How far can Corinthians go in the 2012 Libertadores?
As Corinthians make the arduous journey back from Mexico, following the 0-0 draw on Wednesday 14 March against Cruz Azul there is a growing feeling in the media that the team are among one of the favourites to be crowned South American champions.
Having played all three teams in their group, they seem to be cruising to the knockout stages of the competition. However, the opponents in group 6 are not particularly strong and Corinthians are until now, simply fulfilling their obligation to get through to the next phase. What are, though, the prospects of this team going the distance and finally securing the title in 2012 that has always eluded them?
Despite having a rich history and over 30 million fans in Brazil the team calling itself the Campeão dos Campeões has never tasted success in South America's premier club competition.
There has undoubtedly been an improvement in performance over the three games from the nervy start in Venezuela against Deportivo Tachira where the Brazilian champions only managed to salvage a point in the dying minutes of the second half.
Ralf's goal was a significant physiological boost. The anxiety and self doubt that has hindered past Libertadores campaigns could have returned had it not been for that equalizer.
In the second game, an extremely unambitious and technically limited side, Nacional from Paraguay were beaten 2-0 in the Pacaembu in São Paulo. Lacking in sparkle, it was nonetheless an efficient and professional display. The game in Mexico against Cruz Azul was billed as the clash of the two best teams in the group. While this may be the case, the game didn't live up to expectations.
A drab draw was perhaps hardly surprising , considering the apparent formality of both teams progressing. Corinthians probably had the better of the game and could have come away with the three points but Cruz Azul were particularly poor and it is difficult seeing them progressing much further in the tournament.
One positive observation from the campaign so far is the strength Corinthians possess in the defensive sector. They have not looked vulnerable in any of the games and the understanding between defenders has been good. The 6 goals conceded in 13 games in the state championship thus far is testament to this.
Chicão, the captain, has looked particularly commanding and Julio Cesar continues to impress in goal. Conversely, the team has been not been prolific in terms of goals and is a deficiency that was noticeable last year. In winning the national championship in 2011 they netted just 53 times.
In attack, Liedson is going through a barren spell and in recent weeks the team has depended on goals coming from the midfield areas from players such as Danilo who is one of the current form players. With this week's confirmation of the exit of Adriano from the club there seems to be a distinctive lack of attacking options for the coach, Titê.
Perhaps, Emerson will be given more starting opportunities as he has looked lively when coming off the bench. Corinthians will also be looking forward to the return to fitness of the skillful midfielder, Douglas who rejoined the club after spending two years with Grêmio.
The strongest challenge to Corinthians for the title may well come from the other Brazilian sides.
Fluminense have gained maximum points from their three games which included an impressive win against Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Vasco, Internacional and Flamengo are all in a good position to make the next phase while the strongest competition may come from the current champions, Santos.
In Neymar, they have the star of the tournament and a player who is capable of changing a game individually. Corinthians don't have a matchwinner but they make up for it by being an extremely well organised unit that works effectively. Arguably their style of play is suited more to playing away from home where they can look to hit teams on the break. Whether they have enough to breakdown teams and come back if they concede first in the game remains to be seen.
© Paul Tobitt & Soccerphile.com
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