South American Dispatch: Be Careful Of Sleeping Giants in Buenos Aires

Two own goals did little to help Estudiantes’ assault on the Argentine title as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat away to Rosario Central.

The first own goal came from an uncharacteristic blooper by Juan Veron inside the first ten minutes. In the second half, Alayes also fired past his own keeper to put Central up 3-0.

In between the own goals, Castillejos found his intended target for Central with a smart finish through the legs of Albil in the Etudiantes goal.

The night’s only fixture in the Argentine Apertura was played out on account of Estudiantes needing to make up games before heading off to the Club World Cup next month.

Head coach Alejandro Sabella was not resting any of his star names however as he stuck as close as he could to the team that hammered Velez at the weekend. Re, Boselli and Leandro Benitez along with the veteran Veron all featured but could do nothing to prevent the defeat.

A win for the visitors would have put them level on points with joint leaders Banfield and Newell's Old Boys at the summit of the Apertura table. Defeat however means that the teams above them not only have a three point advantage but also a game in hand to extend the lead.

The win puts Rosario Central within five points of top spot, however like Estudiantes they have played a game more than the league leaders.

Time On Pass On The River Presidency

Daniel Passarella is on the campaign trial as he puts the finishing touches on his plan to be elected president of River Plate.

His headline policy is the promise to lure the likes of Hernan Crespo, Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola back to El Monumental as he restores River’s identity on the pitch.

“Solari and D’Alessandro did not come because River is not a serious club,” Passarella said while explaining his plan to bait the big fish. “I think we have to play to former players’ sentimentality.”

The former long term River player and manager went on to say that footballers who move on from El Monumental should be informed that they have a duty to put a little back.

“The players have won a lot of money [in Europe] and my motto will be that they return to River to give a little back of what the club gave them,” Passarella explained. “I’m going to offer more with this speech than offering the players an extra one or two million dollars per year.”

When asked about why the club find themselves so far from competing with their rivals on the pitch, Passarella had no doubt where the blame lies.

“The only ones responsible for what is going on here are all in the boardroom,” the World Cup winner said. “The management is horrible, terrible and Jose Maria Aguilar and Mario Israel are the worst in the history.”

The 1978 star also has plans for the marketing arm of the club which he views as failing miserably.

“Before the season started, Boca played Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Manchester United in a tournament in Germany. We played Toronto FC and even that only came at the last minute.”

“The giant is asleep, we must awaken him,” finished Passarella with a concise sound bite which sums up his mission.

Pele Steps Onto Unusual Territory In The Name Of Santos

Pele took part in a match last night between his old side and their Mexican namesake’s Club Santos Laguna.

The game was arranged for the grand opening of the Mexican outfit’s new 30,000 capacity Estadio Nuevo Corona.

Pele took top billing at the party and despite his team losing 2-1 to the hosts he seemed to be enjoying being back out on the field.

The Brazilian shook hands with the crowd before making his way onto the pitch and kicking the first ball to grace the new stadium.

“It is a joy and a very great honour for me to be here [in Torreon],” The three time World Cup winner said. “Receiving all the affection and love of the Mexican people.”

“I hope that one day my Santos will have a stadium like this,” Pele said in praise of the $100 million project.”

Tim Sturtridge, Goal.com