 |
 |
 |
| Sunday, 11 December 2011 22:30 |
Liga round-up: Benfica keep paceWins for Rio Ave, Leiria A late winner from Oscar Cardozo was enough to sneak Benfica past ten-man Maritimo in a compelling encounter at the Estadio dos Barreiros, concluding a tense day in the Liga ZON Sagres. Elsewhere, Rio Ave and Uniao de Leiria recorded vital wins against Gil Vicente and Guimaraes respectively, whilst Setubal were held by Feirense.
Maritimo 0-1 BenficaWith Nico Gaitan having picked up an injury against Otelul Galati, and Luisao also not yet fit enough to return, Jorge Jesus handed starts to Axel Witsel and Jardel. Rodrigo also started up front alongside Cardozo. Portugal’s top scorer Baba recovered from a virus to spearhead Maritimo’s attack.The home side settled quicker, and for the opening ten minutes had Benfica pinned back in their own half of the pitch. However, the Eagles soon took more of a hold on the game, and would eventually end the half with over 60% possession. Rodrigo, peeling off to the right of Cardozo often, cut inside and curled a shot wide, whilst Garay failed to keep his header down from Bruno Cesar’s corner. Maritimo had chances of their own – Olberdam ought to have tested Artur after Baba’s defy lay-off, and the front three of Baba, Sami and Heldon were lively throughout – but it took a pair of superb interceptions from Pecanha and a woeful miss from Oscar Cardozo to keep the scores level.  The latter in particular beggared belief, both in real time and when watching it back. A superb flowing move from the Eagles ended with Maxi squaring for the Paraguayan, who was poised on the edge of the six-yard box with the goal at his mercy. It seemed easier to score than to miss, but somehow Cardozo contrived to pull his effort wide of the left-hand post. Baba also came close, striking the side netting shortly before the interval, but after a pulsating 45 minutes, the teams were level, and five players (including Maritimo’s entire midfield) were in the book after a niggling last quarter of an hour. Those bookings soon came back to haunt the home side, who had Olberdam dismissed a little less than three minutes after the restart. The Brazilian clearly fouled Maxi on the right wing, and Jorge Sousa did not hesitate in producing a second yellow. The sending off set the tone for the remainder of the encounter, with Maritimo looking to counter from a deeper defensive position, and Benfica attempting to pick their way through the massed red and green shirts.  Chances were few and far between, with the tension mounting as the clock wound down. Rodrigo produced a superb cross with thirteen minutes remaining, but the six-yard box was empty and the ball sped harmlessly away. Pecanha continued his superb evening, denying Nolito with a diving effort at his near post. Just as it seemed as if Maritimo (who also saw Ruben Ferreira and Baba exit on stretchers during the final twenty minutes) were going to earn themselves an impressive point, Cardozo atoned for his earlier error to give Benfica the lead. An acrobatic Pecanha stop kept Jardel’s header out, but Nolito was well placed to put the ball back into the danger area, and the Paraguayan stabbed home amidst a tangle of bodies. It was all hands on deck for the Eagles during five minutes of injury time, with a bandaged Jardel in particular throwing himself all over the place, but Maritimo’s spirit had finally been extinguished, and Benfica held on for three priceless points. The win keeps them level on points with Porto at the top of the table, behind only on goal difference. Goals [0-1] Cardozo 85’ Maritimo: Pecanha; Briguel, Roberge, Joao Guilherme, Ruben Ferreira (Igor 71’); Roberto Sousa, Rafael Miranda, Olberdam; Sami, Baba (Fidelis 80’), Heldon (Danilo Dias 77’). Benfica: Artur; Maxi Pereira, Jardel, Garay, Emerson; Javi Garcia, Witsel (Saviola 67’), Pablo Aimar, Bruno Cesar; Rodrigo (Nolito 82’), Cardozo (Ruben Amorim 87’) Uniao de Leiria 1-0 Vitoria de GuimaraesThe home side are slowly becoming a more organised outfit under Manuel Cajuda, and delivered a compact, effective performance during the first half. Guimaraes threatened occasionally through Toscano and Edgar, but with Manuel Curto an influential presence in midfield, Leiria saw far more of the ball where it mattered, despite ceding 52% possession to their opponents overall.The scoring might have been opened with a Leiria penalty in the 36th minute. Leo chased down a through ball which Alex seemed content to leave for Nilson, and the two Brazilians tangled before Leo went down inside the box. It looked a clear trip by Nilson, but instead Leo was shown a yellow card by Hugo Miguel.  