Its been a while since there was a little report on the high and lowlights of the Argentine futbol world, but as usual there has been no lack of interesting anecdotes….
*
First and foremost, I have been afraid to mention it as superstitious fears of possible consequences impede me to think clearly, but at this point it seems safe to say it: ATLANTA IS LEAVING THIRD DIVISION!!!! After an 11 year long nightmare, there are now 10 games remaining in the season, and Atlanta is 12 points ahead of the second placed team.
*For a couple of weeks, not only was Atlanta first, but Racing was in first place as well, a confusing change from the reality we know, which led me to often have to pinch myself to make sure this wasnt a dream. Here as well, I was too afraid to make public mention of this situation, for fear of provoking bad luck. Now that Racing has lost the last two games and is no longer first, Im assuming its safe.
*What always was and probably always will be unsafe is of course attending a futbol match in Argentina, as Velez and San Lorenzo insist on making terribly clear twice a year. This time, Velez fans advanced all the way to the San Lorenzo entrance of the stadium, one San Lorenzo fan died after a police beating, and the game was suspended after seven minutes because of disturbances in the stands.
A video showing Velez fans storming the away fans area, set classily to cumbia villera (Argentinas gangster rap) with elegant lyrics about futbol hooliganism:
San Lorenzo fans, enraged by news of the death, attempt to storm the field, leading to the suspension of the game:
*In some lower division game between two teams nobody has ever heard of, a referee was attacked by an entire team:
*And in first division, a player and a cameraman exchange warm greetings:
*Finally, enjoy it because it wont happen often, positive words about fans from other clubs…
First, Penarol from Uruguay adapting „El Viejo“ from La Vela Puerca…
Original….
Stadium version…
Finally, River Plate fans adapting „Sentimiento Villero,“ from pibes chorros, proving that in a stadium even the worst crap can be made to sound good.
Original cumbia villera…
In the stadium…
*Finally, not from Argentina but still absolutely incredible. Definitely many bonus points to this guy for the creativity. Straight out of the three stooges: