Adios, Collado. (May Your Stay Away From The Primera División Be A Long One)

Referees Javier Collado and Carlos Maglio may have seen their last of Argentina's Primera División. After poor performances over the weekend, Collado mishandling Racing Club's 3-1 victory over Vélez, while Maglio was in charge of Banfield's 3-1 lost to leaders Independiente (tied with Estudientes LP with 30 points,) both men have been demoted to the National B (Argentina's second division.)

Collado and Maglio weren't the only officials to be punished over the way they handled their duties. Pablo Lunati, Federico Beligoy, and Cristian Faraoni weren't sent down to the lower division, but each are facing suspensions after making poor calls in the matches they were assigned to referee.

The mistakes sited in reports were a penalty Lunati didn't call on a foul on Ariel Ortega during River Plate's match against Godoy Cruz, Beligoy not calling a penalty on a foul on Boca’s Nico Gaitan in the area during their match against Gimnasia, while Faraoni, if I understand correctly, called for a penalty when none existed against Lanús that was converted by Colón de Sante Fe's Esteban Fuertes.

All I can say is that it's about time such action were taken. Collado is nothing more than a menace, turning ordinary matches into near riot conditions with his truly arbitrary calling of matches. I honestly feel sorry for the teams that have to deal with his antics. This weekend that will be Olimpo and Unión de Sante Fe.

Lunati is another matter, as I've never seen him work a match where he didn't appear to be almost blatantly bias. As to which is better/worst between Lunati and Collado it's hard to say, but I'd go with Collado. There have been matches that he's called where he's not bothered making any calls until they had reached a level of violence where he had no choice but to blow his whitle, and at the end of all the matches he's called that I've seen there has been reasons for the loser, indeed even the winner to complain about the officiating.

The others I have either not seen, or the matches they called that I watched did not involve any controversial calls that I could make out.

With that said, I ran across the referees who WILL be working in the Primera División this weekend:

Huracán vs Independiente: Sergio Pezzota
Argentinos Jrs vs Gimnasia: Diego Abal
Racing Club vs Banfield: Jorge Baliño
Godoy Cruz vs Chacarita Jrs: Saúl Laverni
Estudiantes vs River Plate: Néstor Pittana
Atlético Tucumán vs Rosario Central: Rafael Furchi
Boca Jrs vs San Lorenzo: Gabriel Favale.
Lanús vs Arsenal de Sarandí: Juan Pablo Pompei
Newell’s Old Boys vs Colón de Sante Fe: Patricio Loustau
Vélez Sarsfield vs Tigre: Mauro Gianini

And So, It Comes Down To This

It's do or die time, the last round. Banfield leads the Apertura by two points over Newell's Old Boys. Because of that, for the first time during the current championship two matches in the top division will be played at the same time in Argentina, Sunday at 5 pm local time. Rolando Schiavi will probably miss Newell's match against San Lorenzo due to a thigh injury, Machuca is expected to take his place. Here's our expected line up:

Sebastián Peratta
Alexis Machuca, Juan Insaurralde, Facundo Quiroga
Nahuel Roselli, Hugo Barrientos, Lucas Bernardi, Leonel Vangioni; Mauro Formica
Jorge Achucarro, Joaquín Boghossian

San Lorenzo goalkeeper has stated that they will be motivated going into the match against Newell's, and they will not be an easy opponent. All the better then, as Newell's have a tendency to play better against such opponents.

Meanwhile, Banfield's coach Julio Falcioni has blasted Newell's complaints about referees, stating that they had done so sense the 6th round. While Newell's coach Roberto Sensini did lodge a petition to the AFA regarding the way referee Pablo Lunati handled the match against Arsenal, that was during the 16th round. Sure, fans had made complaints earlier than that, and certainly any fan with any sense would complain any time his team has a match assigned to Javier Collado, but that's all part of being a sports fan.

Sensini had also earlier in the season proclaimed that his team were not quite yet worthy of being champions. On the other hand Falcioni has come out and started talking about how his team is oh so much better than every other team in the league. It's like his team has already laid claim to the title. He's lucky that Boca Jrs has nothing to play for but pride, and, from what I've read, will be sending out less then their best side. Unfortunately for him and his team, when Boca have done this earlier in the Apertura they have played their best futbol.