Two minutes later, Leiria were ahead. Guimaraes only managed to half clear a ball in, and Curto chipped a precise pass over the top for Leo, who had arced his run to stay onside and lose his marker. The summer signing from Internacional of Porto Alegre made no mistake, rifling a left-footed shot underneath Nilson and in. An uneventful second half saw the home side dig in and hang on grimly, as Guimaraes launched a succession of attacks forward. Edgar went close with a header, but Manuel Cajuda’s conservative approach paid off, and Leiria held out for the three points. Rio Ave 2-0 Gil Vicente Rio Ave climbed out of the relegation zone with a vital home win over Gil Vicente, who began the game unbeaten in four matches. A sumptuous strike from Wires put Carlos Brito’s side ahead after seventeen minutes, and Yazalde added a measure of comfort eight minutes into the second half. The win sees Rio Ave move up to 13th, ahead of Feirense and Nacional on goal difference. Gil Vicente remain in 7th. Vitoria de Setubal 1-1 FeirenseSetubal played the entire second half with a numerical advantage after Stopira received his second yellow card shortly before the interval, but were unable to find a winner against a dogged Feirense. Buval got Quim Machado’s side off to the perfect start when he found the net after just three minutes, and Setubal might have fallen further behind were it not for Diego’s penalty save from Miguel Pedro. Ten minutes later Neca converted his spot-kick to level the scores, and neither side managed a second goal after half time. The draw does little for either Setubal or Feirense, both of whom remain just above the relegation zone, in 12th and 14th respectively. Round Twelve concludes with Olhanense hosting Academica tomorrow evening. Ben Shave |
Hey I like Cesar he should be playing in the middle.. I was saying that when he was on the bench.. I also like Enzo.. and Witsel..
I haven't been complaining about Benfica's record.. although we were still winning with Nolito in the line-up.. usually by more goals, I was complaining that with this squad we should winning by more.
The only thing we really disagree on is JJ..
On that note Nick if you read any of my posts ever you would know that the only Jesus I ever loved was the one that walked on water.. everything that JJ says I almost never agree with.
Staying on that note and actually reading you too would know that I talk very highly of Porto I am not a blind red man like you clearly have been Nick with your Green Scarf over your eyes.
If you are going to challenge me you need to read what I have said so you can build your case..
However it is hard to argue againt results...and even though our performances have been below-par lately, we are still doing well, won the Lisboa derby, topped the CL group and won a difficult away match in Madeira (a place where our title rivals may well drop points later on)...so it's not all doom and gloom as you make it sound. If we're winning when playing below-par, just imagine when we start clicking?
As for Enzo Perez, this is all theoretical, I'm basing my points on what I've see of him playing for Estudiantes (very impressive by the way)...but of course playing in S. America and playing in Europe is a very different thing altogether. He was just unlucky to get such a bad injury so early in the season...I hope he stays with us, because I really think he could offer us something different, and provide some proper service into the box. I also doubt Gaitan will leave before the summer..
Nick.. Maritimo lined the pitch with yellow cards.. that was their game-plan which led to the Red Sea after the waters were parted.. by the Ref/Moses
But you should lay off of the crack in your header at it is getting you up/high...
the Golden Calf's 4-4-2 and a GK make eleven (4+4+2+1 GK = 11 not 12) so not sure where you are getting the extra guy on each side of the field after a red card.
