The momentum looks to be with Corinthians
Remembering the last time their team made it into the semi finals of the Libertadores is painful for the Corinthians masses. In 2000 they suffered defeat at the hands of their arch rivals, Palmerias on penalties.
Historically, their record in the competition is modest to say the least, much to the amusement of Palmeiras and São Paulo supporters. However, things may be about to change as Corinthians look to have a fantastic chance of breaking their duck and setting up a potential clash with Chelsea at the end of the year in the World Club Championship in Japan.
The coach, Tite, has moulded a very functional if not spectacular team with what is practically the same squad that won the 2011 Brasileirão. They have glided efficiently into the semi finals without ever fully convincing with their performance. They negotiated their way out of the group stages with relative ease against quite obvious inferior opposition. In the second round, the Ecuadorian team, Emelec, were dispatched as Corinthians secured a 3-0 win at home after a scoreless draw in Ecuador.
This led to by far the biggest test of the campaign so far, a quarter final clash with Vasco. For much of the two games both teams cancelled each other out in a very cagey affair with very few chances falling to each side.
The deadlock was not broken until the 88th minute of the second leg as Paulinho headed home from a corner. It was a dramatic end to what had been a compelling game in which neither team was willing to go down without a fight.
The addition of Cassio Ramos, in goal looks to have been a shrewd bit of business. The imposing young keeper who was previously at Sparta Rotterdam has already made key saves in the few games he has started after taking over from the dropped Julio Cesar. Most notably against Vasco in the quarter finals when he managed to get a faint touch on the ball to deflect a Diego Sousa effort around the post. It was a crucial moment in the game and had Corinthians conceded they would have more than likely been facing yet another year of false promise.
Chicão and Castan have been commanding in the central defensive positions flanked by the captain Alessandro at right back with Fabio Santos on the left who has been particularly impressive with his attacking runs providing support to the forward players.
The two midfield players, Ralf and Paulinho have been fundamental to the success of Corinthians. Paulinho has been essential not only with his defensive duties but the goals he has contributed in a team that is far from free scoring.
This lack of scoring opportunities that the team creates has been a criticism and one that may be justified. It remains to be seen if Corinthians are able to come back from conceding the early goal and really putting their adversary under pressure.
The remaining opposition
On the 13th of June, Corinthians will travel to Santos for the first leg of the semi final. Santos are the reigning champions and are determined to make it back to back wins. In Neymar, they have an exceptionally skillful player who can make it extremely difficult for opposition defences. If Corinthians are to make it to their first Libertadores final, the threat Neymar poses, must be negated.
However, Corinthians will be encouraged by the way in which Vélez Sarsfield in the quarters managed to keep him relatively quiet for large periods of the game. Making the final will mean that the team from São Paulo will face either Boca or Universidad de Chile. Although both teams will be respected they are not particularly strong this year and Corinthians will have nothing to fear.
These are exciting times for Corinthians. The construction of the new stadium, Itaquera, is well under way and is due to be opened next year.
There would surely be no better time for this Brazilian giant to finally be confirmed as the official South American club champions.
© Paul Tobitt & Soccerphile.com