Below are the scheduled referees for the final matches.

Argentinos Juniors-Huracán, Cristian Faraoni.
Lanús-Independiente, Carlos Maglio.
Newell´s-San Lorenzo, Héctor Baldassi.
Boca-Banfield, Diego Abal.
Tigre-River, Néstor Pitana.
Racing-Chacarita Juniors, Jorge Baliño.
Vélez-Rosario Central, Pablo Lunati.
Atlético Tucumán-Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, Sergio Pezzotta.
Godoy Cruz-Arsenal, Saúl Laverni.

In the end, no matter what happens, Newell's have had a very successful Apertura. They've done far better than anyone could have expected, and qualified for the Libertadores. They are Champions in the hearts of La Lepra faithful, regardless of what tomorrow brings.

Thoughts On The World Cup 2010 Draw

I know, I know... the World Cup Draw happened Friday, and every one else in the world has had their say by now. Well, I have not been feeling well, and I had other things to post about on Friday. Besides, better late than never, right?

So, here's my thoughts on the drawing for World Cup 2010 in South Africa:

Every big tournament has a Group Of Death, and while South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and France certainly don't constitute such, this may still be the toughest group to choose who is going to make it to the second round. Let's call them the Group of Dearth. South Africa, as hosts, have the home advantage, and surely will get all the calls going their way. Mexico struggled early in the last stage of qualifying as they played on the road due to the swine flu scare, but once they got back to playing at home climbed right back up where they belong. Uruguay and France both had to win playoffs to make it to South Africa, France making it through with a bit of controversy thanks to Thierry Henry's hand ball assist against Ireland. Flip a few coins, roll a few dice... I'm gonna go with France and Uruguay making out of this group, if only because they'll be going into the tournament with something to prove.

This one should be easier, Argentina should be top of this group, right? But, wait, Maradona's still at the helm, and they barely managed to qualify directly. That said, I still have to go with Argentina making to the second round. After that, it's a bit harder a call, though I'd be surprised if Greece makes it... so flip another coin, heads it's Nigeria joining Argentina in making to the second round, tails it's South Korea.

England should be a sure thing, but I'm hoping they lay an egg. As for the USA, they won't be in Europe, which is where they always falter, so they should make it through as well. Algeria and Slovenia with both be tough opponents to be sure, but surely after their early exit in Germany back in 2006 the Yanks will be out to prove that making it to the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup wasn't a fluke.

Germany should be very happy with this group, and shouldn't have any problems making it past this lot. They do, however, have a shadow hanging over them, as Robert Enke, who was expect to be their starting keeper for the tournament committed suicide by stepping in from of an on coming train in early November. That could effect the spirit of the entire team, but how is, of course, the question. Still, while they have not been convincing of late, the Germans always seem to save their best performances for World Cup play. Australia, Serbia, and Ghana? I've got to go with Ghana making it through to the second round, though the Ausies could well pull the upset.

Netherlands should make it through, as should Denmark. Netherlands breezed through their qualifiers, winning all 8 of their games by scoring 17 goals and only conceding 2, but had an easier group than the Danes. Cameroon could well pull off an upset, as the Indomitable Lions are not a team to take lightly. Japan will be lucky if they can finish third in this group, but thanks for coming.

The Italians should top this group, even second place should cause shame amongst the Azzurri. Paraguay, with their near perfection of the counter attacking system should take out Slovakia, who showed defensive weakness during qualifying (giving up 10 goals in 10 games as a group leader is nearly unheard of) if they can keep the high scoring Slovakia in check themselves. New Zealand will be lucky if they avoid the label of worst team of the tournament.

Finally, we come to the true Group of Death. Brazil should lead the group when all is said and done, but after that? North Korea and the Ivory Coast are capable sides. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo, whom many consider the best player in the world at the moment. Every match in this group should be highly entertaining affairs, but when the dust clears I expect Portugal will join Brazil in reaching the second round.

This should be easy for Spain, despite losing to the USA in the Confederations Cup, still have to be considered the best national team in the world at the moment, unless your a Brazil fan, of course. Switzerland topped their qualifying group, but it couldn't have been easier for them, as their only real opponents were second place Greece. Honduras did well to qualify, but I think they will find themselves in over their heads on the world stage. Chile, then, should be able to sneak through to the second round. They played very will in South American qualifiers, but in truth I wouldn't be surprised if they falter, leaving an opening for the Swiss.


