Chambi Sey will write about South American qualifying and
the administration and governance of soccer as it relates to the World Cup.
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Regional Round-up CONMEBOL
The fifth and sixth rounds of South American qualifying begin on June 14 and conclude June 19. Following the first four qualifying rounds that ran October 13 – 17, 2007 and November 17 – 21, 2007, Paraguay sits atop the table followed by Argentina, Brazil and Colombia. One point separates the top four teams, with Brazil and Colombia on 8 points apiece in third and fourth place, solely separated by goal difference.
The teams are presented in the order they stand in the qualifying table.
Paraguay
Entering the approaching rounds, Tata Martino finds his squad sitting atop the standings. Paraguay has performed well, and is one of only three unbeaten teams at the end of four rounds of competition (Brazil and Colombia are the other two). The “albiroja”, or red and whites, have notched 9 goals in 4 games, while conceding a solitary item in return. Curiously, penultimate-placed Perú is the only team to have earned a point off the Paraguayans.
Currently in training for next week’s matches at the federation’s sport complex in Ypané, Martino is likely to deploy a back line of four against Brazil, who visit on June 15. This would constitute a departure from the three player defensive line utilized versus France in a recent friendly. Ultimately, the finality of this decision will be influenced in part by Tata’s assessment of Brazil’s posture in recent performances versus the likes of Canada and Venezuela.
Following a period of temporary guidance by an interim manager, Martino filled the void created by the departure of Anibal Ruiz, the Uruguayan tactician, now managing Club Sport Emelec. He has the enviable responsibility of landing Paraguay at a fourth consecutive WC. The Paraguayans have laid a firm foundation on which to qualify but must solidify their position during these two critical rounds.
With respect to specific personnel, Salvador Cabañas (Club América) is in good form and has expressed an interest in playing for an ambitious European club. The sturdy marksman will be eager to press his case and demonstrate his worth, despite having time left on his Mexican contract. As one of several potent players in Paraguay’s arsenal of twenty foreign-based players, the main challenge for Martino will be harnessing all available talent.
Julio César Cáceres (Boca Juniors), Enrique Vera (Liga Deportiva UQ) and Cabañas are among 27 players selected for national duty. Martino’s talented group of players also includes Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) and Roque Santa Cruz (presently Blackburn; possibly heading to Old Trafford), whose physical presence and ability to hold up the ball – reputedly has improved tremendously since the days he campaigned domestically.
In May, an experimental squad, constituted primarily of home-based players, participated in the recent Kirin Cup in Japan, where the Paraguayans faced Ivory Coast and Japan. The team acquitted itself decently, drawing 1-1 with the Africans and nil-nil with the hosts. Martino likely took solace from the fact that his young charges came from behind to equalize against the more experienced Ivorians. However, with qualification in mind, Tata has chosen to incorporate only seven Paraguay-based players: goalkeeper Derlis Gómez (Nacional), defenders Pedro Benitez (Libertad) and Jorge Núñez (Cerro Porteño); midfielders Carlos Humberto Paredes (Olimpia) and Víctor Cáceres (Libertad); and forwards Dante López (Libertad) and Marcelo Estigarribia (Cerro Porteño).
As a unit, the team is solid but not impenetrable. Against Brazil, Paraguay will have to maintain a high level of concentration while mustering a suitably elevated rhythm to the game. Otherwise, the risk of capitulating to the visitors could see them squander their slender lead at the top of the table. In facing Brazil at home on June 15, Paraguay confronts an insistent opponent gifted with a variety of tools in the application of attack and an adversary capable of squeezing the flank space Paraguay is fond of exploiting.
Following the engagement with Brazil, the Paraguayans will travel to Bolivia for a June 18 clash. As of this writing, the Bolivians are unlikely to impede Paraguay’s march. We will know soon enough. Team captain, Denis Caniza (Cruz Azul) is justly confident of success in both engagements.
Argentina
What can be said about Argentina? The team consistently plays an absorbing brand of soccer. Its roster reads like a list of luminaries. The team’s future is secured because its next generation of players is guaranteed. And, a few of the youngsters are destined to demonstrate their worth in South Africa.
Moreover, Argentina’s negative moments are few but, tend to expose them to heightened scrutiny when they do occur - for instance, their decomposition at the hands of Brazil during last year’s Copa América final. The players are effective conductors of the ball over short or long distance and are intriguing to observe in the pattern plays they execute. Further, as a team inclined to prevent an opponent from settling, they are also masters of subtly and overtly imposing their will on all but the least naïve opponents and referees.
