Co-favorites Boca Juniors have already had to bow out of the Copa Sudamericana in the round of 16: The Argentinians failed to beat Cruzeiro on penalties – partly because ex-Hoffenheim man Advincula did them a remarkable disservice
The last three quarter-finalists in the Copa Sudamericana were determined on Friday night – and Boca Juniors are surprisingly not one of them. After a 1-0 first-leg win, secured by goalscorer Cavani with his golden goal after 65 minutes, the traditional Argentinian club fell to Brazilian side Cruzeiro.
Partly because the game could not have started more unfavorably: Advincula, who had played two Bundesliga games for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim from January to June 2013, lifted a ball over his opponent on the halfway line and then chased after it. Cruzeiro captain Romero got to the ball earlier, however, before Advincula took a nasty step on his right ankle.
Romero rolled on the floor in pain and Advincula immediately told him to get up. When referee Wilmar Roldan showed Advincula the red card in the turmoil shortly afterwards, he first stared at the box in disbelief before pleading for leniency. However, the 44-year-old Colombian referee, who has also officiated four World Cup matches, stood by his decision
Ex-Hamburger Walace increases
On the way to the players’ bench, Advincula burst into tears and had to be supported by his coaches. Romero was fortunately able to continue playing after the heavy hit. Boca were outnumbered and found themselves 2-0 down after just 21 minutes.
Matheus Henrique had scored Cruzeiro’s first goal after nine minutes, and former Hamburg and Hanover player Walace made it 2-0 in the 21st minute. Gimenez made it 1-2 for Boca before the break (45-3), but the game was later decided on penalties.
In the shoot-out, Merentiel was the last man to take the penalty, meaning Cruzeiro – with ex-Wolfsburg player William and ex-Nuremberg man Matheus Pereira in the starting eleven – were able to celebrate their quarter-final place.
