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| Wednesday, 31 August 2011 09:40 |
PortuGOAL podcast 38: Farewell Falcao, Benfica joy, Sporting despair & SeleccaoReview of season start and preview of Cyprus-Portugal How will Falcao’s exit affect FC Porto? How good are Benfica? How bad are Sporting? In our latest podcast the PortuGOAL crew runs the rule over the stories thrown up by first few weeks of the season, and we look ahead to Portugal’s must-win Euro 2012 qualifier against Cyprus.
Part One:
FC Porto put up a good fight against Barcelona in the European Super Cup, but in the absence of Falcao the Dragons looked distinctly toothless up front. How will the departure of the Colombian goal machine affect the Portuguese champions?
Benfica have shown glimpses of the magnificent attacking play that swept them to the title two season’s ago, while local rivals Sporting have had an awful start to the new campaign despite the huge squad investment over the summer. We take a closer look at the Lisbon giants.
We also discuss the contrasting fortunes of the two Minho clubs, Braga and Vitoria Guimaraes.
Part Two:
The Seleccao are back in action as they travel to Cyprus for a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday. We analyse the prospects for the national side and attempt to second-guess the thinking behind Paulo Bento’s somewhat controversial squad selection.
To listen to the podcast click on the play button above. To download right-click on the link below and select “save link as” option. (Duration: 31m 11s)
We would be delighted to hear your feedback about the podcast. Please leave your comments using the form below.  Related: European Super Cup - Porto undone by Barcelona Related: Maritimo stun Sporting at the Alvalade Related: Benfica see off Twente to book Champions League berth Follow PortuGOAL on Twitter and Facebook |
Agree: Porto & Benfica to sort out title. Braga to push Sporting for 3rd.
As a supporter of the latter I just don't know how I'm going to face my Belenenses barracking family any more, it feels like we have not won a thing since as long as they did!!
At this stage I don’t want to say this means that Sporting will be 3rd. They can easily make a big run but it will be extremely hard for them. I also want to note that Braga’s great start will not only motivate the team but it could help them get back into the CL again. People keep underestimating them and they keep surprising us so I’m not going to count them out at this stage. I also think that as the season progresses teams like Guimaraes could cost any team points which can make a big impact on the standings.
As for the NT I fully agree with Andre, we to need a win regardless of how ugly it may come. For the striker, I’m open with trying something new or just staying with Hugo since at least it puts a big body in front of net. I don’t want to see any of the strikers from Sporting on there. They’re not got enough for the big 3 clubs and they shouldn’t even be on the bench for the NT. I know we shouldn’t gamble too much but I wouldn’t mind if they tried called up Nelson from the U-20. I look at Germany in their last world cup and everyone harassed them for bringing on so many youth players but man did they put on a show. I’m not saying Nelson should start but if we’re up 2-0, why not sub him on for the last 20mins to see how he can do with guys like Ronaldo and Nani feeding him the ball.
I always thought Porto would seriously miss the prolific scoring of Falcao, and they will have to hope Hulk is as prolific as he was last season. I still make them faves to win the league, because apart from AVB and Falcao, the squad is still the same as last year. But will the new coach have the same winning mentality as AVB? Highly unlikely!!
This means that Benfica can seriously challenge for the title, and this squad of players is the best we've had in ages. JJ seems to have learned to be more flexible and less stubborn and hopefully this will benefit the team...please keep sticking with 4-2-3-1, that's the best formation to play both home and away in my opinion. The defence still needs major tightening up though, and they have to stop teams crossing into the box so easily, this is how we've been conceding goals so far. I also wouldn't have loaned out Jara to be honest, I think he did well in his few opportunities last year and looks better than Saviola at the moment. Hopefully Cardozo will rediscover his form of 2 years ago, Nolito keeps chipping in with goals, and Oliveira gets some chances to show his potential.
With regards to Part 2 and the Seleccao...please Bento just get the 3 points in Cyprus...this is all that matters right now. I don't mind if it's done ugly and by the bare minimum...the point being there is no more margin for error. We don't want to have to go into the last match in Denmark needing 3 points. Denmark at home are tought to beat. If we win the next two matches, i think a draw in Denmark will probably be enough to win the group by a whisker (and almost certainly enough to finish second). One step at a time though, let's just make sure we win in Cyprus for now....Forca!!!