18 November 2006, by Marco Pereira

Varela denies Carvalhal winning start

Beira-Mar 1-1 Setubal

Beira-Mar and Setubal shared the spoils as they drew 1-1 in a soggy affair in Aveiro last night.

Ratinho’s second-half header seemed to have given Carlos Carvalhal the perfect debut as the new Beira-Mar boss, but Varela had other ideas, heading Setubal’s equaliser six minutes from time.

Carvalhal wanted to start his new venture with a win and his players reflected this attitude. Jorge Leitao had the first opportunity of the game in the 12th minute when he forced Setubal goalkeeper, Nelson, into making a good save at point blank range.

Nine minutes later, Tininho almost scored the game’s first goal when his effort missed the net by inches. Setubal’s first real effort came in the 35th minute when striker Varela showed some fine individual skill by losing his marker, only to shoot weakly from a good position.

Setubal substitute Nandinho, who had come on for an injured Verissimo, almost put the visitors ahead shortly before the break but his shot whistled past the Beira-Mar net.

After a first half of mediocrity, the fun started late in the second half as Beira-Mar got on the scoreboard first when Ratinho and substitute Jardel combined with a neat headed exchange. The Brazilian striker headed the ball to the midfielder and Ratinho made no mistake heading into the net.

Beira-Mar must have thought that the game was won but full credit to Setubal as they did not give up. In a complete loss of concentration by the Beira-Mar defence, Varela was allowed to run into the heart of the 18-yard box unmarked and head an Amuneke free kick out of goalkeeper Danrlei’s reach and into the net.

A perfect start for Carvalhal was spoilt as his team ended up dropping two precious points at home. Much work ahead for the former Braga boss.

Carlos Carvalhal, Beira-Mar coach:

“It was a game that was more disputed than well played, due to the state of the pitch. We had a good period up to the half hour mark; a period where we created various flagrant chances on goal. Unfortunately we did not manage to finish them and afterwards we lost a bit of concentration.”

“When we thought the result was decided, from a dead ball situation, which cannot happen because we practised all week, we suffered a goal. It was a fatal lack of concentration. Now we have to work to correct these situations.”

Toni, Setubal coach:

“I thought it was a fair result. When we suffered the goal, we had the game under control. Luckily, we managed to draw in a difficult stadium where, for example, Sporting did not manage to win.”

“It’s a positive result and deserved for how the team worked. The break did us good, but we still need more time to improve the functionality of the team and the mentality in terms of competitiveness.”

Beira-Mar:
Danrlei, Jorge Vidigal, Ricardo, Jorge Silva, Tininho, Emerson, Torrao (Andre, 69), Ratinho (Artur, 80), Wegno, Jorge Leitao (Jardel, 64), Rui Lima

Setubal:
Nelson, Janicio, Hugo, Auri, Verissimo (Nandinho, 29), Julien (Sandro, 57), Binho, Bruno Ribeiro, Amuneke, Varela, Mbamba

Goals:
[1-0] Ratinho, 72
[1-1] Varela, 84