Monday, June 13, 2011

Yet Another Deadline Missed

Yes, the deadlines I'm under are only set by me, myself, and I... but it has been very difficult writing about Newell's Old Boys this season. The team is just finally starting to play like a team again, but only goal at the moment are to escape the embarrassment of ending the Clausura in last place. So, my goal for today is to play catch up on what's been happening.

Two weeks ago Newell's were scheduled to play at home against San Lorenzo. That game was postponed due to a planned march by certain Lepra Barras Brava who got into a bit of a shooting match with local police. Originally Newell's officials announced the game, scheduled for Saturday, would be moved to the following Tuesday... that did not happen, and I see now where the game is set to be played this Wednesday with a 7:30 PM (local time) kick off.

This weekend just past Newell's did play, away to Olimpo, and managed to gain a point for their efforts. Considering Olimpo are in fifth place the 1-1 draw was a welcome one for La Lepra. The scoring opened early in the second half when Diego Mateo was called for a foul in Newell's area giving Olimpo a penalty. Watching the footage (below) over and over again I truly can not say if the call was a good one or not. At any rate, Martín Rolle placed a perfect spot kick into the left hand side of the net while Sebastián Peratta dove the wrong way. No blaming Seba on the goal, even if he had chosen the right way to dive I do not think he would have gotten to this ball.

Some fifteen minutes later Newell's drew level as a free kick turned pinball finally found Ignacio Fideleff who headed the ball past Olimpo keeper Laureano Tombolini who had been drawn a bit out of position for the final shot. It was the big blonde defender's second goal of the Clausura, and third of his young career. With his size and ability I am sure it will not be his last.



As mentioned above Newell's next match will be at home against San Lorenzo on Wednesday. If they manage a win they will place Huracán in last place by a mere point. Then comes the final weekend of the Clausura, with Newell's playing host to Colón de Santa Fe.

Huracán, meanwhile, will make a trip to Avellaneda to face Independiente, giving Newell's a slight advantage in the race to escape last place.

There is still the mathematical possibility that Newell's could jump past one more team as Gimnasia LP are only five points ahead of them...

No comments: