¿Podrá ganarle esta vez Andy Murray a Roger Federer?

No es que a Roger Federer le haya sido sencillo imponerse a Andy Murray en el pasado, pero la última victoria del suizo sobre el escocés aún retumba en el corazón del 17 veces ganador de Grand Slams. No ha pasado ni un mes de aquel fantástico partido que los tenistas disputaron en Wimbledon, y ahora el pasto de Londres los vuelve a confrontar en una gran final. Pero, ¿podrá en esta ocasión el resultado de la batalla ser distinto? ¿Podrá Murray hacer efectiva su revancha?

Lo que ocurrió el 8 de julio en el All England Club les dejó una tremenda huella a ambos atletas. A Federer, de 30 años, lo llenó de vida, de esperanza, de hambre. Con ese triunfo volvió a ser número del ranking de la ATP y se ubicó junto con el estadounidense Peter Sampras como el máximo ganador del torneo, con 7 títulos. Sus récords ya son un tema de leyenda, pero aunque ya obtuvo una medalla de oro en Beijing 2008, jugando dobles con Stanislas Wawrinka, lo que le sigue faltando es el oro individual. Y siendo probablemente éste su último ciclo Olímpico, Roger tiene que ganarlo.

Claro que al decir "tiene" como si fuera una obligación, sueno ridícula, pues este hombre no le debe nada a nadie. Lo que le ha dado a su país, en primer lugar, no tiene comparación, y él, seguramente será recordado por décadas como un héroe nacional. Y luego, lo que le ha dado al deporte, es un legado fantástico. Quienes han tenido la fortuna de verlo jugar durante los últimos 10 años, han disfrutado de las hazañas de un deportista fuera de serie. Pero siendo fríos, esa medalla de oro es el ÚNICO título que le ha sido esquivo, y aunque Federer se encuentra en un gran momento, ¿puede alguien asegurar que se le presentará otra oportunidad como esta? Es por eso que digo que es "ahora o nunca".

Por otro lado, Murray también lleva en la piel una cicatriz de aquel 8 de julio, día en el que a pesar de haber desplegado su mejor tenis, no logró conquistar la sagrada Copa. Aquél encuentro suponía ser la oportunidad perfecta para su consagración, para que aprovechando su calidad de local y su juventud (25 años), se alzara con el primer título de Grand Slam de su carrera. La Gran Bretaña entera se paralizó para apoyarlo durante ese juego, pero aunque luchó con inteligencia y garra, se quedó únicamente con la placa que se entrega al segundo lugar. El resultado dejó a Murray desconsolado, herido, pero también con la sensación de que le falta sólo un pasito para alcanzar la gloria.

El nacido en Glasgow tiene 22 títulos en su haber, que no son poca cosa, pero de cuatro finales de Grand Slam disputadas, las ha perdido todas. Y por si fuera poco, en tres de ellas su verdugo ha sido el mismísimo Roger Federer.

Entonces, ¿qué es lo que podemos esperar de la final de tenis masculina en los Juegos Olímpicos de Londres? Por el tenis que ambos han desplegado en toda la competencia, podemos decir que el encuentro será de nuevo bastante parejo, aunque de los dos, ha sido Murray quien se ha mostrado un poco más certero con su raqueta. Por el desgaste que Federer sufrió en su maratónico partido de semifinal ante Del Potro, es posible que el escocés llegue en mejor forma y con más aguante. Por la experiencia de la ya mencionada final de Wimbledon, ambos llegarán con el objetivo claro de cometer la menor cantidad de errores no forzados, porque aprendieron bien que cuando se tienen enfrente no hay lugar para titubeos ni para bajar la guardia. En aquella ocasión, Murray dio el primer golpe ganando el set inicial, pero se descuidó y lo terminó pagando caro.

Los británicos se muestran optimistas y señalan a Murray como ganador de la medalla de oro. Tim Henman (medallista Olímpico en 1996) y Annabel Croft (ubicada alguna vez como número uno del mundo), creen que el partido contra Federer se irá a cinco sets -en los JJOO sólo la final se juega a 3 de 5 parciales-, y que la clave para que el británico gane es empezar firme y tomar una pronta ventaja, para entonces, poder mantener la energía y el espíritu necesarios para vencer al suizo.

Sé bien que Andy desea esta medalla con todo su corazón y que toda la Gran Bretaña quiere verlo en el escalón más alto del podio, pero tengo también la seguridad absoluta de que Roger se muere por besar el Oro Olímpico y de que en el resto del mundo hay muchos que desean ver que esto suceda y que el suizo complete así el palmarés perfecto. ¿"Su Majestad" Federer o el nuevo "Rey" Murray? Lo de mañana será una batalla campal en la que ambos desplieguen toda su artillería, y en la que sin duda, volverán a rodar las lágrimas.

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• Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer takes part in a training session before the French Tennis Open Roland Garros 2013 at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris on May 23, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer sits during a training session before the French Tennis Open Roland Garros 2013 at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris on May 23, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer takes part in a training session before the French Tennis Open, Roland Garros 2013, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris on May 23, 2013. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)

• Tennismen and tennis women, Spanish Rafael Nadal (2ndL), Swiss Roger Federer (R), Russian Maria Sharapova (L) and US Serena Williams (2ndR) pose before performing for children during an exhibition game in Malakoff, a Paris suburb, on May 23, 2013, three days ahead of the beginning of French Tennis Open Roland Garros 2013 at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris. AFP PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images)