As a football culture, Argentina manufactures the most fluent of left-footed players. And, this adds a dimension to their combination play that exalts the majesty of our sport.
The maestro of the football orchestra that is Argentina is required to be a special leader. He must be one who can harmonize the team’s collective personality and guide individual performers to achieving crescendo at decisive moments. Presently, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has vested that trust in the wisdom of Don Alfio Basile.
Coming to the helm on the heels of José Pekerman’s departure, the formula for El Coco Basile is not a mystery. He has stayed true to his preferences and negated the relevance of the style versus substance debate by promoting substance as style in itself.
Going into the present rounds Basile has touted a 4-3-1-2 formation but, in recognition of the accumulated fatigue of players exiting the recently concluded European season and demands centered on a playmaker, he has demonstrated flexibility and variability in executing team objectives. For instance, versus the United States, Argentina started in the 4-3-1-2 but upon the substitution of Messi, Basile collapsed the system into a 4-4-2 – the same formation preferred in an earlier friendly with Egypt. Against Mexico, he stayed true to his roots until reformulating the squad with several substitutions once the game was effectively over.
The Argentines face Ecuador and Brazil and will be particularly attentive to the latter, particularly given the characteristics of the encounter the last time they met – the aforementioned 2007 Copa América final.
Notably absent will be Carlos Tévez who, due to suspension, is eligible only to participate in the sixth round match. Factoring the costs to the player and benefits to the country, Basile determined that the player’s extended presence in camp was not merited, given the full equation. Veteran, Hernan Crespo has been left out due to insufficient playing time at club level. And, with the ascendancy of others, there is no room for Lucho González, the season’s goals leader in the Portuguese league.
In recent friendlies, Argentina has been lethal (versus Mexico) or limp (versus the USA), but the stark truth is Argentina will qualify for the next World Cup. And, although the senior team has not lifted major hardware in 15 years, they are pound for pound, pass for pass, validly recognized as the pre-eminent team around.
It’s left to be seen what lessons El Coco returned to Argentina to reflect upon. He is playing his cards close to his chest with respect to the starting line-up versus Ecuador. However, with the infusion of five Argentina-based players (Riquelme, Veron, Battaglia, Palacio and Carrizo) to the cohort of 22 players involved with the Mexican and US friendlies, some indication of his intended direction is presented.
Many eyes will be focused on the Paraguay-Brazil clash, but Argentina-Ecuador could be the more combustive of the two fixtures. Nevertheless, the open secret for all devotees of South American soccer is that Brazil-Argentina in Belo Horizonte will be the first episode of a two part epic, resulting in tragedy for one and comedy for none.
Brazil
Brazil has exported soccer as adventure, as possibility and as a way of life. The team brings to the game a range of unique expressions, whether cultural or physical. When Brazil plays the world stops. Well … perhaps not in Buenos Aires.
Thus, for the most part, soccer fans are ultra-sensitive to the condition of Brazil’s fortunes and become absorbed by the predilections of Brazilian soccer culture and by the peculiarities of a society that can morph from soccer to samba and back seemingly in nanoseconds. If one has seen a ‘dinho celebrate a goal or observed the graceful movement of any ‘ao, ‘eiro or ‘zinho, one comes to appreciate the relationship between Brazilian soccer and samba.
Brazil is special. Some fight the notion because Brazil has disappointed them somewhere along their soccer journey. But, the conclusion is inevitable and supportable. We should accept it and move along. No questioning or rationalizing. We just won’t get it. Brazil is special. It doesn’t have to be your mantra. As long as it’s someone’s mantra soccer is in good shape.
Brazil has won the World Cup more than any other nation and has chiseled a permanent trademark that appeals to fans and heretics alike. Even in Buenos Aires. After struggling against Canada recently, but pulling off the obligatory victory, Brazil then wrote a negative paragraph of their history in succumbing to Venezuela.
The bossman Dunga has been criticized for misconstruing his priorities on the field. Among the criticisms has been his philosophical conception of the game. His suspension of the entertaining soccer that formerly characterized Brazil has not been received with open arms. In practical terms, the fact that losing isn’t an everyday occurrence is useful validation for Dunga. The question is: is it enough for everyone else? What’s wrong isn’t a matter of personalities; it is a factor of symmetry … or rather, the absence thereof creating the results.
