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Round five - two coaches gone
AfterRound five in the CONMEBOL round-robin World Cup qualifying competition, two national coaches have either vacated their posts or been fired after results that have brought them back to reality.
It started innocently enough. Argentina hosting and defeating fellow 2002 finalists Ecuador 1-0. Argentina were always favourites for the match but it was always going to be a test of how strong the attacks were, both sides boasting after round four the best defences in the league. But when Hernan Crespo shot on the hour, it became more of a case on weather Ecuador could then penetrate the rock solid Argentinian defence. it wasn't to be however.
La Paz was however the first stop off for the coach chopping block where Bolivian boss, Chilian born Nelson Acosta, failed to beat Chile at altitude. The home territory of Bolivia is often a tough assignment for visiting teams and Chile was seen not only as a political opponent but an opponent Bolivia should have beaten at home. However goals on 37 minutes by Moises Villarroel and 59 minutes by Mark Gonzalez sealed Acosta's fate as national team coach. He resigned from the position soon after.
The match of the round was played on the following Wednesday when Paraguay hosted Brazil. With both teams looking for a win to take top place neither side could afford to lose. And maybe to much emphisis was put on this, neither side able to get through in a very lackluster affair. With Brazil such a high quality nation the result, along with only 8 points from 4 previous matches, has seen a media flurry, critisising their flare. More so the lack of flare. However brazil have no alot to worry about, sitting comfortably in third on the table, two points behind Argentina and one behind Paraguay.
Uruguay received what could be described as the biggest shock in their history, going down to once-upon-a-time easybeats Venezuela 3-0. Venezuela played out of their skins while Uruguay were extremely ordinary. It started with an 18th minute strike from Gabriel Urdaneta set the surprise packets off. Hector Gonzalez struck 17 minutes after half time. to push the sword in further for Uruguayan coach Juan Ramón Carrasco. Finally, Venezuelan star striker Juan Arango ended the match in fashion with a 77th mionute goal.
The comprehensive 3-0 loss at home meant Carrasco would be fired from his position a week later.
The final match between Peru and Colombia proved to be one for the managers again. Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda was struggling with only a single point from four matches. Peru however had a better than expected start, sitting on five points from four matches. However with Colombia struggling they were expected to defeat the normally competitive side.
Goals from Freddy Grisales (30') and Frankie Oviedo (42') put the bottom placed nation ahead and they held the lead to take home the three points and save Rueda's job, for now. Instead Peru coach Paulo Autuori was thrown in the ring of under performing coaches but he has resisted, saying he won't resign from his post. Auturi stated he was a straight forward man and when something was going to be decided he'd announce it, refusing to play games and dance around the issues.
So after five rounds Argentina lead on 11 points, paraguay second on 10 points. Brazil and Venezuela share 9 points each, the world champs ahead on goal difference. The dog fight for the play-off spot is currently between Chile and uruguay who are locked on 7 points each. Chile leads however due to a single goal positive difference to Uruguay's even standings. While still in the picture Peru sit in seventh on 5 points. Colombia and 2002 finalists Ecuadorsit in equal eighth on 4 points from 5 matches. Ecuador edging out Colombia on goal difference thanks to a steady defence as opposed to Colombia's leaking one earlier in the tornament. Occupying the wooden spoon position however are Bolivia who often struggle against their South American opponents. After five rounds they have one win and four losses for a total of 3 points and a negative seven goal difference.
11 April, 2004 |