Your intellect shines through again.. you unfortunately have brought your team down with your insight.. btw gotten isn't a real word.. it was kicked to the curb 300 years ago. has got.. and have had were the proper terms prostar.
In your case Bryan SCB you post many harsh comments within 5 mins apart and have never seen a yellow, so we can understand how you would think that. lol
Back to Andre and reality "to call Nolito "our best player" is a serious exaggeration too. "
He has 5 goals.. the only one with more is Cardozo (7) who has also been sitting on the bench by coincidence.. Bruno Cesar by comparison (his inadequate replacement) has 3 in almost exactly the same games. Witsel has zero goals (although I personally think he is a different player but just saying), JJ's favourite Gaitan has 1 GOAL, Aimar his other favourite 1 GOAL.. in the same appearances the difference is Nolito has only started 6 games.. with no real injuries whereas the others have been injured and started almost every game.
This is not negativity this is the FACTS.. I love Witsel and in an impressive first season.. he has done well but he has also coughed up some bad ass goals.. he is knew and having Javi as a partner can lead to some bad habits.
Nolito had 5 goals in about 6 starts.. you give me your positive spin on why he should be benched? If you haven't noticed Benfica's mediocre draw/1 goal winning streak has been with him on the bench. When he and Cardozo played we had goals..
Our two best players are not so in the maestro's mind.. Goaldozer was not to the level of SemViola and now even Rodrigo gets preferential treatment..
We are not going to get a cent for SemViola.. but yet he gets run out regularly.. whilst Oliveira a player we stand to make a huge chunk of change if he played rarely sees the field and when he does... it isn't with the best. Aimar we will lose too without a penny.. yet he starts every match.. sign him or sub him in late... It is in the best interest of the club.
So Andre you could argue that Cardozo is still our best player.. Luisao.. Artur.. mildly Witsel who I too love.. but Nolito who is on the bench for the last half of the season is still our best player and his selfish play saved our bacon on the weekend. Maybe you missed that.. and with only 10 mins he played better than the others did all game.
Is he being selfish.. of course he is.. he needs playing time.. you think he is going to wheel around and pump Cesar another ball to keep him on the bench?
When he plays consistently he passes more than Gaitan.. scores more, assists more, and provides the exact DiMaria style that you request.. actually he is better than DiMaria.. who is one dimensional.
Then you make some comments about why he isn't on the Spanish NT.. even though he doesn't play for RM or Barca.. ?
I think you thought you were making a point.. but you seriously didn't think about it.
Are any of these players starters for their respective nations:
Gaytan, Aimar, Javi, Cardozo, Saviola, Garay, Luisao, Emerson, Artur, Rodrigo...
You love Enzo so much.. and I definitely think he has potential although he started out crap.. but you haven't read any papers of late.. because your boy who JJ hand picked.. as per his own comments.. has while been out injured demanded a loan back home.. he said he doesn't get on with the manager.. and he doesn't see a future.
This totally caught the maestro off guard because he had planned to give him full starts when he came back.. he even reiterated how impressed he was with Enzo even though he had performed so poorly early on.
Like I said I love Enzo and definitely think he has a role replacing Gaitan on the right when we sell him in January because his value will never be higher. He showed up in 3 CL games and with no real liga stats is considered great.. same as Javi.. I would offload both for a huge profit and play some real players instead.
Sorry again Realism might sound negative.. take another pill Andre..
Enzo unless forced might never play again because he doesn't get along with the guy that brought him to Benfica JJ.
I too was an Enzo fan but when I heard JJ personally selected him.. I realized it might be a mirage.. the jury is still out.. but the start of the season was on par with Roberto.. JJ's last Golden Chicken.
The only optimism is that we have so many great players that even JJ's starters who for the most part are subs.. can still win.
Matt great point on the fouls.. it might've alluded someone who didn't watch the game like Nick.. and Matt you are right a good team wins bad games.. the NJ Devils did that for years.. playing the trap.. with a clutch and grab and an excellent Goalie led to a couple of stanley cups.. since they banned all that with the same great goalie they suck.
