some success in the Libertadores and the Closing Stage for you, although I fear the squad is still a little thin - I‘ll be more upbeat when Inigo Rey and Mauricio Alejandro Molina and ???? arrive in the June of 2004.

December 2003

Even as we hover over the turf of the Azteca we can feel the ripples of excitement emanating from across the city. You see, what is a pretty big day for América (MEX) at the Azteca is being overshadowed by what is a mammoth day in the Estadio Azul; because today - after the trophy was initially presented to Federico Lussenhoff in the hostile environment of the Estadio Nemesio Diez, in Toluca - there is a special presentation taking place in the home of Cruz Azul, and it has clearly captured the imagination of the public, with the stadium filled to capacity for the presentation, and the songs, and the dancing, and the T-Shirts, and the balloons, and the Fireworks. Oh it’ll be a hoot.

However, as I said from the outset, we are hovering inside the comparatively low-key Azteca - mind you, a Presidential Precession is comparatively low-key if you compare it to the party at the Estadio Azul. The reason we are loitering in this fantastic 104,000 capacity structure is: it is signing unveiling day \o/.

It is fair to say that the signings being unveiled today are not quite evoking the same fever pitch amongst the fans and the press (because most of the latter are at the Estadio Azul) as the 5 new signings that arrived in the summer. Nevertheless, there is a little buzz of surprise originating from the pitch of the Estadio Azteca; where - not counting Zander Zitero - three players line up in front of the bank of photographers when they, and we, only expected one.

With the scene surveyed, and the new faces registered, let us now make a brief excursion into the mind of the man wearing the Armani suit, with the yellow and blue striped tie with the América (MEX) crest in the centre to learn a little more about América (MEX)’s three latest recruits:

Wederson (DL) (Age 22 / Brazilian: Uncapped): Wederson represents one of those highly elusive quality foreign players that are willing to move to the Azteca, he is a fast and attacking full back (or midfielder) with decent defensive abilities, in my opinion he is a real coup for América (MEX). Left back is a position I have earmarked to be filled by a foreigner due to a dearth of affordable Mexican players with more quality than the distinctly average (as proven when faced by quality like Arellano or C.Delgado) Israel Martinez, so buying a foreigner does not represent a risk. Wederson costs us just £200,000 from Americano (RJ), although he has been loaned to Juventude for the past year. He will officially join up with the playing squad on the 1st of January when his loan contract ends. Best Attribute: Dribbling

Jair Garcia (SC) (Age 25 / Mexican: 3 Caps / 1 Goal): Jair is a player who has been forgotten about somewhat, given the embarrassment of riches Chivas possess. Even through their disastrous Opening Stage campaign the wealthy Guadalajara giants did not call upon the Mexican Internationalist with a proven pedigree of scoring goals, and he found himself frozen out. Hence, he is here, initially on a loan until the climax of the Closing stage to bolster our striking options, if he impresses enough we will dip our hands in our pockets come the close season, but at the moment it is simply a loan deal. Best Attribute: Pace

Antonio de Nigris (SC) (Age 25 / Mexican: 14 Caps / 4 Goals): This is without a doubt the most hyped transfer I have completed in this window, not least of all because there is £1,700,000 that says he must be a success here. Despite the monetary pressure I am sure Antonio will be a massive player in the closing stage for América (MEX) and rekindle the goal scoring form he showed for Monterrey before he was seduced by the bright lights of Villareal. Best Attribute: Presence


Phew! Fresh air. It is always nice to delve into Zander Zitero’s mind and get his view on his players, but it gets awful stuffy in there sometimes. We should now take a moment, given that we have just learned all about Zander’s new signings, to note the players that have left. With Franky Oviedo, and Oscar Ariel Gonzalez having now officially moved to Morelia and Champions Cruz Azul respectively.

With about a month to go until the Closing Stage kicks off, Zander Zitero (who, as we speak, is still having to grin like a Cheshire cat at those photographers) - alongside all his wheeling and dealing - also saw fit to arrange a couple of friendlies over the next couple of weeks, both of which will take place at the Azteca, either side of the 2003/2004 changeover. Firstly Zander Zitero has invited Trinidad side (yes, just because of the name) Joe Public to the Azteca in just two days time for what, with all due respect, should simply be an easy confidence builder for América (MEX). With América (MEX)’s confidence meters at full after what should be a walk in the park against Joe Public, Chicago Fire will visit the Azteca to Christen the Azteca turf for what will hopefully be a wonderful 2004 for Zitero‘s side.

retired_roxysunny101

December 2003

Only one of América (MEX)’s new signings was in the home dressing room getting mentally ready up for the friendly against Joe Public, that one face being Antonio de Nigris; who was no doubt chomping at the bit to make a good impression on his home debut, despite the fact it was in front of just 5000 spectators in a sparsely populated Estadio Azteca. Nothing to panic about regarding the two absences though: Wederson, as we know, will not officially be an América (MEX) player until January 1st; and Jair Garcia’s loan move has been delayed, but it is still expected to ease through over the next few days.

