|
|
Atlante Obligated In Cancún
Cruz Azul have the advantage, but Atlante will try to impose their home field fortress in the definitive encounter of the Torneo Apertura 2008 semifinal series.
Dec 5, 2008 3:46:38 AM
Who: Atlante vs. Cruz Azul
What: Apertura 2008 Semifinals, 2nd Leg
When: Saturday, December 6, 2008
5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET
Where: Estadio Andrés Quintana Roo,
Cancún, México
The Potros de Hierro of Atlante are obligated to replicate their almost perfect regular season home form to have any chance of overturning an imposing series lead by La Máquina Celeste.
Atlante need to win by a difference of two goals to have any hopes of advancing to the Final of the Torneo Apertura 2008 of Mexican football.
In the entertaining first leg of this series, Atlante never hesitated to attack but Cruz Azul were in superior form and took a big step towards the Final with a convincing 3-1 victory.
Atlante
The azulgranas have the burden of heading into the return match of their semifinal series with a two goal deficit, after their 3-1 defeat in the first leg.
Despite conceding three goals, captain goalkeeper Federico Vilar delivered another admirable performance that prevented the further fall of their goal with many splendid interventions.
The outstanding form of Vilar has allowed Atlante to continue with life in the semifinals.
For their benefit, they can advance with a draw in the aggregate score due to their higher position in the general table. Any victory by a difference of two goals would be enough to send them to the big feast of Mexican football.
There were some complaints from the Atlante camp with regards to the borderline penalty call that handed Cruz Azul the early lead in the first encounter.
However, Atlante must realize that all lines performed well and their regular season numbers demonstrate that they have quality manpower both on the field and on the sidelines.
They benefit from individually talented players in their ranks. Youngster Christian ‘Hobbit’ Bermúdez, proved to be a handful for Cruz Azul last wednesday. Bermúdez and playmaker Gabriel Pereyra, clearly demonstrated their good partnership in the play that resulted in their only goal.
Many times this season Atlante have demonstrated a Pereyra dependency, who unfortunately for their cause was unable to lift the squad in the first half of the semifinals. Still, he is player of great skill and vision and who has proven that when inspired, the Potros cannot be tamed.
Coach José Guadalupe Cruz is a well-versed tactician, known for implementing a formation that preserves a defensive order without sacrificing the offense.
Even if they face an adverse situation, it is probable that Cruz will remain faithful to his attack-oriented philosophy which brought Atlante home success all season long.
A key factor for Atlante will be their home field advantage, where they were almost invincible and suffered only one defeat during the regular season.
Cruz Azul
La Máquina is running on all engines and with a comfortable lead in the series have taken a huge step towards the Final.
In contrast to the second leg of the quarterfinals against Pumas, the Cementeros will not be pressured to look for the score on away territory.
They will benefit from the desperation of their opposition, who in search of the result will eventually leave gaps in their defense that they can exploit.
In the midfield, they benefit from great ball circulation and the leadership of captain Gerardo Torrado and Paraguayan Christian Riveros, who in the first leg proved to be the orchestrators of the victory.
Forwards Miguel Sabah and César Villaluz, have discovered an impressive form at the right moment. Along with Pablo Zeballos and Nicolás Vigneri form a dangerous offense that can capitalize on any counterattacking options.
Coach Benjamín Galindo won the tactical match-up in the previous encounter, but is fully aware of the rivals potential and desperate situation.
With the advantage in the score it is probable that Galindo will present a scheme that maintains a defensive order with a focus on ball possession, to make Atlante chase them as the clock runs out in Cruz Azul’s favor.
The Match
There is no question that this match promises to be as relentless and entertaining as the previous encounter.
Cruz Azul took an important advantage from their home field that relieves them of any pressure and allows them to carefully develop their game based on the proposal of a desperate Atlante side.
However, the Cementeros must avoid an excess of confidence and careful not to think the series is over.
In this do-or-die situation, Atlante have the conditions, skill and obligation to overcome this manageable deficit. Only two goals are needed from their part to tie the aggregate score and advance, but too much focus in the attack can leave the defense vulnerable.
Nevertheless, Vilar is always a guarantee under the three posts and if they can repeat their season long performances at home, this series is far from being decided.
A great mystery remains to be seen if both coaches abandon their philosophies to deal with the conditions implemented by the first leg result.
-- César García covers México for Goal.com.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.