Independiente travels to Brazil to lift its 16th international title by defeating the unexperienced Brazilian squad
The King of Cups managed to defeat reigning champion Liga last week in Avellaneda and earned their ticket for Sudamericana final match. Both Independiente and Goias have given up on their domestic league fights long ago in their quest to lift South America's most coveted title.
Standing on the 18th position of Argentina's Apertura with 13 points, Antonio Mohammed has not introduced rotation in his squad but rather created an alternative team to face the Apertura games. The young squad has been defining an identity game after game and last week they were close from defeating league's leader Independiente.
It's been over 15 years since Independiente lastly claimed an international title. Goias lacks the experience and credentials of the Argentinean side but Arthur Nieto's Verdaos have shown they must be taken seriously after defeating Palmeiras in the semi finals.
"We need a victory to overcome the relegation. We need it badly" said young Goias defender Rafael Toloi.
The Sudamericana champion qualifies automatically for next year's Copa Libertadores. A clash between two highly aggressive squads, who'll celebrate victory?
"There's a lot in play in these two finals. If we win the cup, we qualify for next year's Libertadores, Sudamericana and Recopa. It'll set a precedent in the squad and boost the morale of the players highly" said Independiente coach as soon as his Diablos arrived to Brazil on Tuesday.
Independiente goalkeeper Hilario Navarro's will once again be responsible for keeping Rojos' goal shut, though in this final phase there's no difference between scoring goals at home or away in the Sudamericana. Team's captain Carlos Matheu will have the assistance of Fernando Godoy in the back line, while Lucas Mareque and Eduardo Tuzzio lead the advance from the wings.
Facundo Parra and Nestor Silvera, both in excellent form will be Mohammed's chosen attackers. Hernan Fredes and Roberto Battion will be the main drivers and their performance will be decisive for the Argentinean squad to celebrate a victory.
Goias striker Otacilio Neto declared "We are tremendously happy. We played a great Sudamericana. Relegation is disappointing, and is sad, but we are happy for this''. The spirit of the Brazilians needs to heal the wounds inflicted by Atletico Minero, who defeated the hosts 3-1 earlier this week for the Brazilian league.
Goias is going through a difficult moment and the identity of the squad has been compromised by the lack of positive results. Rafael Moura and young Rithely engaged in a fist fight during week's training. Goias reaches its first international final under a lot of pressure, will they manage to defeat Independiente before visiting Avellaneda to lift this year's Sudamericana title?
Standing on the 18th position of Argentina's Apertura with 13 points, Antonio Mohammed has not introduced rotation in his squad but rather created an alternative team to face the Apertura games. The young squad has been defining an identity game after game and last week they were close from defeating league's leader Independiente.
It's been over 15 years since Independiente lastly claimed an international title. Goias lacks the experience and credentials of the Argentinean side but Arthur Nieto's Verdaos have shown they must be taken seriously after defeating Palmeiras in the semi finals.
"We need a victory to overcome the relegation. We need it badly" said young Goias defender Rafael Toloi.
The Sudamericana champion qualifies automatically for next year's Copa Libertadores. A clash between two highly aggressive squads, who'll celebrate victory?
"There's a lot in play in these two finals. If we win the cup, we qualify for next year's Libertadores, Sudamericana and Recopa. It'll set a precedent in the squad and boost the morale of the players highly" said Independiente coach as soon as his Diablos arrived to Brazil on Tuesday.
Independiente goalkeeper Hilario Navarro's will once again be responsible for keeping Rojos' goal shut, though in this final phase there's no difference between scoring goals at home or away in the Sudamericana. Team's captain Carlos Matheu will have the assistance of Fernando Godoy in the back line, while Lucas Mareque and Eduardo Tuzzio lead the advance from the wings.
Facundo Parra and Nestor Silvera, both in excellent form will be Mohammed's chosen attackers. Hernan Fredes and Roberto Battion will be the main drivers and their performance will be decisive for the Argentinean squad to celebrate a victory.
Goias striker Otacilio Neto declared "We are tremendously happy. We played a great Sudamericana. Relegation is disappointing, and is sad, but we are happy for this''. The spirit of the Brazilians needs to heal the wounds inflicted by Atletico Minero, who defeated the hosts 3-1 earlier this week for the Brazilian league.
Goias is going through a difficult moment and the identity of the squad has been compromised by the lack of positive results. Rafael Moura and young Rithely engaged in a fist fight during week's training. Goias reaches its first international final under a lot of pressure, will they manage to defeat Independiente before visiting Avellaneda to lift this year's Sudamericana title?
