Etymologically speaking, both Argentina and the Rio de la Plata itself derive their names from the word for silver. In the world of South American soccer, the silver medal of second place is becoming something of an uncomfortable reality in Argentina as its league begins to fall further behind neighboring Brazil's.

Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! While it may not possess as high a profile or the commercial power of its European cousin the Champions League, the Copa Libertadores is one of the most exciting, fascinating competitions in world football.

Argentine championship result and standings on Saturday. Estudiantes 2 Banfield 1

Four former champions are facing stiff tests to reach the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, Latin America's most important club competition. Six first-leg matches are set for this week, followed by the second legs next week, with the survivors advancing to the 32-team group stage. Group play starts next month.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Heather Mitts remembers the feeling walking off the field in Cancun, having been a part of the first and only loss the U.S. women's soccer team has ever suffered in a qualifying match for the World Cup or Olympics.