Comments on: Your quick guide: Copa Libertadores groups drawn

By: profootballcaulk

profootballcaulk — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:15:51 +0000

Blog spot.pitacodogringo and he runs a show on GolTV called FootBrasil

By: centrocampistadeleste

centrocampistadeleste — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:14:30 +0000

You´re right, Zava, I have played football and I´m from Europe, but I simply cannot watch European cups, since it´s all about few big clubs, which can buy anything. There are also money in South America and Mexico, but it´s much more about soul and surprises happen (unlike in Europe) and Copas are pretty unpredictable. Therefore I prefer Western Hemisphere. You got it, problem is language. So, do you know some webpages or blogs about leagues in Southern and Central America in English or German? I think, they could gain big popularity in Europe, if the people could read about it.

By: profootballcaulk

profootballcaulk — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:19:40 +0000

I gotta wholeheartedly disagree. Flu is a yes but Caracas? I see all 3 other teams stronger top to bottom but then again I rarely if ever catch Venezuelan soccer. LDU is simply tough and Gremio had a wonderful 2nd half unlike Atletico-Mineiro who were front runners and got caught.

By: zava55

zava55 — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 17:55:23 +0000

This tournament is great. It deserves much more attention then what it gets. I got to somewhat disagree with the UCL being “perfect” because there are plenty of minnow teams in that competition. And it shocks me every time when there is an “upset” at the Club World Cup according to the media. The History of the Intercontinental Cup and Club World Cup: UEFA has 22 Intercontinental Cups to CONMEBOL’s 23. UEFA has 5 Club World Cups to CONMEBOL’s 4. Although UEFA’s giant clubs may be more popular and have more money, champions (including the ones exported to Europe) are made in South America.

The language barrier most likely posses the biggest challenge to fans. The Copa Libertadores is mostly geared towards the SPanish and Portuguese speaking population and rely mostly on domestic talent. South American and Mexican teams may have foreign based players but 99% of the time it is amongst Latin American players. European teams recruit players from all over the world and therefore more people may have connection to want to watch Euro teams (plus it’s also boradcasted in English).
The Copa Libertadores now gets viewers who are fans of Liga MX. But now through the Xolos there probably be more of an American audience watching.

(Going off on a tangent rant here but One thing I hope for is for the American soccer fan to evolve to appreciate what they have in their backyard. It seems US and/or MLS fans are so centered on being fans of MLS, look towards UEFA, yet are very ignorant when it comes to Mexican and South American teams.The ignorance kills me every year the CONCACAF Champions League takes place when fans post the most ignorant comments. Yes, they may know the various big clubs in Europe from different leagues but don’t know non-MLS clubs in CCL beyond maybe Chivas and Herculez Gomez’s Santos.)

The Copa Libertadores deserve much more respect from around the world. Although I keep up with it through spanish media, I hope I continue finding more English language articles.

By: Richard Farley

Richard Farley — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 07:31:49 +0000

Man … this type of feedback is really helpful. It matters when you’re trying to make decisions on how to use your time. I will definitely keep this in mind when those tough January decisions come around.

By: futbolhistorian

futbolhistorian — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 07:24:49 +0000

There is no doubt this is my favorite club tournament. The Euro is the NBA, high level of play, a bit sterile at times. Libertadores is the NCAA tournament. Imperfect performances. Passion galore.

By: Richard Farley

Richard Farley — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 05:15:11 +0000

I can’t make any promises, Tyler, but hopefully the work load runs so that I can post something 1x/wk and you and I can talk re: it in the comments. What usually, happens, tho, is that these types of events get pushed down by other news, and we lose momentum. I am definitely during Africa Cup of Nations, so I wonder if we can build momentum for this.

By: tylerbetts

tylerbetts — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 04:48:01 +0000

This might be my favorite club tournament in the world. The quality of play makes it at least as entertaining as the Euro matches, but the fan passion completely out marks Europe and makes it much more of a magical spectacle.

By: futbolhistorian

futbolhistorian — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:06:24 +0000

Group 1 looks strong. Group 6 weak.

My predictions to advance:
1: Boca, Toluca
2: Palmeiras, Tigre
3. Atletico Mineiro, Sao Paulo
4. Velez, Penarol
5. Chorinthians, Tijuana
6. Cerro, Santa Fe
7. La U, Newell’s
8. Fluminese, Caracas