First of all, I'd like to say it's an honor and a privilige to blog for you guys and will try my best to be informative and interesting!

 To begin this blog, I know some follow, however most don't. Therefore, I will give a brief description as to what the Libertadores Cup is and means. After, we will analyze each match.

The Libertadores Cup is a club competition played annually by the best of South America (Mexico included). It is a Uefa Champion's League style with preliminary groups and then home and away elimination games for the best 2 seeds in each group.

Most of the time, this Cup has been under appreciated by the rest of the world, but I will try and show you guys the contrary. Did you know the Libertadores has produced the most world club champions (in Japan) out of any FIFA confederation?

Libertadores Champions includes some of the best soccer clubs in the world and home to the best players ever: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Sao Paulo, Santos, Flamengo, Nacional, Penarol and Olimpia among others.

It is considered by many one of the, if not the hardest competition in the world. Why? Many reasons, which I will not get into extensively, but being them: insane fans, talented players and coaches, most fields are in bad quality, referees are viewed as unqualified in most cases, and the soccer-style of play is  more physical, contact and dirty than a regular competition due to the rivalries between the countries.

All those included allow for spectacular games and downright "wars". Many times when faced with outrageous calls and/or moments most accept saying: Well, that's Libertadores.

Given the history and structure of this Cup, let's now analyze the matches for 2008 already on the elimination round (Round of 16)

1. Fluminense (Bra)   VS.  16. Atl. Nacional (Col)   (Away Game: Fluminense won 2-1)

                        My Prediction: Fluminense has had the best campaign this year, and they have proven it by winning the 1st leg against Nacional in Colombia. I see no trouble for them closing this one out at home.

8. Sao Paulo (Bra)    VS.   9. Nacional (Uru)   (Away Game: Tie 0-0)

                      My Prediction: Granted this Sao Paulo team has declined in production (Champions in 05 and 06 Finalist), they still have quality players from last year (Brazilian Champions 07). They played a safe and smart game away, handling the Uruguaian pressure. They should win at home, though not easily.

4. Atlas (Mex)          VS.   13.  Lanus (Arg)      (Away Game: Atlas won 1-0)

                My Prediction: Atlas "surprised" many Argentinians stealing this goal away. Now Lanus has to go after Atlas in their home, which I don't see Lanus doing due to their lack of quality players. Atlas closes this one out.

5. Cruzeiro (Bra)     VS.    12. Boca Juniors (Arg)  (Away Game: Boca won 2-1)

             My Prediction: Boca barely squeezed by the group phase, suffered a what could be a costly away goal from Cruzeiro, and haven't been playing what we expect them to but don't let this fool you. The defending champs alway grow in production in this phase and come out on top. Though playing at home and with support of the crowd, I don't see Cruzeiro on the same level as Riquelme and company. Boca goes on through.

2. Flamengo (Bra)    VS.   15. America (Mex)     (Away Game: Flamengo won 4-2)

          My Prediction: After scoring at will in Mexico, Flamengo will see an even more open America team. They will play the counter-attack game and I see no trouble for them at home.

7. Cucuta (Col)      VS.    10. Santos (Bra)      (Away Game: Santos won 2-0)

       My Prediction: Like Boca, Santos is another team that grows and carries a uniform with "weight" (Rich history). Though they haven't been playing their best, they got an excellent result at home and now pushes all the responsibility to Cucuta. If Santos gets an away goal, this one is over. Santos wins.

3. River Plate (Arg)  VS.   14. San Lorenzo (Arg)    (Away Game: San Lorenzo won 2-1)

    My Prediction: Argentinian classic. This can get outright ugly. This is war for them and you can bet there will be a 2nd battle coming up. But I think the away goal for River will be enough, though in a classic anything can happen. Edge: River Plate.

6. Estudiantes (Arg)   VS   11. LDU (Equ)  (Away Game: LDU won 2-0)

  My Prediction: LDU did their homework and won comfortably at home. Is Estudiantes worried? Somewhat. But I think LDU is even more, knowing they will have to go play in Argentina. Look for Estudiantes to feed off the crowd and attack starting in the 1st minute. Will LDU have enough to defend itself? I honestly don't know. I can see Estudiantes pulling this one out, but I will go against my gut and say LDU will hold the result. LDU wins

Thanks for your patience and reading the blog! Hoped you liked it!!! Till next time!