Remember that word. It comes up again in a few paragraphs. Results.
When viewing Brazil these days one hungers for crumbs. As in … fleeting exhibitions of individual brilliance. We know better than to expect the coordinated execution of mind-blowing symmetrical movements that are automatic hazards to any breakable items in one’s home. You know … as in the full loaf. As in … exhibitions of individual brilliance that are the product of the coordinated execution of mind-blowing symmetrical movements resulting in a tactically productive outcome. You know … a goal! Better yet, goals! Brazilian goals!
Okay, okay. Admittedly, such moments do arise, but they are no longer the persistent flurries of old. Thus, nostalgia has risen to substitute as my flag-bearer of Brazilian soccer.
Remember Josimar? I still feel the tingles I felt 20 years ago while watching him. But his renditions were mere items in the catalogue of shivers I knew I would experience once Brazil was on the field. And let’s face it, Josimar is not a household Brazilian name. In most households he’s that guy that … you know … blah blah blah and then scored, blah blah.
Today, what we have is the inhibition of some Brazilian players on the field. I have had to look elsewhere for my heart attack soccer. And, instead of blah blah blah being an iteration of Brazilian omnificence as in yesteryear … Today blah blah blah is a reference to Brazilian blandness rather than gospel.
Occasionally, one gets the impression that a couple of the brasileiros are like kids who when told to play quietly agree to do so, then in unintentional disregard decide to do what they do best. You know … be irreverent. Modern Brazilian soccer is missing irreverence. Robinho used to succumb to a variant of the theme, but these days as a standard-bearer, responsibility is his mandate and a house of unbroken ornaments is mine. Ronaldinho did it too … combined with aggression and purpose. Incidentally, where is Ronaldinho?
If one drinks of Brazilian soccer orthodoxy, one must conclude that if Brazil is to lose, Brazil must lose beautifully. After all, isn’t the arc of association with all coisas brasileiras that of beauty? And, where else would dignity equate to beauty, if not in Brazil.
Then, why did Dunga reject this? Part of the answer lies in results. He is results-oriented. Over the years he has seen the effect of ineffective glamour yielding no constructive result. The thing is … Dunga’s conception of results may differ from that of the average Brazilian fan. Generally, the average fan is interested in positive results. Generally, the average coach is interested in constructive results. There is a nuanced distinction.
Part of the answer is that Dunga does not believe that the arc of triumph is inherently beautiful. Another part of the answer lies in Dunga’s personality, but we kinda sorta figure the Brazilian federation knew this when they hired him. What does that tell us? You know … a whole lot.
After the Canada match, Dunga said: "we only have a short time with the national side and during that time we try to break as many records as we can and leave our mark". If César Farías were mischievous he could have provided this comment word for word at the press conference following the Venezuela friendly. At least Dunga’s comment recognizes that duration is a function of performance.
Each national team coach of Brazil bears a tremendous headache: how not to get a headache in qualifying for the next World Cup? Yet, knowing the awaiting malady, Brazilian managers all want the job. In this respect, they are similar to most politicians. Who amongst them would walk away voluntarily from being president?
Brazil face Paraguay and nemesis Argentina in a matter of days. Tell me Dunga does not have a headache, and I’ll point you in the direction of free seating for World Cup 2010 group matches in neighboring Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Haven’t you heard? They are co-hosting.
After the match against Canada, Dunga also said: “there are always fewer problems when we win". Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on that wall at CBF headquarters? No excreta! If that does not provide insights, nothing does.
Dunga has been forced to rethink Brazil’s method of playing. Several players seem underutilized. There is definitely no over-elaboration. Ahem! We’re barely witnessing elaboration! Several players in the recent outings did not pan out as they were played. By the time Adriano was brought in versus Venezuela he had neither room nor a telepathic partner on whom to rely. However, if you ask me, Diego’s insistence did catch the eye. I hope to see the Werder Bremen player among the starters.
Dunga will play in a 4-4-2. That’s the word on the Brazilian street. Without Kaka. Yep, without Kaka. He’s unavailable. It’s a club thing.
Starting from the back the squad could be Julio César, Maicon, Lucio, Juan and Gilberto, Josue, Mineiro, Robinho, Luis Fabiano. Yep, that’s only nine. Why go out on a limb before Dunga has?
The key influences in the result in the match versus Paraguay will be the role of the “meia” and the work of the collective midfield. The players above should be the nucleus of the squad. Look for Mineiro and Gilberto to be very involved in closing Paraguay down on the flanks. On attack, they are among the best switchers of the field in today’s game. Look for them to be decisive.
Incidentally, Kaka’s replacement is Hernanes (Sao Paulo). Go figure.
There is not a whole lot that needs to be stated about Brazil. We know what they can do. We are aware of how they can do it. We know why they do it. Surely we know where they can do it. Generally, the only elusive factor is when. Dunga and his players should be of the mind that June 15 and June 18 are suitable occasions to invoke soccer and samba as we know it.
Brazil opened 2010 World Cup qualifying with an unimpressive production versus Colombia. Going into this round of qualifying that would be a no-no to reproduce. Hopefully Dunga knows what sort of revolution he is seeking to create because either way, top to bottom or bottom to top, one has eventually to sell the masses on one’s ideology.
Colombia
As the Colombian post-season got on the way over the weekend, Jorge Luís Pinto was sure to be reflecting on the squad of twenty-four he has chosen in anticipation of two away matches versus Perú and Ecuador respectively. The announcement of the squad comes following Colombia’s marginally productive European tour in which the Irish and the French handed the visitors one-nil losses. Several of the players selected for the trip to Europe were not selected for the qualifiers.
Ten domestic players will combine with Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, Romania, Russia and Spain-based teammates. All but two of the players are familiar faces. Local-based Pedro Pablo Portocarrero (defender of Cúcuta Deportivo) and Nilson Cortés (Once Caldas midfielder) are the eye-raising, first-time inclusions.
Somewhat comfortably positioned in the standings going into the current round of qualifying, Pinto may be poised to consolidate his team’s advancement (and his job security) should he resolve the team’s immediate deficiency – a lack of goals. Colombia has notched only 3 goals in 4 qualifying outings. Two of the goals came in a stellar victory over Argentina; nonetheless, moment is no rival for consistency. In rectifying the problem, Pinto will likely pin his hopes on Necaxa’s Hugo Rodallega, from a quartet of purely foreign-based strikers.
The Federación Colombiana de Fútbol (FCF) is in pursuit of a reversal of fortune as it seeks to World Cup qualify for the first time since 1998. On the previous two attempts, los cafeteros have been edged out for the valuable playoff opportunity by the Uruguayans. FCF president, Luis Bedoya - a man with lengthy grassroots experience in the sport - has recently reiterated his commitment to bolstering the administrative network that surrounds the team. In light of perennial questions surrounding the integrity of the local game, it is imperative that Colombia’s footballing stakeholders collaborate to preserve the national team’s focus.
On the field, greater emphasis has to be placed on maintaining possession of the ball and on creating cohesion in generating the attack, both glaring deficiencies in Colombia’s recent engagements. Undoubtedly, Pinto will be examining both conditions during the ongoing training camp. Fortunately, thus far, Colombia has defended its home field advantage well and also managed to secure points on the road. Although, granted, three of their four matches have taken place in the biased, disorienting environment of Bogotá’s Nemesio Camacho El Campín stadium.
Venezuela
Presently positioned fifth in the standings on 6 points, Venezuela are akin to the guest who arrives late to the party but, whom, instead of entering quietly through the side entrance, opts to barrel through the front door, accentuating the arrival rather than the tardiness.
They are without Richard Páez, the local coach who vitalized Venezuelan soccer prior to departing under a stream of criticism and controversy late last year – somewhat a victim of the expectation and success he instigated. The local federation, the FVF, after failing to secure its preferred choice of replacement, chose to enlist the youthful César Farías. For the gutsy, prodigious Farías, the opportunity was an absolute no-brainer. After all, what greater stage would there be to promote a truth he’s held about Venezuelan players: they are a capable and ready.
Páez, the man who moved soccer in Venezuela to the brink of legitimacy, grudgingly cemented regional respect after almost seven years on the job. He is the nation’s longest serving and most successful tactician and laid an ample base upon which Farías can build.
This success and accompanying expectation – altered the operative context and ultimately led to quasi-confrontation with vocal fans. As well, perceived nepotism regarding Páez’s son’s inclusion in the squad did not assist the cause. Moreover, the country’s hosting of the 2007 Copa América attracted a larger local constituency to the game and mobilized interest around a common cause in an otherwise fractured and polarized social and political environment.
