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| Saturday, 05 November 2011 23:25 |
Porto slip up againChampions draw a blank at Olhanense; Maritimo march on Olhanense held FC Porto to a goalless draw in the Algarve tonight. The Dragons had their chances, including a penalty, and the two dropped points could see them lose the leadership of the Liga ZON Sagres if Benfica beat Braga tomorrow. Earlier in the day Maritimo continued their sensational season. Baba scored twice in a 3-2 win over Academica to move his side into 3rd place, just three points behind Porto.
Olhanense 0-0 FC PortoAs was the case on Tuesday night in Cyprus, Porto put in a good shift with no question marks regarding the players’ commitment. Unfortunately for Vitor Pereira, the quality of the performance did not match the effort of his charges. The Porto coach showed the pressure was getting to him for the first time in the pre-match press conference where he accused critics of attempting to destabilise the club, but tonight’s result will have done little to silence his detractors.
It could have been a very different story had Hulk converted a penalty awarded after just two minutes when Mauricio’s clumsy shove into Kleber left the referee in no doubt. Hulk’s spot kick was well saved by the diving Fabiano, who did even better to deflect the Brazilian’s follow-up effort past the post for a corner.
The missed opportunity knocked Porto’s fragile confidence, and the visitors did not create another chance in the first half until moments before the interval when Rolando headed wide when it seemed easier to score. Olhanense were defensively disciplined but carried little threat of their own, save for a Mexer shot over the bar from a corner.
Porto come closeWhat had been a lukewarm match came to life in the second half, with Porto stringing together a series of dangerous raids and Olhanense looking more threatening on the break. Hulk and Mangala both came close to giving Porto the lead, before the young French centre-back did put the ball in the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Fabiano by Rolando.
After a dominant spell Porto began to run out of ideas again, and twice Olhanense’s top scorer Wilson Eduardo caused moments of anxiety for the Porto defence. On the hour mark a well worked counter-attack by the hosts set up a chance for the Portugal U21 international, but the striker could not get enough weight on his impudent attempt to lob Helton from close range. In the 78th minute Eduardo took a beautiful first touch to take Maicon out of the equation and rifle in a low shot that a diving Helton scrambled to turn away for the corner.
An increasingly desperate Porto could find no way through, even after the introduction of Walter, Defour and Guarin. With almost three weeks until their next game, Vitor Pereira is not likely to enjoy the international break.
FC Porto:
Helton, Mangala, Alvaro Pereira, Maicon, Rolando, Belluschi (Defour, 73), Fernando (Guarin, 73), Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez, Kleber (Walter, 59), Hulk
Maritimo 3-2 Academica Maritimo continue their magnificent start to 2011/12. Victory over high-flying Academica means the islanders have now won 8 and drawn 2 of their last ten games in all competitions. Maritimo played some wonderful football in the first half and were unlucky to go into the break leading by just one goal. Baba (pictured) scored in the 17th minute, Sami doubled their lead on the half hour mark, but centre-back Joao Real pulled a goal back for the Students before the break.
Remarkably, Pedro Emanuel’s side were level on 46 minutes despite being largely outplayed, thanks to Marinho’s goal after Maritimo goalkeeper Pecanha had failed to hold Eder’s shot. Maritimo were soon back in front however, and inevitably it was Baba who scored. The red hot striker notched his ninth goal of the season with a perfectly placed header into the top corner. Pedro Martins’ side held on to their lead this time and move up the third place in the standings, for twenty-four hours at least.
Vitoria thrash PacosOn Friday night Vitoria Guimaraes coach Rui Vitoria enjoyed his return to former club Pacos de Ferreira. The visitors put their woes behind them to register a 5-1 thrashing at the Mata Real. Edgar scored a hat-trick with Bruno Teles and Toscano also finding the target, while Melgarejo scored a consolation for the Pacos.
Tom Kundert
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Porto began to run out of ideas again.
Falcao's departure has caused more problems than I thought. If you remember, Kleber was supposed to have joined Porto last season. So they must have seen something that they thought would translate into goals. I know that it seems as if he's a bust, yet he still leads Porto in goals in league play. Mind you for the leading offensive squad in the league. Ok, no?
As for Pereira, he seemed like the logical choice. PdC should know best, but Pereira's comments raised concerns for me, right from the start. What should be more troubling for PdC, the club and the fans, is Pereira starting to lose his composure/cool at press conferences. The pressure is clearly getting to him.
Let me add, the only reason that him losing his cool should be troubling is due to his complete calm persona. He isn't or shown to be the fired up guy.
Nobody would be shocked or surprised if JJ loses his cool. Pereira, on the other hand, just might be a bit troubling.
It always seems that the best time to make a change would be during an Int'l break, but Porto has players that are going to be gone. It's not like the new manager would have the full squad to train or incorporate himself into.
With key games in the Champions League and league play, coming up, it just doesn't make sense to me.
Maritimo and Baba are continuing their impressive play. They seemed poised to have something to say in Champions League qualification and league title. Great job.
Guimaraes didn't need any refereeing help in this one. For me they're still more of a mirage than anything resembling a contender.
..instead it is a time for concern, a time for PDC to have a long hard think and to get rid of Vitor Palhaco!!
This would be a good time to get rid of him, and have time to find a replacement before our next match in a few weeks time.