Newell's Face Chacarita On Friday The 13th

This might just seem like any other date on the fixture calender to most Newell's fans, but here, in this strange land I live in, we're a bit superstitious about any Friday that ends up as the 13th day of the month. Adding to that it's a match against Chacarita Juniors, who's nickname is Los Funebreros - The Undertakers. The fact that we are just 13 days past Halloween doesn't help, either.

As I mentioned previously, Newell's will be visiting an old friend in the form of Chacarita's coach Fernando Gamboa, but he's not the only former Lepra currently plying his trade with Los Funebreros. Diego Crosa and Cristian Grabinski anchor Chacarita's defense, while Sebastián Cejas has started five games in goal for the team in the red, white, and black strips. Cejas played 170 matches for Newell's from 1994 through 2001, and scored 6 goals during that time. Most, if not all of those, were no doubt from the penalty spot.

Cejas scores from the spot against Boca Jrs.

Sensini has announced the starting 11 for Friday's match up: Peratta; Machuca, Schiavi, Fideleff; Roseli, Barrientos, Bernardi, Vangioni; Sánchez Prette; Formica, Boghossian. Achucarro's injury wasn't serious, but he will be in France on national team duty with Paraguay. Cristian Sánchez Prette will be allowed to play because of article 225, which I can't say I'm all that familiar with, but appears to allow a team to field a suspended player if another in unavailable due to national team duty.

Again Newell's a getting a referee who's already worked two of their games this Apertura. This time it's Juan Pablo Pompei, and while I can't say I remember much about how he's called the matches, the fact that both the games ended in draws isn't encouraging. I suppose I should be happy that we're not seeing Collado again, as San Lorenzo and Independiente are the unlucky pairing to have him work their match. My condolences to both teams.

Here's the full fixture list for this weekend, along with the scheduled referee:

Friday the 13th:
Chacarita-Newell's, at Argentinos Juniors stadium, Juan Pablo Pompei.
Tigre-Godoy Cruz, Patricio Lousteau.

Saturday the 14th:
Banfield-Vélez Sarsfield, Héctor Baldassi.
Colón-Argentinos Juniors, Cristian Faraoni.

Sunday the 15th:
San Lorenzo-Independiente, Javier Collado.
River Plate-Atlético Tucumán, Mauro Giannini.
Arsenal-Boca Juniors, Sergio Pezzotta.

Monday the 16th:
Racing-Estudiantes de La Plata, Pablo Lunati.
Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata-Huracán, Rafael Furchi.
Rosario Central-Lanús, Néstor Pittana.

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.

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.

Speaking From The Heart - Confessions Of A Formica Fanatic

As those who have been following this blog know, I am a big fan of Mauro "Gato" Formica. As far as I'm concerned, he was screwed out of a position in the starting 11 during the first few games, when Newell's were playing long balls from the back to the forwards, bypassing the midfield entirely. With that style of play there simply was no reason to be playing a playmaking midfielder to begin with. It's no wonder that Formica didn't look good in these games. It's hard to impress when your not getting the ball.

So, "Gato" is out, and in comes Cristian Sánchez Prette, just in time for Sensini to realize that maybe playing long balls all the time isn't the way to go. Sánchez Prette has played will, and I can't complain about him being included in the lineup. I'd just prefer Formica.

Well, Mauro is quite capable of playing as a striker as well. But Achucarro has been playing well, which would be the logical switch, so... I suggested Formica be played rather than Boghossian. Boghossian is, physically, the definition of the traditional No 9. The man is huge, standing 6'5", and weighing in at 176 lbs (194 cm, 80 kg.) Mauro is no were near that, at 5'10", and 163 lbs (176 cm, 74 kg.)

Thing is, Boghossian has failed to impress me... well, other than his heading ability. While I can't claim to have seen every minute of every game he's played, what I have seen of Bogho has been a player that can't pass, and every shot he's taken that wasn't a header was straight at the opposing keeper.

