by Marc Serber

The 2 preliminary stages of the Copa Sudamericana are over. Finally, Brazilian and Argentine teams will face opposition outside of their respective countries. The competition that awaits from the rest of South America will provide a stern test for CONMEBOL’s elite.

The Round of 16 kicks off on Wednesday with a repeat of last year’s semifinal where Ecuador’s LDU Quito and reigning Champions Independiente played a thrilling home and away series which ended 4-4 on aggregate with the Argentines going through on the away goals rule. With many of the same faces in both starting lineups, this rematch has the potential to produce similar results.

LDU’s Argentine striker Hernan Barcos is the tournament’s leading scorer on four goals.

Independiente is making its first appearance in this year’s edition of the Copa Sud. As the reigning champs, the Red Devils of Avellaneda were given the customary bye to the Sweet 16.

After a poor Copa Libertadores campaign and currently sitting in the lower half of the Argentine Apertura, Independiente will be looking to defend its crown in order to salvage their season.

In Thursday’s early match, Paraguay’s Olimpia hosts Argentina’s Arsenal de Sarandi.

The Paraguayan outfit is run by respected Uruguayan head coach Gerardo Pelusso. He in turn has brought in five of his countrymen to run the show.

Adrian Romero has two goals in the competition from his outside back position. Sergio Orteman was brought in from Mexico’s Queretaro to add bite to the midfield while 26-year-old Miguel Amado provides the guile in front of him. Add to the equation outside back Sebastian Ariosa and international 3rd choice keeper Martin Silva.

Throw into the mix the legendary Paraguayan center back Julio Caceres (who has featured in the last three World Cups) and the in-form Pablo Zeballos up top and Pelusso may have found the proper formula to lead Olimpia to glory.

Arsenal advanced into the last 16 with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Estudiantes de la Plata on the strength of a 2-0 home win. Since then, however, Arsenal have just one win in its last six outings.

The Champions of the 2007 edition, may be struggling, but do not forget that the reigning champions (who hail from the same Buenos Aires district of Avellaneda) went on to glory last year while barely escaping relegation.

In the nightcaps, Brazil’s Botafogo takes on Colombia’s Independiente Santa Fe at the Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange.

Botafogo are riding high in the Campeonato Brasileiro. In Uruguayan Sebastian Abreu, the Brazilians have an international forward of the highest quality who at age 35 is still firing on all cylinders with 17 goals in all competitions.

Santa Fe looked a bit pedestrian at times in their second stage matches with Deportivo Cali. The Cardinals did well, however, to level the score after falling behind in the second leg before winning 5-4 on penalties.

Santa Fe’s success often depends on Argentine playmaker Omar Perez. If the number 10 is on the ball, he dictates the rhythm and pace of the offense. If he drifts out of the match then so does the entire Cardinal attack.

In the other nightcap, Godoy Cruz welcomes Peru’s Universitario to the Argentine province of Mendoza.

If previous international tournament’s are anything to go by, then look no further than this year’s Copa Libertadores where, despite a last place finish in their group, the provincial side posted impressive wins over LDU Quito and Independiente.

Ruben Ramirez has five goals in seven domestic appearances, while Diego Villar is a proven set-up man with four assists on the season.

Universitario made quick work of Venezuela’s Deportivo Anzoatequi with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Up front, Johan Javier Fano has eight goals in all competitions. At the other end, 38-year-old Argentine Carlos Alberto Galvan is a rock at the back of a side that has conceded just 12 goals in 22 domestic matches. The fewest goals allowed by any team in Peru.

Serber’s Say:

Even if you’re all soccer’d out after watching the UEFA Champions League, force yourself to stay in front of the TV for LDU Quito v. Independiente. This is a must watch. Both matches last year were extremely entertaining and more drama is certainly in the cards this time around. I am not only talking about the high scoring from both matches, but also the quality of the fast-tempo soccer on display.

Olimpia should take care of Arsenal on home soil, but Argentine teams always seem to pick up their game for this tournament. Argentine teams have lifted the trophy in five of the Copa Sudamericana’s nine editions.

Botafogo should take care of Independiente Santa Fe, but if you have to chose between Botafogo v. Santa Fe and Godoy Cruz v. Universitario, then watch the Brazilians and Colombians battle it out. That should be the more entertaining of the two late-night confrontations on Thursday.

** You can follow Marc Serber on twitter@SoccerSerber