The name of Antonio de Nigris was certainly not the only unknown name on the team sheet against Joe Public, with Zander Zitero decided to field a somewhat experimental side against the team from Trinidad; although most of the big names were expected at some point in the proceedings.

Despite the efforts of a very noteworthy and loyal 5000 fans, the teams did emerge to a reception rather similar to a pea rattling about in a tin can given the fact the stadium holds 104,000; but it was simply a mid-season workout, nothing more, nothing less, so the attendance was a peripheral point. And the teams kicked off as a tumbleweed rolled across the park.


22/12/2003

(Friendly) / América (MEX) Vs Joe Public / Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

América (MEX): GK - Becerra, DL - Ortiz, DR - Castro, DC - Rojas, DC - de la Cuesta; DMC - Villa (c), ML - Valencia, MR - Torres, AMC - Encarnación; SC - de Nigris, SC - Zepeda

Despite the lack of a passionate crowd to drive the home side forward, América (MEX) went about the job of systematically dismantling their less illustrious opponents admirably. Consequentially after a few minutes the shot count already read ‘three on target’ to América (MEX) with Zepeda having two efforts saved, and a de Nigris effort causing the same outcome. This dominance was repaid after 5 minutes when a José Raymundo Valencia corner was headed home by the unlikely figure of Diego Encarnación to open the scoring.

The floodgates were expected to well and truly open; and, indeed, there were chances for América (MEX) to add more goals all through the second half but Zepeda (2), Torres, Encarnación, and Rojas were all wasteful with their chances, and Joe Public were about to go in at the break with a score line that in no way reflects the hosts complete and utter dominance.

The luck of the side from Trinidad just didn’t quite hold that long though, as 2 minutes from half time Diego Encarnación made a dynamic burst into the penalty area and was hacked down by Odelle James to give the home side a penalty kick. Ignacio Torres, obviously keen to impress on a rare outing on the right wing, stepped up to take the kick; and he made no mistake in nestling the ball into the bottom corner, sending Angus Thomas diving the wrong way in the process.

The half time break predictable saw an orgy of changes, with *deep breath*: Rios for Becerra; Martinez for Ortiz; Ramirez for de la Cuesta; Salinas for Rojas, Gonzalez for Castro; Patino for Valencia; Azuara for Torres; and Reinaldo Navia for Christian Zepeda.

Any fears the modest home crowd might have had about the new look side emerging disjointed and disorganised were soon allayed as within nine minutes of the break the home side had made it 3-0. A good mazy run down the right flank by Azuara - who impressed towards the back end of the Opening Stage campaign when called upon - culminated in a cross which was absolutely begging to be attacked; Reinaldo Navia, fresh and springy, obliged, rising highest to bullet home a fantastic header.

After Navia’s strike the game threatened to follow the same pattern as the first half, with América (MEX) passing up glaring opportunities to get some more goals, which is, after all, why this friendly was organised. However a couple of substitutions towards the tail end of the match - Blanco for Encarnación and Pardo for Villa - added a new sense of direction and helped make sure ample gloss was applied.

With 10 minutes left until Senor Adán Barrón was due to blow his whistle, Juan Manuel Azuara - who had been a constant danger since emerging from the tunnel to play in the second half - cut in field on a dynamic and attacking run; when Azuara reached the edge of the Joe Public box he played a cute little one-two with Blanco which brought the Mexican winger into the box; where he dispatched a great shot past Angus Thomas into the bottom corner to round off what had been a superb 2nd half performance by Azuara.

Blanco then put the finishing touches to his entertaining little 12 minute cameo by slotting home the 5th goal as the clock ticked over into stoppage time, after being played into the box by fellow 78th minute substitute Pavel Pardo.

América (MEX) (Encarnación 5; Torres pen 44; Navia 54; Azuara 80; Blanco 90) 5 - 0 Joe Public

This friendly had well and truly done what it said on the tin; it provided a comfortable run out for América (MEX) and provided a few goals to boost confidence ahead of the Closing Stage Championship; Zander Zitero could be proud of a superb piece of casting in Joe Public.

However, the team’s next outing would be somewhat more challenging as they face Chicago Fire in the first match of 2004; no doubt the Chicago side, boasting DaMarcus Beasley would prove a sterner test and give a more accurate reading of América (MEX)’s readiness for the new Championship. It will also be the first - and only - chance for Zander and the América (MEX) faithful to see Wederson and Jair Garcia in action before the real stuff kicks off again on the 10th of January.