Santos star stuns Mexicans ‘for mum’

Santos goalkeeper Rafael dedicated his stunning performance against Club America to his mother after he ensured the Brazilians reached the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals – where they will meet either Cruzeiro (3/10 bet365 Match Betting) or Once Caldas (9/1).

The 20-year-old was named man of the match, as Peixe secured a goalless draw in Queretaro to go through 1-0 on aggregate.

Rafael made a string of fine saves to deny the Mexican and knew exactly who was responsible for his display when asked how he did it.

“I dedicate this performance to my mother. I am absolutely certain that if she was here today, she would be the happiest person in the stadium,” said the keeper whose mother passed away when he was a teenager.

One of Rafael’s best moments was a stunning save to keep out a long range effort from Angel Reyna, afterwards describing the encounter as his “best ever game”.

Santos rode their luck with a header from Aquivaldo Mosquera coming back off the post in the first half and America hitting the woodwork again four minutes after the interval, through Paulo Henrique Ganso’s free-kick.

The keeper though extended his run of clean sheets to four ahead of this weekend’s Paulista final against Corinthians.

Carson adds to Capello’s woe

Goalkeeper Scott Carson is the latest player to drop out of England’s squad to face Bulgaria in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier (England 3/10, Bulgaria 10/1, draw 4/1 International Coupon with Stan James) due to a family bereavement.

Three Lions coach Fabio Capello has drafted in the uncapped Watford and England Under-21 keeper Scott Loach to replace the West Bromwich Albion custodian in the squad for the game. However Carson could return for the second qualifier against Switzerland in Basle next Wednesday.

England (11/2 Euro 2012 Not To Qualify with Stan James) face a tough task to get their qualification campaign underway with a winning start in the games this week as they are already without injured Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard. A back injury has also ruled Tottenham striker Peter Crouch, but defender Phil Jagielka and keeper Ben Foster should be okay to stay with the squad after resuming training.