The trap and clutch and grab are not allowed in futebol.. and this Benfica although much improved the defence is much weaker although Artur makes it seem like they might be better.. just imagine if you had Coentrao on the left.. Luis next to Luisao and Maxi not so tired.. replace Artur with Eduardo for the similar results as both are great.
I am a Benfica guy.. JJ is not Benfica.. he is an add-on.. like an as seen on tv product..
Sure having ball hair cancer might be better than prostate cancer.. as it might just affect your performance instead of being terminal quickly.. but it is a cancer nonetheless and should be amputated.
Although I think JJ is more like Colon Cancer.. weak and pathetic before you notice.. by the time your figure you have a problem with the asshole it consumes you and you die a miserable death.
JJ is terminal.. it is just a matter of time before you all agree..
I agree it's a bit misleading and will be like that until the Benfica-Porto match is played at the Luz if they stay level on points.
At least it shows it's gonna be a titanic fight for the title this season!
But also Orlando Mac cheer up mate, I don't see how your negativity can help anything at all. It wasn't a great performance but an away win against a team 4th in the Liga is a very good result. And to call Nolito "our best player" is a serious exageration too. Actually from what i've seen, he looks a little inconsistent and a touch selfish at times...he is clearly very talented, but if he was our "best player" as you claim, you'd think he would've been capped by Spain by now! In my view nobody has been better than Axel Witsel for us this season.
What i have already stated in other posts and was noticeable last night again is how we are missing pace, power and good service from the flanks. Particularly with Cardozo up front, we really need pace down the wings and good service into the box. We are relying too much on the full-backs to deliver into the box. I think Enzo Perez could be the solution to this problem, and he could offer just what we are lacking at the moment, some pace and trickery from the wide areas (a-la Di Maria!). I was impressed with some of the youtube videos of him in the Argentine league, and if he can bring that kind of play to our team, we would really have something different for the second half of the season. So yeah it's been a little blip in form lately, but we're still alright, undefeated in the liga. Porto have to come to Lisboa twice in the next few months, and most of our most difficult away fixtures (i.e Porto, Braga) have been played already. So there's good reason for optimism...
Hibo relax and don't take it personally its a figure of speech.
Well done Ben.
JJ "Making Everything Look Difficult TM" was in prime effect.. without Gaitan.. you would think Nolito.. OUR BEST PLAYER would start...nope.. let me play Rodrigo instead because he is a great passer and loves Cardozo... and loves to feed him sublime balls...
Like I said before if you are going to play two strikers it can only be Oliveira.. he is the only one capable of passing.. Rodrigo & Cardozo are like having two cocks in a hen house of one.
Then the master stroke of bringing on Javior Sav.. a guy who can't score or make a pass.. wow..
then wait till the 80th minute and then bring in Nolito who quickly makes the GK make a diving save and the next low and hard one bounces to Cardozo who easily tucks it in the back of the net before Red fans are faced with blushes again.
My friend from Planet Benfica in response to my "Making Everything Look Difficult" mentioned how Benfica hasn't won a game in ages the last 18 I think by more than one goal.
Fortunately he is on the shoulders of Lowered Expectations.
What an impressive run of mediocre wins.. everyone in the CL is shaking in their boots..
Emerson helped out in attack, but he clearly has very little talent. The guy can't even give himself a yard of space for a cross. The defense remained pretty solid, but they weren't really tested. Maritimo is solid defensively, but they lack quality and creativity in the final third.
This Maritimo team are something else despite being a player down (which i didnt even notice because i started watching about a minute after the red card) they still went toe to toe with Benfica then you add the fact Baba and Ruben both came off and Benfica were still fortunate to get the goal and how lucky they were to if Ruben was there instead of Igor there is much more of a chance that goal wouldnt have happened but Igor just watched Cardozo get to the ball.
Sami was fantastic to. Maritimo wont be losing many more games this season, keep it up!