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| Friday, 18 November 2011 22:36 |
Portuguese Cup: Late Rodrigo strike sees Benfica into last sixteenNaval 0-1 Benfica Benfica's Spanish striker Rodrigo continued his hot scoring streak (5 goals in 4 games) by hitting the match-winner moments after coming on as a late substitute at a rain-drenched Figueira da Foz tonight.
With Benfica playing at Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday, coach Jorge Jesus rested a host of first-team regulars, affording the opportunity for several fringe players to get minutes on the clock, such as Eduardo, Miguel Vitor, Capdevila, Rodrigo Mora and Nelson Oliveira. Naval made it tough for the Lisbon giants, but on balance of play the Eagles deserved the victory in a largely forgettable match. Torrential rain fell throughout the ninety minutes, minimising the opportunity for good football from either side. The few chances created fell mostly to Benfica, with Naval goalkeeper Taborda saving well from Nolito, Bruno Cesar and Ruben Amorim. Naval's best chance fell to the lively Bolivia in the 66th minute, with the striker's effort beating Eduardo and rolling just past the post. With the deadlock yet to be broken, time running out and Jesus keen to avoid extra time before the trip to Old Trafford, the coach turned to the bench, throwing on Rodrigo and David Simao with less than ten minutes remaining. Rodrigo wasted no time in making an impact. Amorin's free-kick was not dealt with by the Naval defence and the Spaniard continued his lethal form, striking a low shot on the turn into the corner of the net. Benfica: Eduardo, Miguel Vitor (David Simao, 81'), Luisao, Garay, Capdevila, Nolito, Aimar (Bruno Cesar, 60'), Javi Garcia, Ruben Amorim, Mora (Rodrigo, 81'), Nelson Oliveira Goal: [0-1] Rodrigo, 82 Tom Kundert Follow PortuGOAL on Twitter and Facebook |
We have to remember that this is a must win for Man United. They've dropped too many points at home already
On a side note, is it me or have a ton of teams backline/defense have become horrible. Chelsea, Man United, Porto, etc...
But i would do it, for 3 main reasons. Firstly Rodrigo has to play at the moment, his confidence is sky-high! Secondly, Man United's defense has looked suspect all season and their best defender Vidic won;t play on tuesday, so we must really go there looking to score goals. Lastly, we still have effectively "another chance" to qualify, so to speak, with our last game at home to Otelul...win that one and we're through regardless of what happens at Old Trafford. So yeah why not take a risk in Manchester and go there to attack? But if we go there with that attacking approach, I think that Javi and Axel should play further back and more defensive than usual to give us that extra protection.
As for Rodrigo, what can you say. He has a nose for goal, and should just get better.
Let's see if we can get something for Saviola. Maybe he still has enough cache that a Russian or Saudi will come calling. Who knows, maybe Malaga might even want him.
I didn't see this match, but the highlights showed the horrific conditions. Glad that we advanced and nobody took a knock.
By the way, my crazy prediction was Rodrigo leading Benfica in scoring. LOL
------------------------Cardozo------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------Rodrigo----------------------
Gaitan--------------------Aimar-------------------------------------------------
--------------------Witsel----------------Garcia-----------------------Maxi
Emerson----------Garay---------Luisao----------------------------------
------------------------------Artur---------------------------------------------
JJ has used Bruno Cesar primarily as a winger, but I think he would be more effective in Aimar's central role. Nolito started the season brilliantly, but Rodrigo and Cesar's great form has sent him to the bench. My preferred 11 in the liga would consist of cardozo up top with Nolito, Gaitan, and Rodrigo behind him.
I can`t agree with you on loaning Nelson out. It seems likely that Saviola is getting sold in the winter leaving us with Cardozo, Rodrigo, Nelson, and Mora. Nolito has been mainly used as a winger. With the league cup and Taca action picking up after new years, I think Nelson will get a larger amount of chances to play.
Also you have to admit that Rodrigo is one of the top U-21 strikers around. Nelson is great but I would think playing with and training with someone his age could help push him to work harder.