• Spain's Rafael Nadal (L) and Switzerland's Roger Federer pose during the trophy ceremony of the ATP Rome Masters on May 19, 2013. Nadal crushes Switzerland's Roger Federer 6-1, 6-3 to win seventh Rome title. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE,FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer holds the trophy of second placed after the final of the ATP Rome Masters against Spain's Rafael Nadal on May 19, 2013. Nadal defeated Federer to win the title. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE,FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

• ROME, ITALY - MAY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain holds his winners trophy after his straight sets victory against Roger Federer of Switzerland in their final match during day eight of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2013 at the Foro Italico Tennis Centre on May 19, 2013 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

• ROME, ITALY - MAY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court at the net after his straight sets victory against Roger Federer of Switzerland in their final match during day eight of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2013 at the Foro Italico Tennis Centre on May 19, 2013 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

• Swiss Roger Federer celebrates after winning 6-4, 7-6 against Polish Jerzy Janowicz during their quarter-finals match on May 17, 2013 at the Rome Masters. AFP PHOTO / Filippo MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after defeating France's Benoit Paire during their Rome Masters semi-finals tennis match on May 18, 2013. Federer won 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach the final. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI,TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)

• Swiss Roger Federer celebrates after winning 6-4, 7-6 against Polish Jerzy Janowicz during their quarter-finals match on May 17, 2013 at the Rome Masters. AFP PHOTO / Filippo MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

• ROME, ITALY - MAY 18: Roger Federer of Switzerland during the change of ends against Benoit Paire of France in their semi final match during day seven of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2013 at the Foro Italico Tennis Centre on May 18, 2013 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after defeating France's Benoit Paire during their Rome Masters semi-finals tennis match on May 18, 2013. Federer won 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to reach the final. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI,TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)

• ROME, ITALY - MAY 18: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays waves to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Benoit Paire of France in their semi final match during day seven of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2013 at the Foro Italico Tennis Centre on May 18, 2013 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer speaks during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

• Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France (C) and Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) take part in a Kids Day exhibition match ahead of the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) chats with one of his support crew during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) warms up with cartoon character Sponge Bob during a Kids Day exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• Mirka Federer (R), the wife of Roger Federer of Switzerland, sits with their twins to watch her husband play in a Kids Day exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd as he takes a break during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: (L-R) Victoria Azarenka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic pose with Nickelodeon characters during the Rod Laver Arena spectacular at Kids Tennis Day ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer jokes with a cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Mirka, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer arrives on Rod Laver Arena with her daughters Myla and Charlene to watch an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer acts as a ball boy during an exhibition match at the Kids Tennis Day on Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Mirka, right, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer watches with her daughters Myla and Charlene and a unidentified woman a exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer jokes with a cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus look as France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga acts a s a ball ball during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball along the court as he acts as a ball boy during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• Players from left, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Switzerland's Roger Federer, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams of the US and Serbia's Ana Ivanoic pose for a group photo following an exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, left, Switzerland's Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus play an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland (C) takes a break during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 11: Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 11, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer makes a backhand return during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer, right, talks with to a training partner during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer picks up a racket during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball in the air during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

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• Andy Murray, de Gran Bretaña

  El escocés, que es la gran esperanza de medalla de oro, luce un fabuloso uniforme diseñado por Stella McCartney.

• Roger Federer, de Suiza

  El tenista número uno del mundo vistió de rojo y blanco, para hacer honor a su bandera nacional.

• Serena Williams, de Estados Unidos

  Este es uno de los uniformes más lindos que hemos visto en las canchas de Wimbledon. En un azul sobrio y con vivos blancos. Serena añade una banda en la cabeza y muñequeras en rojo -y claro, un bra en el mismo tono.

• Novak Djokovic, de Serbia

  El tenista número 2 del mundo luce el mejor uniforme que le hemos visto en su carrera. Elegante su camiseta tipo polo, en el mismo tono de azul de su bandera. Las franjas de color en el cuello añaden personalidad, y las muñequeras un tono divertido.

• Maria Sharapova, de Rusia

  La rubia se ha destacado siempre por su estilo para vestir en la cancha. En esta ocasión la vemos con un vestido sencillo y elegante, en donde el rojo predomina.

• Lleyton Hewitt, de Australia

  Los colores de esta nación siempre lucen bellísimos en sus uniformes. Es una pena que a este chico lo hayan eliminado ya de la competencia.

• Caroline Wozniacki, de Dinamarca

  Este es otro de los vestidos más lindos que hemos visto en la competencia. Rojo vibrante con pequeños detalles en blanco. <a href="http://voces.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/28/caroline-wozniacki-unas_n_1714131.html?1343501492" target="_hplink">Esta chica completó su look con un manicure patriótico</a>.

• Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, de Francia

  Este francés portó una elegante camiseta azul de cuello redondo, con detalles rojos en cuello y mangas.

• Victoria Azarenka, Bielorrusia

  Esta combinación de colores también es fantástica, y la número uno del mundo sin duda se ha dado a notar en la cancha.

• Venus Williams, de Estados Unidos

  La otra hermana Williams optó por un diseño distinto, un poco más "artístico".

• Urszula Radwanska, de Polonia

  El azul ha sido sin duda uno de los colores predominantes en esta competencia olímpica.

• Juan Martin del Potro, de Argentina

  El delicado y bello azul que representa al país sudamericano.

• Andy Roddick, de Estados Unidos

  Roddick nunca se ha caracterizado por vestir bien -no le hemos visto una sola camiseta que sea de su talla. El tenista eligió un tono azul distinto al resto de los estadounidenses.

• Nicolas Almagro, de España

  En este uniforme nos habría gustado ver un toquecito de amarillo.

• Simon Gilles, de Francia

  Otro francés, pero ahora con una camiseta de cuello abierto y con líneas de color en el costado.

 

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