Real Disappointment In Argentina's Pre-Season Matches

After seeing Boca Juniors, the greatest team in Argentina, proclaim themselves Apertura 2011 champions back in November, fans of all clubs throughout the nation couldn't wait for the pre-season matches of their respective teams plus other two matches in special: The Boca-River encounters in January. Fans waited anxiously for new signings to prepare themselves for the new season, and what other way to prepare yourself by playing with "Los Cinco Grandes" (The Big Five). 


In Argentina, there is a custom of organizing a pre-season tournament during December gathering the top teams in Argentina like are: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing De Avellaneda and San Lorenzo De Almagro. This is very usual there, and it's great because it gives you the opportunity to see how the teams look ahead for the new season and if they have a real chance of reaching glory in June, when the Clausura Tournament reaches it's end.


Well, this year it turned out to be a flop, I'm not judging by the form of their players (which was also very poor by the way). I'm judging by the quality of the matches, the speed of play, the scoring chances, the goals, were all so very poor. It was like taking the essence of Argentine football and throwing it away. Now, that if something Argentinian football is known for, it's for the pace they play. No more than 50 goals were scored during the whole pre-season, and it really didn't helped at all to really see what the teams were looking for in the Clausura 2012, which starts in February 10.


As for the signings, as always, Boca and River get the most attractive names, but what they focus right now, is taking players out of Europe which don't have a playing spot at their clubs, or, if that doesn't pan out, they pick veteran players who have their roots in these clubs. That is the case of Rolando Schiavi, who was brought 6 months back after he was released from his contract at Newell Old Boys. Schiavi was an unquestionable starter at Boca's many golden ages, this time with legendary Carlos Bianchi, who made Boca win absolutely everything, even beating Real Madrid in 2000.


This year the strikers are the centre of attention when it comes to signings. Boca signed on loan Santiago Silva, who wasn't receiving enough playing time at Fiorentina. This was a very controversial move, as he never played at Boca. He played at Velez Sarfield before moving to Europe, and during his time in Argentina, he caused trouble to every team that crossed his way, of course that includes Boca Juniors, so Velez alleged that if he wants to return, he should come back to the club that made him notorious. That didn't work out and he's finally there, soon we'll see how he get used to his new teammates. 


The other striker, bought by River, doesn't need any introduction; it's David Trezeguet, who signed for River to revive his Argentine roots. He played five matches profesionally when he was younger in Argentina, and he has already proved that he has what it takes after scoring in the pre-season matches.


Now speaking of Boca-River, the two encounters were much analysed and talked way before the whistle blowed. After looking at two poor matches, people felt disappointed for this, but brought a smile on Boca's fans as they had the pleasure to beat their rivals not just once, but twice. 


Alejandro 'Chori' Dominguez, who is on loan from Valencia, has some blame for River's defeats, as he lost control during the first match and saw the red card. This was not just a blow to River fans, but for football pundits in general, as he was one of the main players in River's squad who could cause real danger in Boca's half.


Nicolas Blandi scored a brace on the first encounter, from assists by Pablo Mouche, beating River 2-0. In the second match, it was Mouche's turn to score with a header that settled the score 1-0. 


Now we'll see how things will unfold during in the next semester with both teams playing in their leagues, Boca in Primera Division and River in Primera B Nacional, and if finally, we can see River get promoted to First Divison and see the match football fans would really appreciate and enjoy.




Written by Andres Hernandez
Follow him on Twitter @andresehao


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