3-15-07 - Internacional in Dire Straights

Defending world club champions Internacional are in dire straights after a 3-0 Libertadores Cup loss to Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires left them 4 points back in Group 4. Inter (3 pts) also lost their opener in a blowout, a 3-1 decision to Nacional in Montevideo. Nacional (4 pts) plays Emelec tonight and could join Vélez at the top of the group.

The loss extended Inter’s winless streak to three games. The Colorados were coming off consecutive home setbacks in the Gaúcho State Championship: a 2-0 loss to Ulbra and a 1-1 tie with Santa Cruz. Inter (15 pts) is currently fifth in Group 1 and trails 2nd place Ulbra by 7 points. Only the top three advance.

Looks like Inter has lost the drive that led them to the world club title last year. The Colorados decided to field its “B” team for the first five games of the state league in order to have an extended training camp with the main team. The “B” team managed just 5 points, leaving Inter at the bottom of the table. But the main team hasn’t fared as expected. They’ve struggled against inferior opposition, leading many to believe that they’re only concerned with the Libertadores Cup. But the setback to Vélez Sarsfield reveals that there’s more going on than just a lack of interest. Inter is in serious jeopardy of having any title hopes come to a quick end. All the better for Grêmio, who has yet to lose in 2007.