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| Friday, 09 September 2011 21:40 |
Ominous Porto overpower Vitoria SetubalFC Porto 3-0 Vitoria Setubal An ominously dominant performance reinforced FC Porto’s lead at the top of the Liga ZON Sagres tonight. Second-half goals from Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez and Fernando Belluschi gave the Dragons a 3-0 victory over Vitoria Setubal, and only the woodwork and an excellent display from Vitoria goalkeeper Diego prevented a complete thrashing.
Porto coach Vitor Pereira had claimed before the match that he would not rest players ahead of next week’s Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk. However, while the sight of Hulk sitting on the bench can be explained by an ankle injury, Moutinho’s omission from the starting XI was a clear indication that the coach had the match against the Ukrainians in midweek very much in mind.
Steven Defour and Cristian Rodriguez were given starts, and both players put in highly encouraging displays, exemplifying the strength in depth of Porto’s 2011/12 vintage. After a slow opening 20 minutes the hosts clicked into gear, with James Rodriguez causing havoc whenever he got hold of the ball. Souza, Rolando and Kleber all saw efforts come back off the frame of the goal in quick succession in a match that had one-way traffic.
Moutinho makes the breakthroughBefore the interval James also forced Diego into the first of a series of excellent saves in what was rapidly turning into a busy night for one of the best goalkeepers playing in Portugal. Five minutes into the second period the Brazilian made an even better stop to deny Defour what seemed a certain goal. It was a brief reprieve, however, as second-half substitute Joao Moutinho fired a powerful cross-shot inside Diego’s near post from long range.
On 55 minutes Vitoria at last caused danger, as Jose Pedro’s shot forced Helton into a sharp save. Porto were soon back on the attack, Defour, James, Moutinho and Cristian Rodriguez all peppered Diego’s net as Porto worked up an inexorable head of steam, although Vitoria substitute Joao Silva was not far away from snatching a shock equaliser on a rare counter-attack by the away side. Helton again had to be on his toes to keep out the effort from the Portugal U21 striker.
Any hope Vitoria had of leaving the Estadio do Dragao with a point or more vanished on 75 minutes as James Rodriguez ended a magnificent team move with a crisp finish. The ball was fed to Belluschi who picked out Hulk in the box. The Brazilian showed great awareness to set up the James with a deft back-heel, and James had no trouble in striking his shot beyond Diego.
Watch Porto's Barcelona-esque second goal: Belluschi then put the icing on the cake by shooting in from outside the box in the 88th minute. Having scored eight goals in their last two games, and having started the defence of their title with four straight victories, the Portuguese champions will embark on their Champions League campaign on Tuesday in good heart.
Goals:
[1-0] Moutinho, 53 [2-0] James Rodriguez, 75 [3-0] Belluschi, 88 Tom Kundert
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Cristian Rodriguez? Personally appreciate very much this player when on form. Yesterday gave details to be getting in shape and we gained a huge boost for the season. CR10 will give us many joys.
Steven Defour? I didn't even put the hypothesis. After some details in last two games, I'm sure we are in the presence of a player who will have the same quality of Moutinho. It is no coincidence that Man U and Real Madrid was behind him before the injury at Liège.
Alvaro Pereira? For a player who was upset at not being allowed to leave for Chelsea (as some portuguese press shouted) seems quite happy and motivated (although he is still regaining his form).
Tuesday we need another great display and another win. We need it like we need water to drink or food to eat. Attention that Shakthar isn't an easy team, they've a really good team.
Only this Porto can steal my attention from the Webb Ellis Cup and from rugby.
Still early to judge Villas-Boas departure, but in global things looks good. In May I want to say: "Andre Villas-Who?"
By the way, great review by Tom!
The following article is from Goal.com so its credibility is obviously questionable, but this story seems very likely given the current nature of Portuguese football. Read on, and try not to cringe.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/60/south-america/2011/09/09/2658345/porto-to-open-training-centre-in-brazil
Salivating stuff.