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Lowly Cruz Azul Still Have Shot At Glory
All but dead in league, Cruz Azul could still walk away with a lofty accomplishment as la Maquina face Atlante for the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Apr 21, 2009 10:23:57 AM
Cruz Azul were beaten once again, something that sounds like a broken record. This time they fell victim to Puebla. Although only winning two games this whole season, Cruz Azul still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Liguilla.
La Maquina though have decided to focus only on their match against Atlante on Wednesday. The team who is dead last in their group and 16th overall reached the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Cesar Villaluz said this is not how they envisioned their season but a ticket to Dubai would certainly help the institution.
“It wasn’t in our objectives to be left out. We wanted to get to the final and win the title. Nobody imagined we would be left out. We are now working on getting one more star and be in the Club World Cup,” said Villaluz.
A powerhouse like Cruz Azul is not supposed to be sitting in the bottom of the table. The former U-17 world championship winner understands all the criticism and surely understood the staff’s disappointment.
“When the team is not doing well you will always draw their attention. They are there to pressure you to do better,” noted Villaluz. “Guillermo Alvarez,(president of Cruz Azul) told us that the least we could do now is leave all out there, and we need to demonstrate that the team does have a winning attitude.”
Villaluz recognized that no one likes to be singled out, but he understood the Cruz Azul’s staff as their trying to inject some life back into them.
Cruz Azul will have to come with everything against Atlante, so they can win their ticket to Dubai. The team will look for any circumstance in order to get the victory in the first game.
“The last two finals games we found ourselves behind. Now we have to look for the advantage because it will be vital if we want to win the championship, explained Villaluz.
The Club World Cup champion will not only have the right to declare themselves the best in the world but will also pocket around $5 million USD. If by any chance Cruz Azul takes it all, then that could mean that Benjamin Galindo’s job would be safe, and they would also bring in top notch reinforcements for the Apertura.
Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com
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