Today, Páez is at Alianza Lima, the gloried Peruvian outfit. And, in his few months on the job, Farías - the inheritor - has referred to his predecessor in very responsible tones. This augurs well. Inevitably, in the incestuous milieu of professional coaching, both men are destined to interact in the future interest of Venezuela’s development as a soccer nation.
Farías, whose meteoric rise is endorsed with domestic and continental successes, is likely to deploy an attacking brand of fútbol peppered with quick ball movement and tactical innovation.
His tenure has been productive. He won and drew versus Haiti on local soil and followed up a 1-0 defeat of El Salvador with a narrow loss to Bolivia and a more comprehensive defeat against Colombia in a match that produced seven goals, four of them in the even first half. Later, the team drew 1-1 against a resurgent Honduras in a thrilling home fixture. However, the recent victory over a well-armed Brazilian squad was the damning shot heard across the world. The defeat has placed Venezuela amongst a narrow band of nations to have prevailed over the Brazilians.
Venezuela as the only nation in CONMEBOL not to have qualified for a World Cup has long been derided for an absence of pedigree or commitment to the sport. The “vinotinto” are insisting on remedying the aberration. It well could be that Venezuela is late to the party and refusing to use the side door.
The writing has been on the wall for some time. Simply, many refused to accept the message. In this decade, Venezuela has conquered gradually in achieving victories over its continental neighbors. Prior to last week’s Brazilian debacle in Boston, among the most trenchant of these wins was a 3-0 routing of Uruguay in Uruguay and a 2-0 victory over Chile in Chile – both World Cup qualifiers. Eventually, there is always a first. Perhaps the next Venezuelan first will be World Cup qualification. Whether it occurs in this current qualification process will turn on the application of potential to the conditions presented. The other languishing first is defeating Argentina but, pondering that is probably not a wise investment of intellectual capital.
In elimination play, Venezuela faces Uruguay away on June 14 and Chile at home, five days later. In preparation, they followed up the deconstruction of Brazil with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands Antilles who provided agile and speedy opposition.
As an indicator of Venezuela’s progress, the team includes nine players based in Belgium, China, Colombia, Mexico, Spain and Turkey. Pivotal players are expected to include Ronald Vargas - whose stock soared pursuant to the vision and grace he exhibited versus Brazil – and the increasingly familiar names of Arango, Maldonado, Rey, Mea Vitali et al. New names should be expected to emerge in the process.
Uruguay
Óscar Washington Tabárez has been the man in charge in Montevideo since 2006 after taking over from Jorge Fossati (presently with Qatar). As is characteristic of the profession’s revolving door, Tabárez has been in the role before. Next up for Uruguay are dates with Venezuela and Perú at home.
The squad that was in training has been reinforced by the arrival of those who were, up until a few days ago, in competitive action with Argentinean and Brazilian clubs. Venezuela’s affirmative two-nil victory over Brazil is certain to be a running topic of discussion in the Uruguayan camp. Indeed, Giancarlo Maldonado, one of the goal scorers, had a stint in Uruguayan soccer with River Plate.
Uruguay, like Colombia, is coming off an abbreviated European tour. The Uruguayos faced challenges from Turkey and Norway and amassed five goals while conceding four, in the respective win and loss. They are a persistent bunch and are likely to emerge in the later rounds as contenders for a World Cup spot of middling value.
Tabárez traveled to Europe with seven local-based players for whom the experience should have been beneficial, given the injury of some players and the non-release of others by their European clubs. Among these domestic players was Robert Mario Flores, the promising River Plate campaigner.
Uruguay will play in a 4-2-3-1 scheme. The team has yet to be named but the good money is on River Plate’s Sebastián Abreu to get the nod for the striking position. Carlos Bueno (Peñarol) should fill the breach, although fans of both clubs have been expressing a preference along partisan lines.
The remainder of the squad is likely to feature Fabián Carini (Real Murcia) in goal with a back four of Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godín (Villareal) and Martín Cáceres (Recreativo Huelva). In front of them should be Diego Pérez (Monaco) and Wálter Gargano (Napoli) and then the troika of Luis Suárez (Ajax), Diego Forlán (Atlético Madrid) and Ignacio González (Monaco).
Look for a tactical battle that features alternating waves of closed and open play. Venezuela will be uninhibited and so too the Uruguayans at times. However, playing at home, Tabárez and assistant Diego Aguirre are likely to hold their fire during periods rather than take on the Venezuelans flat out on equal terms. Either way, it should both teams manifest their natural inclinations, the match should make for spectacular viewing.
