Interamerican Cup – unclear was the 1987 really played: the contest between River Plate (Argentina) and Alajuelense (Costa Rica) took place in 1987 indeed, but the continental champions were of 1986. Sometimes the final was considered for 1987, sometimes for 1986. So – look back at the 1986 where it is observed.
South American Player Of The Year
South American Player of the Year. Copa America ruled the year, so the best players were chosen largely on their performance in it. European-based players did not make the list, as usual. Thus, it was not a surprise that Uruguayans were ranked high – Jose Perdomo was voted 3rd and Obdulio Trasante – 2nd. But above them was the Colombian Carlos Valderama.
‘El Pibe’ Valderama was already noticed, but it was also a matter of maturity – now 26 old, the great attacking midfielder-playmaker was at the best age for a player. After starting with Union Magdalena in 1981, he was moved for a season to Millonarios and then, in 1985, to Deportivo Cali – already having plenty of experience and finally settling in stronger team. He was a national team regular for Colombia since 1985, part of the great generation, which practically put Colombia on the map, a generation led by him, still not even at its peak. Fans loved him for his elegant moves, great skills and creativity. And for his rolled down socks too, going along with his exotic hairstyle – Valderama was a true star.
Yet, Deportivo Cali was in the shadow of America (Cali), so it was not club football exactly moving him to the top of the continent.
On club level, the Uruguyans achieved more – they won Copa Libertadores with Penarol. They won Copa America too, playing for Uruguay, but… in Copa America Valderama dazzled the crowds and Colombia did not do bad.
Valderama was stronger than current World champions and on their own turf too.
He outshined Maradona in his home. This year Valderama proved his worth and practically established himself as the best Colombian player of all times. And although his competition won trophies and he did not, he deserved the award most.
Venezuela
Venezuela. Apart of the excitement over Deportivo Tachira heroics in Copa Libertadores, Venezuela was having new champion this season, which was played for the first time in two years – 1986-87 instead of only 1987. And the structure was coming to maturity: two teams promoted from second level and two teams relegated from the top league.
Pereganga Margarita (Isla Margarita), founded just in 1985, won the Second Division and went up. Second was Penisulares (Araya) and they were also pormoted.
The top league of 14 teams played 2-staged championship – at first the teams were divided into two groups, Oriental and Occidental, and the top 4 teams in each qualified to the final stage. The last in each group were relegated, only the rule for that was unclear: Galicia (Caracas) was last in the Oriental Group and was properly relegated, but in the Occidental Group Universidad de los Andes was last, but remained – Llaneros, 6th, was relegated instead. In any case 3 teams in each group did not qualified to the final stage: in the Oriental Group Atletico Anzoategui, 5th, Unversidad Central, 6th, and Galicia, 7th. In the Occidental Group the season ended at this stage for Zamora, 5th, Llaneros, 6th, and Universidad de los Andes, 7th. Among those who qualified there was already a leader: Maritimo won 15 of their 24 games and no other team came close. Naturally, they won the Oriental Group with 36 points, followed by Deportivo Italia with 28 points (10 ties!), Caracas FC – 3rd with 25 points (and 21-21 goal-difference), and Mineros – 4th with 22 points. Portuguesa won the Occidental Group thanks to better goal-difference – they and Estudiantes finished with 31 points each, Deportivo Tachira was 3rd with 27 points and Union Deportiva – 4th with 24 points.
The Final Stage was round-robin 2-legged affair, contested by two teams – Maritimo and Deportivo Tachira. Deportivo Italia finished last with 9 points. Portuguesa – 7th with 11 points, Mineros – 6th with 12 points, Union Deportiva – 5th with 13 points, Caracas FC – 4th with 13 points.
Estudiantes took the bronze medals with 15 points.
Deportivo Tachira eventually lost the race for the title by a single point – they finished with 19 points, although greatly outscored all other teams (21 goals – Union Deportiva was second best scoring team at the final stage with 16).
With 20 points, Maritimo (Caracas) prevailed in the race for the title – 8 wins, 4 ties, 2 lost games. Certainly, they were the most winning team in this championship, but somewhat there victories were not spectacular – more of a good work of their defense, than of exciting strikers. 13-3 was their scoring record at the final stage: allowing only 3 goals in 14 games was fantastic achievement, but they scored less than a goal-per-game average. No matter, they were best, winning the very first title in the history of the club.