Further more, I suppose there's an argument to keep Formica out of the starting line up. One of the things I noticed during the recent game he started in place of Achucarro, who was off playing for Paraguay, was that every time Mauro had the ball he was soon fouled. Often violently (well, short of card-able offenses, but still.) Also, "Gato" is still young. At 21 years old he has plenty of time to continue to develop his game, and work his way back to claiming the role he had during the Clausura. But for now the best player on the team will have to settle for coming on as a sub, and getting the occasional start.

Every Dog Has His Day

There were thoughts before the match that Sensini might return to a four man back line, due to the absence of Schiavi, as the defender sat out this home game against Atlético Tucumán because of the red card he received at the end of last week's match. Instead we had three in the back, as Newell's have been playing, but Insaurralde was the only regular starter out of the three defenders. The other two were Nacho Fideleff, and Nahuel Roselli.

This did nothing to aid Atlético, as all three defenders played will. The few chances that did get by them Peratta handled in a fashion that I'm becoming accustom to seeing out of him. If he had better hands (there were a couple of stops that he made that I'd have liked to have seen him catch the ball cleanly) I'd be making a case for him to be called up to the Albicelestes.

While it's hard to pick out one outstanding player in this game, I will single out the individual whom I think had the worst. Antonio Joaquín Boghossian, what were you doing out there most of this game? No, you didn't play badly, you did put in the cross to Insaurralde for the first goal. But other than that, you passing was weak, for all your height you didn't win any important headers... Still, he didn't cost us anything, so I can't be too upset.

But the second goal wins my point, I think. Sánchez Prette put a nice pass up to Achucarro. There were two defenders back, and Boghossian was to Achucarro's left. Achucarro beat one defender, and the second went to challenge him, leaving Bogossian wide open, he would have only had to beat Lucas Ischuk in Atlético's net. Not a chance, Achucarro took the shot, and it was Newell's 2-0.

The third goal was my favorite of the Apertura so far. Mauro Fórmica came on with around ten minutes to go, and I wasn't happy about that. In my book, he's got to be starting, though I have to admit that Sánchez Prette has been doing a good job as our playmaker. Coming in for Sánchez Prette, I didn't think Mauro would have enough time to do much of anything in this game. Boy, was I wrong! Though he muffed a free kick, he was playing more like the Fórmica we know and love, weaving through defenders, laying off passes to teammates. And then, in the 88th minute, Cristian Nuñez made a break into the penalty area from the left, found Mauro coming up the middle, and Newell's were up 3-0.

So, now it's time to make a new plea to Sensini. Get Fórmica back into the starting line up. Put him up front in place of Boghossian, or in the playmaker role in place of Sánchez Prette, or even on the right side of midfield, where Dolci has played well, but not outstanding, but do it, please, for the fans, and for the team.

There was also a brief (30 second) delay in the game as the pitch was invaded... by a black dog that ran on the field during the 15th minute. If having canines run onto the field produces this kind of results, can we have one such delay every game?

In other good news, Arsenal took care of Central 1-0, so the Sinas have lost two in a row now. Could a Lepra have a better day?

Bravo! Newell's Beat Lanús In Buenos Aires

What a difference from the first four games! Newell's played well, and there were far fewer long balls up the middle. I don't know who got into Sensini's head, but I'd like to shake his hand! Not only did the change in tactics produce a 2-0 win, but both goals were scored by our forwards, Achucarro bagged the first in the 21st minute after a brief battle for the ball in the penalty area, while Boghossian got the second with a beautiful header in the 54th.

Boghossian did miss what should have been an easy chance later in the game, when Achucarro feed him from the left. As the announcers pointed out, if the game were still tied, or if Lanús were leading at that point, it would have lead to a lot of criticism for the young Uruguayan. Instead, let's acknowledge the efforts made by Lanús keeper Caranta to get back in position to make the save.

While Caranta was the best player for his team, I have to say that Peratta was better still. He made a number of fine saves, never appeared to be out of position. Still, I'd have to say the man of the match was Achucarro, who never gave up on any ball he had a chance at, and it paid off for him a number of times.
Goal: Achucarro
Goal: Boghossian

The only thing I'm worried about now is that we played a 3-4-3. Playing with 3 defenders against a Lanús team that is not exactly starting the season well, that's one thing. I'm not sure how well it will hold up against better opponents.