Chile
Chile has played two friendlies in the immediate build-up to its upcoming fifth and sixth round games. They face Bolivia away at La Paz on June 15 and Venezuela away at Puerto La Cruz on June 19. For these friendlies, unlike most of its competitors, Chile opted to stay at home rather than travel. The match versus Panamá represented Chile’s 6ooth national team match and that may have had something to do with not marking the occasion on the road.
The results are nothing to write home about, but also are not insubstantial. Versus Panamá, the match ended dryly in a goalless draw. Whereas, against Guatemala the match was played under inhospitable and torrential conditions and Chile prevailed by a 2-0 margin in a setting in which the Guatemalans presented insufficient resistance from the inception. The Chilean goals came in the first half – with one being scored in the first minute of play.
In that match, the labor of Carlos Villanueva (Audax Italiano) and Alexis Sánchez (River Plate) stood out, and Villanueva, in particular, will be a key in any creative advantage Chile expects to obtain in the proximate round of matches.
As a general proposition, South American teams and fans correctly hold the perception that CONCACAF teams constitute inferior competition. However, a problem occurs when no differentiation amongst CONCACAF teams is made. In addition, it is also a mistake to treat the subject without exploring the waxing or waning fortunes of the specific CONCACAF opposition. Thus, thanks to Panamá, the Chilean public is presently alarmed about “La Roja’s” prospects entering this round of elimination competition. Having recently experienced three days of official mourning upon the tragic death of Gen. Jose Alejandro Bernales, late director of Chile's national police force in a Panama helicopter crash, Chileans are, perhaps understandably, mindful of the significance and symbolism of any outcome involving Panamá.
Chile is directed by Marcelo Bielsa, a former manager of the Argentine national team. Bielsa entered as replacement for Nelson Acosta (the Uruguayan born, naturalized Chilean) who guided Chile to France 1998 (now with present Chilean league champs Everton). Known affectionately as “El Loco”, Bielsa is regarded as diligent, detailed, and direct. He avidly consumes video footage of games for perspective and, unlike many fellow national team managers, is dedicated to the benefits of closed training sessions.
In Bielsa, Chile possess a formidable personality. One that qualified Argentina for the 2002 World Cup without having incurred a single loss until encountering Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England in the second game of group play. In him, Chile possess the manager of an Olympic gold medal winning team and one of the most studied coaches in the annals of football. For the approaching contests, he will rely exclusively on players selected for the Guatemala and Panama friendlies. Therefore, top-shelf players such as Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen) and Luis Jiménez (Inter Milan) will remain in the wilderness, at least at this stage of qualifying proceedings. None of the players upon whom the federation last year instituted substantial disciplinary bans as a result of alleged improper conduct, on the eve of Chile’s 6-1 Copa América capitulation to Brazil, have been invited.
Bielsa is at a critical stage of his work to advance to the World Cup finals. Although he seems to be in a buoyant and un-subdued mood, most of his work lies ahead. Nevertheless, El Loco would not be El Loco if he did not exude confidence and enigma without regard to circumstance.
Central elements of his tactical orientation, Alexis Sánchez, scorer of the brace versus Guatemala and Humberto Suazo (CF Monterrey), both strikers, are potentially unavailable. The fitness of Suazo is more questionable than that of Sánchez.
Historically, Bielsa favors a three-pronged attack and he appears to be abiding by tradition in projecting for the Bolivia and Venezuela clashes. Should neither Suazo nor Sánchez be healthy, he is likely to activate Jean Beausejour (O’ Higgins) and Daud Gazale (Deportivo Concepción) to accompany Mark González (Real Betis) up front.
Following periodic workouts with hyperbaric chambers at lower altitude, the Chileans have relocated to a town in the Atacama Desert where they hope to acclimatize in anticipation of La Paz’s high altitude. Readers will be familiar with the altitude debate which recently occupied FIFA’s attention and which restrictions have been suspended, pending further examination. Of note, the Chileans have begun practicing with balls of the type to be used during the match with Bolivia – the provision of which may not be Bolivia’s last act of courtesy.
The Chileans are one of four teams that have given up more goals than they have scored (the others are Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia), and although they presently lie even with Uruguay on points, goal difference renders Uruguay a higher position in the standings.
