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| Saturday, 06 June 2009 23:37 |
Bruno Alves: “We all believed until the end”Albania 1-2 Portugal: match reaction
Carlos Queiroz, Portugal coach: “We scraped the victory. We probably wouldn’t have suffered so much if we hadn’t conceded a goal straight after scoring to make it 1-0. We didn’t have time to calm the game. “But in the second half we justified the victory against a determined team, who had fast players in their attack. Today we brought together the merit and the determination of the players. What was important was to win and move ahead, the performance comes second.” (on the Denmark win in Sweden) “Denmark are now in a good position to finish first. We now have a better chance of qualifying. Sweden lost points, we are still dependent on others because we want Denmark to slip up, but at least we are in a better position to finish in second place.”
Albania 1-2 Portugal: as it happened World Cup Qualifying Group One – Standings/Results/Fixtures
Bruno Alves, Portugal match-winner: “It was tough. Albania have a well organised team, and they put all their players behind the ball. I believed and we all believed until the end, just like we believe in the work of the coach. “This gives us more hope and desire to work even harder. Like I said, we believe in our work, I think the good times are returning and I believe we will be in South Africa. “I’d like to dedicate my goal to my father. These things are achieved through the work of everybody on the pitch, on the bench and on the outside.” by Tom Kundert |
I'm just curious to hear what you guys have to say regarding Nuno Gomes. I definitely think his veteran presence is needed, even if it is on the bench. He has always done well during qualifying and I know ppl will say bring in new talent, but Portugal lack that veteran presence that was always there! I feel Nuno Gomes has teh qualities for one last chance to lead this team...
The decline started when we couldn't find a striker to replace Pauletta and Nuno Gomes, when Deco is done and we can't find a creative midfielder, we can't find a left back, our wingers are weak (Nani, Queresma, etc.). The decline is due to the younger players not developing and not from a lack of heart on the players. You can have heart but may not have the quality to perform. Too many people are on the players about not caring, make too much money ... the problem is that they have not developed. Most of these players are out of favor at the clubs where they make their money. Read some of the other post on the string about Alves scoring the goal to win.
Agree CR need to develop his leadership skills but the problems are deeper.
1. Our starting team is made up of a bunch of sold off pedigree who are in it for the money and not the passion. It is like they are happy just to selected for the national team so they can put it on their resume for more $$$$$$.
2. Our Head "Coach" is used to being an assistant coach (therefore their friend rather than a leader ). If he was really a leader he would have a smarts and balls to sit the injured bench warming stars and play the healthy starting good work ethic player that play their respective club teams.
3. Our team "Captain" CR7. I've never seen a more talented baby, especially when he is healthy. He can play many positions on a team but not the captain. With all his diving and tantrums, calling for the ref to hand out cards, His pouting when he doesn't get the ball, his lack of commitment (one day he staying at Manchester when they are winning, and then leaving when they lose). His ball hogging when he is not playing under Sir Alex.
4. MY FINAL POINT, DID IT EVER CROSS YOUR MIND THAT THE DAY FIGO RETIRED AND THE CAPTAINS ARM BAND WAS GIVEN TO RONALDO IS AROUND THE TIME THAT THE TEAM STARTED TO FALL APART!!!!!
UNTIL THIS TEAM GET A COACH WHO IS A TRUE LEADER AND CAN GET HIS BEST OUT OF PLAYERS, AND A CAPTAIN WHO CAN LEAD BY EXAMPLE, THIS TEAM IS GOING NOWHERE!!!!!!!!
That is my opinion !!!!
Eduardo
Rolando, Alves, Pepe, Boswinga
Tiago
Ronaldo Simao
Deco
Edhino Almedia
However, on the pitch Albania played very well, and didn't deserve to lose the game. I also think Carvalho bringing down Bodgani in the box was a penalty.
We were unlucky in our previous games that our first choice keeper Beqaj got injured, and the other one Hidi made catastrophic mistakes in the games against Hungary, Denmark, and today. Also, the previous coach was not that good, Arie Haan). All we can do now is prepare better for the EURO 2112, hopefully we can make it there.
To Portugal i wish good luck. I think that if Portugal plays they way they know how then they should make it to the World Cup, but i am thinking that your coach is not doing a very good job. The difference between him and Scolari shows big time.
I
Now Carlos Queiroz... WHAT THE HELL WAS HE THINKING!!! Boa Morte? Duda? I can't get my head around those two selections.
Now I would not have started Deco and Carvalho but he did and I didn't feel too concerned about it until some Albania opportunities crept up on us. Those two had a horrible game. I really have to wonder if our coaches watch videos or if they look at injury data like who's just come off injury or they just decide on lineups and say "yeah that looks like a pretty good side". I mean Albania had that tall striker up front giving Carvalho all that trouble. Wouldn't it have been wise to bring Fernando Meira in the back to add some height to our defense? Did he retire or injured???
Pepe was at fault with that first goal a classic one two and he got burned allowing the cross to take place. Deco just kept giving the ball away and his first touch was awful. Hugo Almeida didn't work for me either. We started playing long ball instead of working the ball around the back like we have grown so used to. And those substitutions happened much too late.
Yes my friends we were very lucky but 4 more lucky games and we're in... At least in the playoffs in which case 6 more lucky games and we're in.
I'll take it.
"I don't always drink beer but when I do... I drink Dos Equis"
"Stay thirsty my friends"
defensive midfielder instead of Tiago Mendes..........totally absurd.
Boa Morte?????????? Simao on the bench.Plenty of chances created but a lucky win nevertheless.
Pls get it right against Denmark and Hungary.
Albania will play a match with Denmark at home and another one with Sweden away. Those two matches will be only for show and to make a good presentation, well if we win those that would be an help for Portugal and Hungary (Blah,,,this is complicated.... ).....
So good luck to Portughese team /exept C.Ronaldo >_
It's down to our finishing and if we get it right, no problem. It's in our hands and Denmark's luck is going to run out sooner or later.
Tactics wise, I think we need to start playing down the wings more. With Nani, Simao, Bosingwa and Duda putting in crosses to Almeida and Ronaldo I think we'd pose a bigger threat rather than always going through the middle.
Portugal kept creating chances but lacked finish. They need to awaken in order to beat Denmark. Hungary is back to back... if we win those we are in with Malta to spare. My faith in the Seleccao is high, we can only hope their's is too.