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| Sunday, 26 February 2012 22:26 |
Porto 2-0 FeirenseDragons peg back Benfica A nearly immaculate display from goalkeeper Paulo Lopes was not enough to stop Porto from earning a 2-0 victory over Feirense and climbing to the summit of the league table at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday evening. When it looked like Paulo Lopes would save every shot he faced, an unstoppable header from Maicon and a goal by James Rodriguez gave the home side one of their most crucial victories of the season.
Before the match began, Helton gave a rare speech to his side, attempting to rally them for an important match. Instead of inspiring his teammates, the speech seemed to do the opposite as they started the match very slowly. Although the home side was dominating possession, goal-mouth opportunities did not appear as the ball was constantly being cut off from Marc Janko.  Not being able to threaten Feirense, matters worsened for Porto as Varela was forced to be replaced by James because of injury. Porto began to lose their control of the match and Feirense nearly capitalised when Miguel Pedro centred the ball from the right and a surging Bedi Buval was only inches away from connecting with what surely would have been the first goal of the game. Porto responded with two great opportunities to break the deadlock but were denied both times by Paulo Lopes. From a free kick, Hulk sent a curling effort towards goal that was turned away by the goalkeeper, while James had a strike from six yards defended by the veteran. In the second half Lopes continued to save everything Porto threw his way. Alvaro sent in a deep cross that found an unmarked Janko in the box. On the bounce, the Austrian sent a cracker towards goal which Lopes spectacularly turned away.  Porto looked to finally find the light at the end of the tunnel when James isolated Janko and the striker was brought down in the box by Luciano. After the Feirense defender was sent off with a direct red card, Hulk was denied by Lopes from the penalty spot.The Feirense goalkeeper seemed to fill the entire goal, stopping James’ long range effort moments later and Janko’s point-blank attempt on the rebound. Finally, in the 67th minute, Lopes was beaten. From a free kick on the left, James whipped the ball into the box and Maicon rose above his marker to thunderously head the ball into the goal to give his side the advantage.  The goal clearly broke down Feirense who could no longer keep Os Dragoes out of their goal. While Lucho Gonzalez had his 30 yard strike denied by the crossbar, James made no mistake on Porto’s next chance. After Moutinho sent Lucho free on the left with a defence-splitting pass, James collected the ball from the Argentine and struck past Lopes to double Porto’s lead and confirm the victory.With the three points, Porto climb to the top of the league table on goal difference and set up a clash for first place in next week’s classico against Benfica. Feirense remain in 15th, threatened by relegation. Goals [1-0] Maicon 68' [2-0] James Rodriguez 72' Porto: Helton; Sapunaru (Djalma 66'), Maicon, Rolando, Alvaro Pereira; Fernando, Lucho Gonzalez, Joao Moutinho (Defour 76'); Varela (James 29'), Janko, Hulk. Feirense: Paulo Lopes, Pedro Queiros, Luciano, Varela, Serginho; Stenio, Cris (Thiago 85'), Helder Castro; Miguel Pedro (Bamba 71'), Buval, Diogo Cunha (Fonseca 77'). Victor Ferreira |
Keep in mind hat I always thought that Porto had a wonderful opportunity at something special this season. They just didn't have the leader to galvanize the squad.
As for the CL I expected Benfica to get past the group stages, and then it's up to the draw. Although I have always stated they should get by Zenit, unlike Tripeiros, I have never underestimated any Russian club at this time of year. The travel is long and we've all seen the horrific conditions.
I believe that you and I have disagreed on Moutinho. For me he's always just been ok, while others like yourself think he's great. For me Moutinho is one of those players that will always look better with very good talent around him. I don't feel he's the one making people around him great.
I thought Sporting were fools in not selling him to England when they had the chance, and I also feel Porto should do the same if option is available.
Just my opinion of the player. I don't think he sucks, I just think that he's ok with moments of sparkle (not brilliance) at times.
However, you did post comments on other posts implying that Benfica has this league in the bag, go back and check. You even stated reasons why Porto wasn't going to win this league, such as Moutinho being overrated, horrible coach(which I agree with 100%), no striker etc. So i found it quite hilarious when I saw you getting mad at a Portista when Benfica now is in a tight race for the league and most likely wont go very far in the CL.
I truly feel their manager had failed them. That's not bashing, that's having a high opinion of an opponent.
And yes, would have preferred a win, always.
I've never stated benfica would win anything. I do believe that they have the quality and depth to win the league and proceed in the CL. But benfica has disappointed before now. I was angry at their loss in the Taca.
By the way, why is it OK for people to throw around the "tunnels ", but the "golden whistle " is blasphemy.
If you've truly read my posts you would have seen that I've always said the big 3 get the breaks.
Did you even read Sam's post. Talk about angry. Funny, but with an edge.
and to jon, usa: what prevented porto from beating city was 100m euro transfer kitty... falcao would not have saved porto... city are a very good team who went through justly, tho i dont believe the scoreline does justice to portos performance in the tie... i find it very inaccurate to say that benfica is better to porto in goal, defense and attack and they are equal in the middle... you come off as rather misinformed.. but i guess delusions of grandeur will do that to you..
porto have been far from there best this season but the addition of lucho seems to have really helped the midfield... moutinho and fernando are always class players so it will depend on how those three match up against the benfica midfield...
hulk is also experiencing a dip in form but he is still creating some chances for his teammates, bar his torrid performance against feirense...
for NJ/USA/SLB: really still bringing up golden whistle? same old song and dance with you guys eh...
Porto was clearly better last year, but I feel it's kind of been a see-saw battle this season. Benfica was dominant, but they have dipped in creativity the past couple games.
The Porto vs. Benfica game will be interesting, that's for sure.
I'm predicting a photo finish this year, with SLB and FCP finishing within 3 points of each other at the end of the season. Who will be on top is anyone's guess.
Sam, I guess you also feel Porto dominated City while losing 6-1 on aggregate.
Instead of throwing a blank statement on how some people might feel about certain squads, I suggest you read those statements.
If you would of had, you would have seen how I felt about this Porto squad. I for one thought this squad should have made a deep run into into the CL this season. I thought that they wasted a wonderful opportunity. You might think winning the league will make this season successful, but I can guarantee you that PdC won't. It should have been much better.
Oh, in case you've forgotten the "golden whistle" drama is all Porto. Benfica is the "tunnels". Hopefully that helps for your next post.
By the way, I do feel that this Benfica squad has what it takes to beat Porto and win the league. I will also say that advancing in the CL is imperative. And thats with no excuses. Benfica needs to go out and win both matches.
Oh yeah, in case you missed that this HUGE win was verse Feirense. Check where they stand in table before crowing.
helton is still the best keeper in portugal. he may make some dumb mistakes from time to time but he comes up huge a lot saving sure goals from going in. his good far outweighs his bad
porto's defense has 3-4 quality internationals, benfica's is 4 clowns
porto's midfield can rival any team in the world, benfica is aimar and the rest is mediocre
striker is the only advantage
Benfica has a better keeper, a better defense, an equal midfield, and a better attack. We also have A LOT more depth than Porto.
I am not one of those Benfiquistas who hates on Sporting and Porto. I actually have more respect for them than hate. However, when I see comments like Sam's I have to voice my opinion.
Porto was definitely better last year, but this year belongs to Benfica.