Not much to complain about as far as the referee went. Diego Abal did a decent enough job... save for missing the elbow to Bernardi's face/neck in the 30th minute. That should have been at least a yellow.



In other good news, Jeremy has reappeared. He posted a pregame note yesterday.

Welcome back, Jeremy!

Mateo, Barrientos, Achurcarro In - Road Trip To Uruguay Announced

Newell's have already added three in coming players: midfielders Diego Mateo (from Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy,) Hugo Barrientos (from Huracán,) and paraguayian forward Jorge Achucarro (from Atlas de México.) Mateo and Barrientos are both in their 30's, while I believe Achucarro is 27.


Achucarro scoring during a game in 2007

For Mateo, it's a home coming. After spending the last three years with three different teams, he will come back to the team that he started his career with. If this is any indication, Newell's will continue playing with two defense midfielders, though, if I'm not mistaken, he has also been used as a defender in the past.

Ivan Pillud is off to Spain, with Espanyol on loan, but he was only on loan from Tiro Federal to start with, so no incoming cash for Newell's on that deal. Armani will no doubt return to Tiro Federal.

Salcedo's rumored to want to go to Independiente. Considering his lack of form for River during the Apertura, and then with Newell's in the Clausura, I have to wonder why anyone would want him at all.

Hernán Bernadello is going to Almería in Spain. This, in my opinion, is the biggest loss for Newell's so far this off season. Hernán, who will be 23 on August 3rd, has played a solid role as a holding defender, and was a threat to score with his strong right foot when allowed to venture forward. He's a huge fan favorite, and will be missed by every Lepra the world over.

Atalanta in Italy are interested in Leonel Vangioni. Leo has held the left side of the midfield admirably. He has a good shot with both feet, and is only 22 years of age. While he doesn't have the same kind of fan base as Bernadello, it may well be harder to find someone who can fill his shoes on the left of midfield.

In preparation for the up coming Apertura 09, Newell's will be traveling to Uruguay, facing Peñarol on August 2nd, and then either Danubio or Defensor Sporting on either the following Thursday or Friday.

This is a good move, as compared to the usual playing warm up matches against lower division teams. While I have no illusions that the league in Uruguay is as good as that of Argentina, Peñarol are a powerhouse in that country, having played in 78 years in the top division with out a single relegation, winning 36 domestic league titles. Their worst finish ever was 14th, well above the relegation zone.

Playing in Uruguay also gives some of Newell's players who have never played outside of Argentina a taste of playing internationally. Hopefully this will inspire them into qualifying for the Libertadores sometime in the near future.

(Yes, I know Uruguay is just short boat trip over Río de la Plata. But with the shoe string budget Newell's is on these days...)

International House Of Paraguayan Strikers?

No. No, no, no... please tell me this is just a rumor. A joke. A very bad joke at that.

I just came across a report that Newell's are chasing yet another Paraguayan forward. The thought is that we're not going to be able to retain Leandro Armani, who is on loan from Tiro Federal... but I just don't see the need for A) the need for another striker, and B) another Paraguayan striker at that.

If it were up to me we'd be looking to get rid of Paraguayan's Salcedo and Da Silva. Instead I'm seeing a report that Jorge Daniel Achucarro may be joining Da Silva in Rosario from his current team in Mexico, Atlas, while Salcedo may be on his way back to River Plate.

OK, sure, if Armani goes, and we get rid of Salcedo and Da Silva, it appears that we're very thin up top. Damián Steinert would be the only striker left from the current squad. But that's deceptive, in my opinion.

I'd still like to see Steinert get some real playing time to prove himself one way or the other. Diego Torres had a wonderful Apertura, but has been placed in the reserve team before the Clausura started. Both Formica and Sperdutti are capable of playing up front.

Leo Torres proved that he could play in midfield during the Apertura, but now only gets time on the field off the bench. Pablo Pérez, if given playing time, could still prove a useful player in midfield. Moving Formica and/or Sperdutti to the front line would not create a hole in midfield that couldn't be filled.

Please, someone wake me from this nightmare!