Wednesday, July 08, 2009

VERON AS GOOD AS HIS WORD ..... SO FAR !


COPA LIBERTADORES FINAL FIRST LEG

ESTUDIANTES - CRUZEIRO

Juan Sebastian Veron's return to his hometown club has coincided with their return to form, he vowed to once again make them a force on the international stage and collect a major trophy. Now he and they are just 180 minutes away from realising that dream.

When Estudiantes won the Copa in 1968-69-70 few would have thought that it would be another four decades before they collected the next. This means so much to them, that I do not think they will fall short, especially in the home leg, where they have not even conceded in seven home starts in the competition. That run included a 4-0 defeat of Cruzeiro in La Plata at the group stage, when they took an early lead courtesy of Veron and were never troubled.

As a result of that thumping, I expect the visitors to try and shut up shop tonight, fielding a defensive line up and IMO handing the initiative to the home team. There is little love between Argentine and Brazilian clubs at the best of time, but Cruzeiro has upset not only the home fans, but the entire population of Argentina, by initially refusing to fly to BA due to concerns over swine flu. They made some very strong comments about this and could hardly have done more to fire up Estudiantes, if that were needed. Home win and a a return to the glory days for Estudiantes.

7 points Estudiantes -1/2 ball 2.06 asian line.... now trading @1.93

Good Luck.

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