Teams from ten South American nations, in addition special invitation teams from Mexico, head to the Copa Libertadores in 2008 with dreams of continental glory.
The tournament began in 1960 with only the national champions of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay participating. Over the years the tournament has expanded from the paltry original 9 teams to include 38 teams in total.
Copa Libertadores Top Scorers
As yet, no one has bettered Ecuadorian Alberto Spencer’s flabbergasting accomplishment of 54 goals in the Copa Libertadores over several seasons for Penarol of Uruguay and Barcelona of Ecuador in the heady days of the 1960’s. The record tally in one season is 17 by Daniel Onega for River Plate in 1966. 2007’s top scorer was Paraguayan Salvador Cabanas of Mexico’s Club America with 10.
5 nations have yet to have a team win the cup.
Teams from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and Venezuela have yet to win the tournament that spans many months and involves gruelling away fixtures that will most probably give rise to the argument over games at high altitude.
The High Altitude debate – set to raise its ugly head once again
FIFA waded into the debate last year with the declaration that no international games could take place at altitudes above 2500m, but have been forced into backtracking. At the moment, no club games look to be affected or tampered with, much to the disappointment and obvious ire of coaches and players from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
Breakdown of the Countries and Teams
Argentina
Teams qualified - Boca Juniors, Estudiantes, San Lorenzo, River Plate, Arsenal and Lanus.
Bolivia
Teams qualified - Real Potosi, San Jose, La Paz FC
Brazil
Teams qualified - Fluminense, Sao Paolo, Santos, Flamengo, Cruzeiro
Chile
Teams qualified - Colo Colo, Audax Italiano, Universidad Catolica
Colombia
Teams qualified - Atletico Nacional, Cucuta, Boyaca Chico
Ecuador
Teams qualified – LDU, Deportivo Cuenca, Deportivo Olmedo
Mexico
Teams qualified – Guadalajara, two others to be named.
Paraguay
Teams qualified - Sportivo Luqueno, Libertad, Cerro Porteno
Peru
Teams qualified - Universidad San Martin de Porres, Cienciano, Coronel Bolognesi
Uruguay
Teams qualified - Danubio, Nacional, Wanderers
Venezuela
Teams qualified - Caracas, Maracaibo, Mineros de Guayana
Read Tips and Predictions for 2008's Competition
