When Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela left Tottenham and Arsenal respectively, it was with much still to prove. Now in Spain with Villarreal and Real Sociedad, they are impressing, though it is mixed news for Mexico.
Chile have been transformed under Jorge Sampaoli, booking a World Cup ticket and troubling world champions Spain in a friendly. Now La Roja will lock horns with England as they prepare for Brazil in 2014.
Four South American countries have booked their spot at the 2014 World Cup, but each head to Brazil with problems to solve before next summer. Uruguay meanwhile face a playoff with Jordan to collect their ticket.
When it comes to the latest technology, clubs are keen to do what they can to gain an edge over the competition. But Sampdoria have gone a step further than the rest, using a drone to monitor player movements, in partnership with flyonaction.
Atletico Mineiro have changed the course of the club by winning the Copa Libertadores, believes coach Cuca. An emotional occasion in Brazil, with Olimpia beaten on penalties, may prove him right.
Barcelona have raided Argentina for their new coach in tactician Gerardo Martino. He has a big fan in Lionel Messi and will aim to use his approach to steer the club to success.
Olimpia have taken a big step towards Copa Libertadores success by grabbing a 2-0 first leg lead over Atletico Mineiro. Now the Brazilians need an inspired second leg comeback.
Atletico Mineiro have been tagged as a team that chokes on the big occasion for many years. However, they have finally shrugged off the criticism, progressing to the Copa Libertadores final in thrilling and steel-nerve-demanding style.
Alejandro Silva has had a remarkable rise up the footballing pyramid and is now close to the Copa Libertadores final with Olimpia. And the Uruguayan could even grab a spot at the 2014 World Cup for good measure.
Brazil’s 3-0 crushing of Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup caught many by surprise. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has quickly turned the Selecao into true contenders for the 2014 World Cup.
