The Golden Nuggets - 2010/11 - Copa Libertadores

By Sports Magician

Sao Paulo have been knocked out by Brazilian opposition in the Copa Libertadores for the past four years and will hope to avoid a similar fate in the semi-finals of the 2010 competition. The Copa Libertadores was put on hold after the quarter-finals were played before the beginning of the World Cup and the tournament picks up where it left off at the end of July. Sao Paulo meet Internacional in an all-Brazilian semi-final while Universidad de Chile take on Guadalajara in the other last four encounter.

The last Brazilian winner of the Libertadores came in 2006 when Internacional beat Sao Paulo 4-3 on aggregate. The sides meet once again with the winner likely to be a strong favourite in the prospective final. Internacional can count themselves very fortunate to still be breathing in the competition after a late and undeserved goal gave them an away-goals victory over 2009 champions Estudiantes. The victory was especially sweet for Internacional’s Argentine contingent - Pato Abbondanzieri (former Argentina and Boca Juniors goalkeeper who has a number of Libertadores medals in his cabinet) and Andres D’Alessandro (the boy who never grew up).

Rogerio Ceni still stands in between the sticks for Sao Paulo and at the ripe age of 37 still finds time to curl in the odd free-kick. Ceni could probably teach Emile Heskey a thing or two about finishing in front of goal. The man who makes this team tick is midfielder Hernanes, who has long been linked with a move to Europe. At age 25, I’m surprised he is still plying his trade in his homeland, but there have been reservations by European scouts about his ability to maintain the same influence in leagues that are played at a faster pace. Upfront the onus is on Washington to find the net, something he has never had trouble with throughout his career. Staying put for any length of time has been a struggle, though. The 35 year old has played for seven different clubs in three different countries (Brazil, Japan and Turkey) since 2000. He has been prolific at each and every club, yet often finds a way to outstay his welcome. His contract is up in December and there is a good chance he will be on the move again, and despite his age, he remains in good nick and there will be suitors in Brazil for his services.

Sao Paulo last won the Libertadores in 2005, but they can end that five year spell without South American club football’s most cherished prize by mid-August.

PICK: 3*SAO PAULO WIN THE 2010 COPA LIBERTADORES @ 3.00 (STAN JAMES)

Tomorrow the Golden Nuggets will be taking a look at the Argentinian Apertura.

Sports Magician