If someone accidentally turned on the TV or came across some stream on the internet and the Sunday's game between Tigre and Boca Juniors was on, he/she certainly asked him/herself, what the hell? What are those maniacs talking about? Argentine Primera Division being interesting... Yeah, right.
Indeed, the aforementioned clash between a club by the name of Tigre (nickname Matadores) and a club, which is one of the most recognized football brands in the world, was incredibly... dull, putting it plainly and simply. No action at all.
So why would anyone bother to continue watching Futbol para Todos? If someone accidentally turned on the TV or came across some stream on the internet and the Sunday's game between River Plate and Estudiantes was on, he got the answer.
Well, it was not the best game ever, but it was a very decent match, decided by the David Trezeguet (yes, that one) wonder-volley. The goals in Primera Division are quite often spectacular, so here's one reason to watch it. One of the recent treats: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-m5El5LnT8
But beautiful strikes can be seen in practically any league, you would argue. True. So there have been other reasons, why me and those other "maniacs" sit in front of TV or laptop in ridiculous (European) hours. For starters, the energy in the stadiums is (mainly) incredible. Songs, flags, colourful and passionate fans, banter... E. g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzaSGSsWdgg
Not convinced yet? Well, what about one of the fiercest rivalries in world football? Boca - River anyone? Sure, there are no such stars as in Real Madrid and Barcelona, but if I had to choose between those two, the "battle" of Buenos Aires (and Argentina) would get the nod. As the name suggests, it's not just a clasico, like that one in Spain. It's Superclasico. Want a visual? Youtube.
Next. What I love about Primera Division (and other South American leagues) is the fact you can see some really exciting players (some of them are listed below) at work. You have up-and-coming stars, you have established masters of the game, there are some veterans, players with "attitude", "los locos", you name it... And last but not least. Primera Division is anything but predictable.
In the last five seasons the Champions' list is certainly not what you would describe as, ehm, dull. Velez Sarsfield, Arsenal de Sarandi, Boca, Estudiantes, Argentinos Juniors, Banfield, River Plate have all been on top of Apertura (now called Torneo Inicial) or Clausura (now Torneo Final).
Yep, Argentina and its football league deserve to be (even more) recognized. Namely, that Great Britain's best friend hasn't exported just quality beef, but quality football and footballers, too. And this trend will continue. Surely.
So, which players are worth watching right now? Juan Manuel Martinez, Santiago Silva, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Viatri, Nicolas Blandi, Juan Roman Riquelme (all Boca), David Trezeguet, Manuel Lanizini, Juan Iturbe, Rogelio Funes Mori, Ariel Rojas, Leonel Vangioni, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Rodrigo Mora (all River), Fernando Gago, Facundo Ferreyra (Velez), Denis Stracqualursi, Franco Jara (San Lorenzo), Bruno Zuculini, Jose Sand, Luciano Vietto, Mario Bolatti, Mauro Camoranesi (Racing), Gabriel Heinze, Maxi Rodriguez, Ignacio Scocco (Newell's Old Boys), Mario Regueiro, Silvio Romero (Lanus) and many, many others.
Currently, the clubs are at the beginning of Torneo Final 2013. After the 2nd round it's Lanus topping the table, along with River. Tigre, Boca and Godoy Cruz (led by one of the most charismatic faces in Argentine football - Martin Palermo) are just behind them.
But if you want to know more about this league, just visit a lovely site, dedicated to it. http://hastaelgolsiempre.com/
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