Chile last qualified for the WC in 1998 and in the present campaign have mustered five points from the four games played in the previous rounds. They opened the competition with a 2-0 loss in Buenos Aires and fell 3-0 in Santiago to Paraguay in the fourth match. However, to their credit, victory over Peru and a point from Uruguay were secured. As with their losses, these results were split home and away.
Towards pressing greater clarity respecting their circumstance, Bielsa is likely to employ the services of Pedro Morales (Universidad de Chile; participant at the Toulon Invitational) and Carlos Villanueva in generating creative options in attacking the Bolivian defense.
The eventual return of Cristian Alvárez (Beitar Jerusalem) and midfielder Matías Fernández (Villareal) should assist the cause. It will be up to Bielsa’s reconstituted charges to achieve the task.
Ecuador
Ecuador face Argentina in Buenos Aires on June 15 and will host Colombia in Quito, three days later. The demands of both encounters are different tactically and geographically. Against Argentina, head man Sixto Vizuete will rely on a modified 4-3-3 formation. The team will attack with two advanced midfielders operating behind a solitary forward. These players will be respectful of Argentina when the albiceleste gain possession of the ball, at which time both advanced midfielders will drop into the central line to achieve a complement of five players intent on interrupting play. Given the available personnel, Carlos Tenorio (Al Sadd; possibly Bolton or Wigan) is likely the man charged with the target role. And, Joffre Guerrón, Walter Ayoví and Cristian Benítez will be among those considered to operate in the advanced midfield role.
Versus Colombia, the 47 year old German-trained tactician is expected to employ a 4-4-2 system characterized by one slightly advanced, roving midfielder. Vizuete’s proposed formula is the application of speed on the wings and domination of the middle. No doubt, he is also counting on the support of a favorable crowd.
In total, the Ecuadorians have conceded twice as many goals as they have scored. However, Vizuete only came aboard as an interim coach in the fourth qualifier against Perú, a match Ecuador won convincingly, 5-1. The team has only scored on one other occasion.
Vizuete replaced Luis Fernando Suarez, the Colombian técnico who advanced the team to the second round of the 2006 World Cup. Unfortunately, Suarez could not replicate that form and Ecuador succumbed to three consecutive qualifying losses. Having won the gold medal at last year’s Pan American Games in Brazil, Vizuete is the first manager of an Ecuadorian national team to have secured an international title.
That achievement, combined with the battering of Perú and a victory over Mèxico U-23s, has enhanced the sporting public’s faith in his appointment. He has the nation’s support for the time being. However, he would be advised to note that, in South American qualifying, rope is longer than time.
It is likely that we have yet to see the best of Ecuador. Vizuete is cerebral and has a desire to coach outside of Ecuador. These characteristics exude motivation and they are so far visible in the institution of various innovations accruing to the benefit of his players.
Ecuador’s proposed starting line-up is José Francisco Cevallos; Jairo Campos, Iván Hurtado, Giovanny Espinoza, Isaac Mina, Joffre Guerrón, Segundo Castillo, Antonio Valencia, Edison Méndez, Walter Ayoví and Carlos Tenorio.
It is unclear whether Ulises de la Cruz will attain his 99th and 100th caps in these matches.
Perú
After a thorough thrashing from Mexico (0-4) – preceded by a loss to Spain (1-2) - the Peruvian federation has breathed momentary life into José Guillermo del Solar’s tenure at the helm of Perú’s qualification effort. On paper he has until the end of the sixth round to right the sinking ship. In actuality, his future may be his past.
Perú face Colombia in Lima on June 14 and then travel to Montevideo to meet Uruguay on June 17. It’s more than likely that the man who replaced Julio César Uribe in the job last year will fail to survive a year in the post. In fact, sources suggest that he has resigned already and that his continuation in the post is designed purely to purchase time in the acquisition of another manager; and, to avoid disruption in the squad’s preparations for this qualifying round.
Names mentioned to replace del Solar include Uruguayan Sergio Markarian (formerly Paraguay and Cruz Azul) and the Colombian, Hernán Darío Gómez. Also, speculation about the return of Uribe, who has not been shy about wanting another bite at the apple, has surfaced. However, the more likely scenario entertains Juan José Oré, Peru’s coach at the U-17 World Cup in Korea, stepping into the position.