In other news, the rumor of Javier Collado retiring seems to have proved false, as he refereed Argentinos Jrs 2-1 win over San Lorenzo. I've seen no word on there being any trouble, and have no doubt that, after the fiasco following Newell's game at Colón, he was on his best behavior.

Don't Let The Door Hit You On Your Way Out

First, the bit of news I can confirm. River Plate coach Leonardo Astrada as told Cristian "El Ogro" Fabbiani that his services are no longer need at the club. Having returned to Argentina to play with Newell's Old Boys for the Apertura 2008, El Ogro played brilliantly, endearing himself to the fans, but turned his back on us when Eduardo Lopez lost his presidency to Guillermo Lorente. When Lorente took over, El Ogro demanded a move, and only River Plate would do.

Reporting to River for training for the Clausura 2009 out of shape, which could not have pleased the board of Los Millonarios. Due to the long negotiations between he was also late in starting his training with his new club, and started the season as a second half sub. Even so, he once again showed good form, and was earning the adoration of a new set of fans.

It wasn't long though, before his form dropped, along with the weight he had gained between championships. For the Apertura 2009, River surely had high hopes for the striker, as he was able to train with the club during the full off season, but after only playing in 9 matches out of the teams 16 played, and with no goals to his credit, Astrada had enough.

No surprise, really, it's been Fabbiani's way through out his career. Other than Lanus, his original club, he hasn't spent more than a year with any team. His contract is still held by Romanian club CFR Cluj, he was only on loan with Newell's, and then River, but will they want him back? At this point, would any team take a risk on him?

The second bit of business I haven't found another source for, but according to an article from Momento 24 Javier Collado is considering retirement. If he does retire, I can only imagine every futbol fan in Argentina, every fan of Argentine futbol in the world, joining as one to celebrate as if their team had just one a championship by beating their biggest rival on the last day of the season.

Now, I suppose I could be wrong. Collado could have a fan or two out there, and, if by any chance, you are one of them, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you. Really.

And Now, A Word Against The Ref

Colón de Santa Fe's Germán “Pirulo” Rivarola, a former Canalla, has stated that the reason he kicked the ball at Collado as the referee blew the final whistle was that the official had insulted him during the match. “Within the first 5 minutes of the match I approached him to argue a foul that Schiavi had made on Nieto, and he said 'f*k you, you mother f*ker, sod off’”, the midfielder said. He went on to say that he hadn't really intended to strike the official, but that seems a bit far fetched to me.

Colón’s president, German Lerche, will be filing a formal complaint with AFA (Asociación del Fútbol Argentino.) I don't know how well that's going to go over, as five of their players have received suspensions from AFA's disciplinary board for their actions after the Rivarola's red card, for which he receives an automatic suspension. Joining him are keeper Diego Pozo, defenders Marcelo Goux and Ariel Garcé, as well as forward Esteban Fuertes.

And lets not forget that Hugo Barrientos will also be serving a suspension. With Hugo getting playing time due to Diego Mateo's injury, I have to wonder what sort of line up Sensini can cook up for Sunday's match against Arsenal de Sarandí.


Here is the referee list for the weekend, officials yet to work a Newell's match again in bold:

Estudiantes de La Plata - Chacarita Juniors, Rafael Furchi.
Godoy Cruz - Rosario Central, Mauro Giannini.
Huracán - Banfield, Héctor Baldassi.
Racing Club - Tigre, Patricio Loustau.
Argentinos Juniors - San Lorenzo, Javier Collado.
Atlético Tucumán - Colón de Santa Fe, Juan Pablo Pompei.
Boca Juniors - Independiente, Saúl Laverni.
Vélez Sarsfield - River Plate, Néstor Pittana.
Newell's - Arsenal, Pablo Lunati.
Lanús - Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, Cristian Faraoni

Wait... something is wrong with this picture, let me double check... yes, Pablo Lunati will be working his first game involving Newell's this Apertura. Amazing.

And, of course, my condolences to Argentinos Juniors and San Lorenzo for drawing the short straw, and having to deal with Collado.

Lastly, I've changed the Poll app, so get your votes in for Newell's best player of the Apertura!

