Thanks to the team from SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk ( Anthony Wright, Nicholas Rosano, Brian Maxwell, James Walker-Roberts and FOX Soccer's own Rupert Fryer) we know which of the tournament's 32 remaining clubs can be expected to be around after the group stage of the 2012 Copa Libertadores. The competition starts in earnest on Tuesday. Here are their Group 5 and 6 snapshots:
| Snapshots | Groups 1-2 | Groups 3-4 | Groups 5-6 | Groups 7-8 |
|---|
Like Group 2, Group 5 appears to have a clear favorite and three dangerous sides fighting for the second knockout stage spot. Like Group 2, the favorite can't afford to take its status fror granted.
Vasco de Gama
Country: Brazil Best Finish(es): Winners in 1998 Key Player: Juninho Pernambucano Expectations: Win the group and compete for the title FOX Soccer prediction: Group winner
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk: The return
of Juninho from Lyon was a huge lift for the club. He will be vital
to his team’s chances and will be tasked with creating
chances for veteran Ecuadorian striker Carlos Tenorio, who arrives
from the Middle East. Vasco had one of the best defensive records
in Brazil last year and in Dede they boast the finest central
defender in Brazil.
Libertad
Country: Paraguay Best Finish(es): Semifinalists in 1977, 2006 Key Player: Victor Caceres Expectations: Make it out of group FOX Soccer prediction: Second place
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk:
Bolstered by new arrivals Marcos Melgarejo and Paraguay
internationals Nestor Camacho and Jonathan Santana, who will make
up an impressive midfield alongside the likes of Victor Caceres,
Libertad also have some dynamic firepower up front in the likes of
Pablo Velazquez and Rodolfo Gamarra – both of whom were on
the scoresheet against Nacional – and a potential
star-in-the-making in teenage striker Maurito Caballero.
Nacional
Country: Uruguay Best Finish(es): Winners in 1971, 1980, 1988 Key Player: Alvaro Recoba Expectations: Make it out of group FOX Soccer prediction: Third place
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk:
Former River Plate (and DC United) playmaker Marcelo Gallardo
must think this coaching lark is a walk in the park. Appointed to
his first ever coaching position in June of last year at just 35
years of age, he went on to win the championship at the first time
of asking. Nacional go into the tournament on a roll, and Gallardo
has stated he hopes their momentum will help carry them through the
group stage.
Alianza Lima
Country: Peru Best Finish(es): Semifinalists in 1976 and 1978 Key Player: Johnnier Montano Expectations: Compete for a spot in the next round FOX Soccer prediction: Fourth place
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk: The
Peruvians have appeared in 22 previous editions of the tournament,
including eight times since 2000. The 22-time Peruvian champions
will be eager to make amends for last year's early elimination but
have been handed a tough group. Alianza are also in severe
financial difficulties, which resulted in Luis Trujillo leaving the
club after not receiving his wages for three months.
| Snapshots | Groups 1-2 | Groups 3-4 | Groups 5-6 | Groups 7-8 |
|---|
Unlike some other giants in the competition, Corinthians don't have another favorite in their group, which isn't to say Group 6 will necessarily lack drama, especially if one of the tournament's Mexican sides decides to prioritize their league campaign.
Corinthians
Country: Brazil Best Finish(es): Semifinals in 2000 Key Player: Liedson Expectations: Win FOX Soccer prediction: Group winner
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk:
In 2011, Corinthians became the first Brazilian team to exit
the 52-year-old competition in the preliminary rounds. Annoyingly
for Corinthians, they remain the last of Sao Paulo's big four
(alongside Santos, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras) to have never lifted
the famous trophy. This competition remains an obsession and will
once again be the season's top priority.
Cruz Azul
Country: Mexico Best Finish(es): Runners-up in 2001 Key Player: Gerardo Torrado Expectations: Get out of group and then see what happens FOX Soccer prediction: Second place
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk:
Despite recording just a single win from this season's
opening four league games, coach Enrique Meza will be confident of
reaching at least the first knockout stage. Home advantage will be
key. The 35,000-capacity Estadio Azul sits at an uncomfortable
2,250 metres above sea level. Cruz Azul have a strong spine of
Mexico internationals including goalkeeper Jose Corona, Nestor
Araujo, Javier Aquino, Israel Castro and experienced captain
Gerardo Torrado.
Nacional
Country: Paraguay Best Finish(es): First round Key Player: Ricardo Mazzacotte Expectations: To be plucky FOX Soccer prediction: Third place
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk:
New coach Javier Torrente inherits a group of fiercely
competitive players. Their progress in recent years has been based
on an industrious work ethic, and a fine balance has been struck
between youth and experience. The loss of midfielder Marcos
Melgarejo to Libertad was a blow, but one softened by the return of
tough-tackling veteran defender Denis Caniza, who joins the club
for a second spell. Caniza will play alongside his promising young
central defensive partner Ricardo Mazzacotte.
Deportivo Tachira
Country: Venezuela Best Finish(es): Quarterfinals in 2004 Key Player: Sergio Herrera Expectations: Play spoiler and stay in contention for second FOX Soccer prediction: Fourth place
Via SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk: If Tachira
are to have a chance of making the last 16, forwards Julio
Gutierrez and Sergio ‘Barranca’ Herrera will have to
make sure they’re in top form. However, Venezuela's rapid
development at international level, coupled with Deportivo’s
recent history, means no team will take their participation
lightly.
For more on this year's Copa Libertadores as well as the rest of South American soccer, please visit SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk.
| Snapshots | Groups 1-2 | Groups 3-4 | Groups 5-6 | Groups 7-8 |
|---|
