Corinthians beat Boca for Cup

SAO PAULO – Forward Emerson scored two second-half goals to fire Corinthians to a 3-1 aggregate victory over Argentina’s Boca Juniors and secure their first South American Libertadores Cup at a packed Pacaembu Stadium Wednesday.

The Brazilian club’s 2-0 win in the second leg of the final followed the 1-1 draw in the first at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires last week.

Emerson struck nine minutes after halftime, receiving a back-heel assist from playmaker Danilo, after Boca’s defense failed to clear the ball in a free-kick crossed to the box.

The 33-year-old doubled the lead in the 73rd minute, finishing a quick movement from midfield after an errant pass from Boca defender Rolando Schiavi.

The new South American champions are now qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup in December in Japan, where they would be expected to face European champions Chelsea in the final.

Riquelme bows out

Former Argentina midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme announced he was leaving Boca Juniors after the defeat by Corinthians in the Libertadores Cup final.

“I’ve told the (club) president I’m not going to carry on,” former Barcelona and Villarreal playmaker Riquelme said.

“I feel empty. I haven’t got anything else to give to the club,” said the 34-year-old who helped Boca to their 10th final in search of a record-equalling seventh crown.

“I can’t play at half (steam),” Riquelme added before saying he would decide soon if he would continue his career at another club.

He played at the 2006 World Cup for Argentina, helping them reach the quarterfinals. — AP