Not Even Collado Can Bring Down Newell's

I got home just in time to see that Newell's were up 1-0, and to see Collado red card Barrientos for tossing the ball too far when returning it to the Colón after a foul. Bastard. (Barrientos was already on a yellow card from earlier in the match, but, from what I saw, Collado gave him a straight red.) Then, in the 16 minutes of the game I managed to see (including 6 minutes of injury time,) I twice saw Colón players jump onto the backs of Newell's players as if they expecting to be able to ride them, and while Collado did give a yellow on the one, he only called a foul on the second. Idiot.

Then, as he blew the whistle to end the game, Colón midfielder Germán Rivarola kicked the ball and struck Collado with it, which did result in a red card. That's when the entire Colón team started swarming around him, and soon the police with their riot shields came out to keep them from their quarry. I've said before that when Collado referees the loser will always have a reason blame him... if this doesn't prove that point, I don't know what will.

But enough about the insufferable officiating. Boghossian scored in the 65th minute to give Newell's the win, and a claim to sole possession of first place with three matches to go. It was a beauty of a goal, and the big man deserves all the credit for it, as he dribbled, that's right he dribbled, through two defenders, while a third tried to come from behind before drilling a shot past Colón goalkeeper Diego Pozo.

Please note that I have added a poll to the right to determine Newell's best player during the Apertura. A few weeks after the end of the season I will close this poll, and try and come up with a new one for the summer (I know it's winter here, where I'm writing this) break.

Up next Arsenal de Sarandí visit the soon to be renamed Coloso. More on that later... right now it's time to celebrate!

And Now, A Word From The Ref

Diego Abal, the referee who handled the clásico between Newell's Old Boys and Rosario Central over the weekend, has come out and explained why he didn't halt the match when a knife was thrown onto the field near Newell's keeper Sebastián "El Flaco" Peratta from a section of Sinas. "Clearly a knife on the field is something abnormal, but had I decided to suspend everything it would have been like I was trying to make myself the figure of the match," Adal stated plainly, or as close as I can translate (once again, with a bit of help from Babelfish.)

While no one was harmed, it does go to prove that Central has a ways to go before they have their Barras Bravas under control, and that security at El Coloso may need to be tightened even further for such matches. Still, it's far less trouble than we could have expected had Lorente not become president at Newell's.

The sunglasses which Peratta wore for a brief moment were also thrown by Sinas, but that is hardly anything to complain about. If anything, it gave Sebastián a souvenir from the encounter.

Meanwhile, the officials for this weekend's matches have been announced, and the fact that once again Javier Collado has been drawn to handle a Newell's game is making me forget the displeasure of the tie with Central. Once again I have to ask, just who decides on the referee assignments?

Following is the full list of referees, once again the referees yet to call a Newell's match are in bold:
Rosario Central-Atlético Tucumán, Luis Alvarez.
Independiente-Huracán, Nestor Pittana.
Chacarita Juniors-Godoy Cruz, Carlos Maglio.
River Plate-Estudiantes de La Plata, Federico Beligoy.
San Lorenzo-Boca Juniors, Héctor Baldassi.
Tigre-Vélez Sarsfield, Pablo Lunati.
Banfield-Racing, Sergio Pezzotta.
Arsenal-Lanús, Mauro Giannini.
Colón-Newell's Old Boys, Javier Collado.
Gimnasia y Esgrima (LP)-Argentinos Juniors, Juan Pablo Pompei.

Even worst than having Collado again, the game against Colón has been scheduled for Monday, at a time slot when I'll be at work. Please, someone wake me up and tell me this is all just a nightmare, and that the clásico is only just about to start.

Surviving Collado

In all honesty, I'd have to say that Javier Collado called today's match between Newell's Old Boys and River Plate about as well as he's capable of doing. Sadly, he didn't call anything but the most flagrant of fouls, which in part explains the fact that for Newell's 6 fouls, they received 3 yellows, while River earned 6 yellows while being called for 8 fouls.

It could also explain why Barrientos spent much of the game with his head bandaged, while Achucarro went down injured as he was barring in on goal in the 44th minute. Simply put, if you don't call the fouls that should be called, the viciousness of the infractions will increase. In that respect, it's a good thing we were playing against River, who have never been known as a physical team.

