Amid rumors and multiple unconfirmed reports about Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s health, football in the country is facing a moral dilemma - ride on its new popularity waves, or address ongoing players’ concerns.
The 74 year-old President has been repeatedly criticized for hiding the truth about the covid-19 pandemic situation in his country, and hasn’t been seen in public for a few weeks.
The local Clausura is continuing normally for now, and the league has received interest from European television stations regarding broadcasting rights. These are bizarre times as Nicaragua is one of the only active leagues in the world, looking to capitalize on the situation - gain popularity and improve the local football’s financial situation. On the other hand, more players are expressing their concern about playing in these conditions. Some have been quoted saying they “try to avoid touching other players, and wouldn’t dive in for a 50-50 ball like in the past”.
Three games took place on Saturday, starting match-day 14.
Nicaragua - Primera Division Clausura
Juventus Managua - Cacique Diriangen
One of the team's that were affected by the current situation is Juventus, as their Paraguayan striker Fernando Insaurralde terminated his contract a fortnight ago. Yesterday they hosted third place Diriangen, and put on a show with a fantastic 3-0 victory. The turning point came in the 39th minute, as Diriangen defender David Jarquin was rightfully sent off for a foul inside the box. However, Alexis Somarriba blazed the penalty over the bar.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute: Young star Junior Arteaga hit a free-kick from the edge of the box into the top corner, GK Bryant Roman could only tip to the crossbar and onto the goal line, and Paraguayan defender Alexander Moreno headed home - not without getting kicked in the face in the process.
In the 70th minute, a great through ball from Carlos Guardado found Somarriba, who calmly finished off in front of the keeper. A great combo by two Nicaraguan internationals, 2-0 to the hosts. In the 92nd minute, lively substitute Emanuel Garcia was brought down in the box for another penalty, which was converted by Allan Mercado.
Los Pibes rise to sixth place with this win, right into a playoff spot - with four games to go. Diriangen stay in third, and if standings will remain the same in the end of April, the two sides will meet again in the playoffs.
Two more games took place yesterday in the division: Deportivo Ocotal and Deportivo Las Sabanas drew 1-1 in a battle between the two rock bottom sides. Real Madriz and Managua FC finished in a goalless draw. A bad result for the Blue Lions from the capital, as today Real Esteli can leapfrog them for first place.
Belarus - Vysheyshaya Liga
In Belarus, a big high-profile game took place this afternoon between Energetyk-BGU and FC Minsk, who both entered this match-day undefeated. Hosts Energetyk won 2-0 with goals from Aleksey Nosko and Djasur Yakhshibaev (league’s top scorer), taking over the first place and remaining the only perfect side in the division.