Juventus F.C. beats Club America 1-0

Monsoon rains could not wash away the passion of soccer fans in Citi Field on Tuesday night, when Juventus F.C. faced off against Club America as part of the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge.
In a hard-fought contest, Juventus proved to be the resilient side, grinding out a 1-0 victory.
Juventus began the game in a 4-3-3 formation, with fan favorite and team captain Alessandro Del Piero flanked on the left. Club America started with a standard 4-4-2 lineup, playing Christian Benitez, the team’s new $10 million signing, at right forward.
Despite Juventus’ seemingly attacking formation, the club spent most of the game playing in classic Italian style: defensively. Repeated attempts by Club America to break down the Juventus defense with crisp passing proved ultimately unsuccessful.
The Mexican side out-produced Juventus in seemingly every substantial offensive statistic. Club America had 54 percent possession of the ball, took 13 shots to Juventus’ nine and had six more corner kicks than their opponents.
The teams were level until the 42nd minute, when, after a 30 minute rain delay, Juventus’ Cristian Pasquato rifled a shot into the back of the Club America goal, releasing simultaneous groans and glee from the drenched Citi Field crowd.
The play began with a lovely run by winger Milos Krasic, who fed the ball to center back Stephan Lichtsteiner gliding down the right sideline. Lichtsteiner then delivered a cross into the box, which was poorly handled by Club America goalkeeper Armando Navarrete. Navarrete’s slight touch sent the ball directly to Pasquato, who, with one fluid motion, launched a brilliant strike over the head of the out-of-position keeper for the match’s only goal.
Club America’s best scoring opportunity came only four minutes after falling behind, when a counter attack and clever passing left Benitez with a wonderful look at goal directly outside the six-yard box. His strike was denied by world-class keeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Prior to the match, fervent supporters from both sides were gleaming with anticipation.
“I’m extremely excited about this game,” said Ron Cristando, who has been a Juventus fan for roughly three decades. “For a team to come from my country, especially Juventus, is very big. To be able to take my son is important also. I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3-years-old, so it is very important to pass on to him the culture that was passed to me.”
The opportunity to watch their beloved teams in person fulfilled the dreams of many fans.
“It means a lot to me that Club America is here,” said 16-year-old Fabio Martinez. “It is the first time I get to see my favorite team live. I never thought that would be possible. This is like a Christmas gift from God.”