In four qualification outings, Chemo’s men have drawn two matches and lost two. Strangely, they managed to steal a point each from two of the top three teams (Paraguay on opening day, and Brazil in Lima). However, neither Chile nor Ecuador were prepared to indulge them on home turf and both dispatched the Peruvians for a combined seven goals – most of the damage being inflicted by the Ecuadorians who were eager to rectify their goal differential dilemma. Thus, all of Perú’s decision-making from here on in, both on and off the field, is critical. The unwelcoming reception they received upon arrival in Lima should go some distance to resuscitating and redoubling the efforts of the squad and the federation.
Do not be surprised if a ray of hope emerging from these two games results in an outcry for the re-introduction of Claudio Pizarro (Chelsea), Jefferson Farfán (Schalke04), Andrés Mendoza (Steaua Bucharest) and Santiago Acasiete (UD Almería), all presently banned from representing the country.
Bolivia
In anticipation of the upcoming rounds, Bolivia was scheduled to play a friendly against Guatemala. However, this match was canceled due to an inability to facilitate effective travel arrangements for the Guatemalans. Speculation regarding an impromptu friendly versus Panamá (on tour in the region) developed, mostly through the offices of FBF president, Carlos Chavez. However, this alternative was nixed by the tactical staff and Panamá played only Chile as planned before returning home.
It is likely Bolivia may have been wary of observation by the Chileans and, worse yet, of provoking the inferences a common denominator opponent would have created. These concerns appear to be substantiated by subsequent comments expressed by team officials regarding the Bolivian media’s dissemination of insights on squad preparation. Yet, intelligence gathering works both ways. Bolivian assistant, Luis William Ramallo attended Chile’s recent triumph over visitors Guatemala and also witnessed their tame draw versus Panama. It’s unclear whether the Chileans were aware of his presence.
Bolivia trained at various locations last week but have relocated practices to the Hernando Siles stadium, the site of its upcoming qualifiers versus Chile and Paraguay. Management has likely done so for purposes of acquainting players with the stadium environment and the demands of the playing surface - with which there has been some concern.
Head coach, Platini Sánchez will likely employ a standard 4-4-2 scheme as part of measures designed to remedy the team’s failure to secure enough players behind the ball when defending. In the run-up to Bolivia’s 1994 World Cup qualification, Ramallo was utilized as a lone target. Therefore, Platini could opt for a variant of the 4-5-1. Sitting dead bottom of the table, the Bolivians are not favored with any margin of error and the match-up with Paraguay will possess implications with respect to which of Bolivia’s competitors emerges top of the table at the end of this qualifying sequence.
In the preceding rounds, the Bolivians have conceded an average of more than 3 goals per match. If they are to launch a serious effort at qualifying, stringent measures must be taken to rehabilitate the porous defense. Recent developments suggest that the manager recognizes this.
Sánchez and his charges were observed simulating routines emphasizing the importance of restricting the options and touches of an opponent’s midfield play. Consequently, it appears Bolivia’s immediate aim is to pressure the Chileans in the middle of the park. Nonetheless, control of midfield play without production in the final third will not assist Bolivia’s cause.
The squad features a handful of, foreign-based players or, players with prior foreign experience. Among them are Juan Carlos Arce, Marcelo Martins, Ronald Flores, Joselito Vaca, Nacho Garcia and the 27 year old captain Ronald Raldes (ex-Rosario Central, Argentina; now possibly bound for Nantes or Panathanaikos). Many of the players have Tahuichi backgrounds.
Bolivia’s mix of older and younger players gives it an average age of roughly 25 years. On one end of the scale are 20 and 21 year old exponents like Jhasmani Campos, Didí Torrico, Ronald Rivero, Ricardo Pedriel and the aforementioned Martins. At the other end of the spectrum are thirty year olds Leonel Reyes, Joaquín Botero, Limberg Gutiérrez and potential starting keeper, Sergio Galarza. Half of the squad is in the 25-29 year age range.
Entering the current phase without having played a single preparatory game may hamper Bolivia’s chances of rising from the cellar. Additionally, the physical environment in which the team has had to prepare has been lacking, and the mental obstacle of having to lift themselves from a tally of 1 point out of an available 12, present challenges that may be difficult for the players to surmount.
Bolivia has many talented players, but the federation is fragile. The players need exposure in order to attract attention to Bolivia but for this to happen they must gel as a group at the expense of their individual abilities. The FBF’s recent decision to consent to requests for insurance protection, during these rounds, goes immeasurable distance to giving heart to Bolivian players.
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