Newell's dominated the much of the match, and it wasn't long before they took the lead, as Boghossian scored in the fourth minute. It's taken a while, but as he continues to score I've come to appreciate him. This goal was a nice half volley that Bogho looped over River's keeper Vega, something I'd never have expected the big man to do.

River looked, well, like anything but a River Plate team. There really was only one man on their side was 5'3" midfielder Diego Buonanotte, who gave Newell's a few scares before he evened things up in the 63rd minute. Up to that point I thought Newell's were certain to win, and as things worked out it was Boghossian with another brilliant header in the 79th minute that earned the three points for the home side.

What was really odd was seeing a River team play with a lone forward, our old friend "El Ogro" Fabbiani, who has yet to score this season in the nine games he's played. He was a shadow of the player that we saw during the last Apertura, his dribbling got him no where, and he never looked like a threat to score.

Mauro Fórmica did not have his best game offensively tonight, but did crack a shot from range that Vega handled easily, as well as making a couple of nice tackles the defused River from trying to put together a threat. I can't blame Mauro for not being effective offensively, any time he got the ball in the attacking third he soon had up to three defenders to deal with.

"El Burrito" Ortega did not dress for the match, but was at the game, sitting along the sidelines. He seemed to be enjoying watching the action, and one can only hope that he will eventually be able to deal with the fact that is career is nearing it's end. I'm sure with his love of the game he'll find a position somewhere in River's front office, on the bench as a coach, or maybe even covering the game as an announcer or reporter... if he can over come his demons.

Well, for now, Newell's are in sole possession of first place, with Banfield yet to play. That being the case, tomorrow call me a Cuervo, as I'll be hoping for San Lorenzo to do us a favor and beat "El Taladro."

Next week Newell's visit another old friend, as they play Chacarita Juniors, who's current coach is former Newell's player and coach Fernando Gamboa. By then, however, he may have moved on, as it's rumored that the AFA are interested in adding Gamboa to the national team's staff.

Referee Announced & Tales Of The Drunken Donkey

Please tell me it's a lie. Please tell me that the AFA did not just announce that Newell's match against River Plate will be refereed by... wait for it... Javier Collado. Fact is, there a list of all the referees for all of the up coming weekend's match ups:

Argentinos Juniors-Rosario Central, Mauro Giannini.
Independiente-Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, Carlos Maglio.
Lanús-Chacarita Juniors, Jorge Baliño.
Godoy Cruz-Racing, Rafael Furchi.
Newell's Old Boys-River Plate, Javier Collado.
Atlético Tucumán-Tigre, Cristian Faraoni.
San Lorenzo-Banfield, Sergio Pezzotta.
Estudiantes de La Plata-Vélez Sarsfield, Diego Abal.
Boca Juniors-Colón de Santa Fe, Luis Alvarez.

Looking at the list, there are three officials who have yet to handle a Newell's contest: Mauro Giannini, Cristian Faraoni, and Sergio Pezzotta. Instead we get Collado, who we've already had to suffer through twice. It's enough to have me pulling my hair out, which I've already lost enough of over the years.

Meanwhile Ariel Ortega did in fact leave River before their game againt Lanús. He is once again having alcoholism problems, this is nothing new with Ortega, as we've seen this behavior from him in the past. The president of River had a talk with "El Burrito" and convinced him to try a new treatment, and he has returned to training.
The above picture was found in the blog: Washington Cube.

In truth, I hope Ariel does get his alcoholism under control, but in the past he has made statements that he turns to the bottle because he's depressed by the fact that he can no longer play as he once did. At 35 he's not going to go back to where he was when he was in his prime, and heavy drinking is only going to speed the effects of aging. As a Newell's fan, I do have to give him credit for his part in bring us a title back in the Apertura 2004, even if his heart was with River even then.

One last note, the following picture is from a Halloween party from over the weekend, which one Eduardo Lopez tried to crash. Unfortunately for him, his costume made him far too recognizable, and he was quickly removed from the premises.

Racing Club Fall As Newell's Win Third In A Row

Juan Insaurralde scored off a corner turned pinball game... I swear every Lepra in the area touched the ball at least once as it was headed about until it finally passed the goal line for Newell's 1-0 victory over (pause) you know I'd say struggling, but how can you say that Racing Club are struggling when they've been playing this way for, well, how long now?

I couldn't watch this game, as I was at work, so I can't say much about it. Sánchez Prette received a red card in the 77th minute. I'm not sure if it was direct, as he was already on a yellow from earlier in the game. The only silver lining there is that it means that Formica will no doubt be starting come Sunday's game at Tigre.

Below is the video of the intense pinball action, er, Insaurralde's goal.


Going back to the win over Vélez Sarsfield, Leandro Somoza, who plays in the midfield for that team, is bitching about referee Javier Collado. Collado it seems influenced the out come of the match. I can't blame Leandro for complaining, really, as Collado called an absolutely terrible match. Thing is, if he was trying to influence the result, why toss Sensini out of the match? Or card Peratta? Or card Achucarro for diving, when a similar situation in the first half saw the Vélez forward unpunished?

I've heard two thoughts on Peratta's yellow. One, of course, was left in a comment by Jeremy, is that he was mouthing off. The other was suggested by Aine, a fellow Lepra Facebooker, who put forth the idea that Peratta may be the first keeper to be booked for wasting time while his team was lossing. In either case, the card was rather arbitrary. I did happen to look away from the game when the ball went out for the goal kick, but only for a second or two. When I looked back, Collado was approaching the keeper, reaching for the yellow card.

Sure, there was Formica's hand ball that could have been called for a penalty, but that, along with a dozen other bad calls during the game, only proves that Collado is incompetent. So, Somoza, if you wish to complain, take a number and get in line. If there is anyone who's happy with Collado as a referee, they belong in a straitjacket.

The Giant Storms The Fort

I love it when I'm forced to eat my own words. Earlier this week I wrote about how I haven't been convinced of the quality of one Antonio Joaquín Boghossian (at 6'5" he's a giant for a futbol player,) so what happens this evening? He scores twice, and hits the crossbar once, all while using the feet that I said were good for nothing but standing on while he headed the ball... leading Newell's to a 2-1 win over away to Vélez Sarsfield, where La Lepra had not won 2003, when we won 3-0. This marks only the 7th time we've managed a win away to El Fortin.

Now, I'm not going to do a complete turn around here. Sure, Boghossian played one hell of a game tonight, but he also completely whiffed on a couple of chances as well. Not that he was the only one, as Sánchez Prette did not have his best game today... which isn't to say he was bad, just not as effective as he has been.

The best player for Newell's today was veteran Rolando Schiavi. Not only was he his usual stalwart self on defense, but he also made his presence known at the other end, setting up Bogho's first goal.

There were a couple of changes from the team that beat Estudiantes last week. Machuca was back in defense, while Nahuel Roselli moved up to the right side of midfield in place of Franco Dolci. Dolci hadn't been played badly, really, but I would say he's been our weakest player over all. I did like what I saw of Roselli in midfield today. For the second half he moved back to defense, as Formica came on at the half for Machuca.

Of course, having said all that, mid week Dolci will start and end up being the best player on the field against Racing Club...

I also have to mention that I was far from impressed with referee Javier Collado. Early in the first half he called a foul on Newell's as two players stripped a Vélez defender of the ball just outside of the Vélez penalty area. From what I could see it looked clean, and Sensini seemed to agree. He voiced his displeasure, and Collado tossed him for his trouble.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. While Collado didn't call a penalty in the first half when a Vélez player went down inside of Newell's penalty area, he didn't pull a yellow for diving... which he later would do when Achucarro went down in Vélez's area in the second half, which looked like a legit foul to me. He also didn't call for a penalty when Boghossian nearly got a hold of a long ball sent into the area, but was held back as the Vélez defender had a firm hold of his jersey.

Not that Vélez didn't have cause to complain, either. Late in the second half, Vélez had a free kick just outside and to the right of Newell's area, and the ensuing cross appeared to have been deflected by Formica's hand.

Still, the questionable calls, in all, seemed to favor Vélez more than they did Newell's, which, once the game ended, only makes this win that much sweeter. (If anyone can tell me just why Collado carded Peratta, please do. I'm still scratching my head over that one.) The only thing that was missing was a princess to save, and a Spaniard seeking revenge on a six fingered man to turn this win into a fairy tale.