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| Friday, 02 December 2011 22:34 |
Spectacular Maritimo dump Benfica out of the CupMaritimo 2-1 Benfica Second-half goals from Roberto de Sousa and Sami - the former an astonishing 35-yard strike - saw Maritimo come from behind to knock Benfica out of the Portuguese Cup in Funchal tonight. A Saviola penalty had given the Eagles the lead in first half, but in a thrilling second forty-five minutes the islanders turned it around and inflicted a first defeat of the season on the Eagles.
Without the injured Luisao and the suspended Oscar Cardozo, Jorge Jesus kept faith with Jardel at centre-back and rising star Rodrigo at centre-forward, with Eduardo retaining his place between the posts as has been the case in cup matches this season, but the Benfica boss showed respect to Maritimo by choosing an otherwise almost full-strength side. Benfica, coming into the match on the back of their hard-fought derby victory last Saturday, looked confident from the outset. The Lisbon side enjoyed long spells of possession and largely controlled proceedings in the first half. Penalty controversyRodrigo tested Ricardo with a curling effort early on, but chances were few and far between. Controversy struck midway through the half as Benfica were awarded a highly dubious penalty as Nolito went to ground under a challenge from Briguel. Saviola powered the spot kick into the net to give the vistors a lead, which they held onto comfortably up to the break.The game burst into life after the interval, with both sides playing attacking football and a goal constantly looking imminent at either end. Rodrigo fired a good opportunity wide before Danilo Dias was denied by an instinctive reaction save from Eduardo. Maritimo grabbed the equaliser on the hour mark in spectacular fashion. Roberto de Sousa was not closed down in midfield and the Brazilian needed no second invitation as he hit a stupendous shot from fully 35 yards that fairly whistled into the top corner, leaving Eduardo no chance. Watch Sousa's amazing goal: In a purple patch for Maritimo substitute Heldon was then thwarted by another excellent Eduardo save, but the Portugal goalkeeper could do nothing in the 70th minute as Roberto de Sousa threaded a defence-splitting ball through to Sami, who produced a lovely lob to send the Barreiros crowd wild with delight. Late chances go beggingBenfica came back strongly, with substiute Aimar causing panic in the Maritimo midfield and back line whenever he got the ball. Rodrigo and Nolito both spurned chances to hit a quick equaliser before Aimar himself missed two gilt-edged opportunities to take the tie into extra time. There was still time for Heldon and Nelson Oliveira to trade efforts, but no more goals were added.Maritimo progress to the quarter-finals where they will play the winner of the tie between Sporting and Belenenses. Maritimo: Ricardo Ferreira, Briguel, Joao Guilherme, Roberge, Luis Olim, Rafael Miranda, Roberto de Sousa, Olberdam (Benachour, 89), Danilo Dias (Heldon, 61), Baba, Sami (Igor Rossi, 88) Benfica: Eduardo, Ruben Amorim (Maxi Pereira, 85), Jardel, Garay, Emerson, Witsel, Matic (Nelson Oliveira, 75), Gaitan, Saviola (Aimar, 70), Nolito, Rodrigo Goals: [0-1] Saviola, 27 (pen) [1-1] Roberto de Sousa, 60 [2-1] Sami, 70 Tom Kundert Follow PortuGOAL on Twitter and Facebook |
But the other nick names just are.. sorry.. like I said most aren't meant as an insult they are usually the first thing that comes to mind given the letters in front of me. I appreciate it can be confusing if I call Maxi a Maxi Pad.. but hey I love the player even though he has been off this year.. although still exceptional.
I appreciate many folks are fans of JJ.. and I probably get most of my love from Benfica fans upset at me..
you say I am critical.. which is correct.. the fact that I have been a Manager most of my life requires me to look for areas of improvement.. constantly.. i do this with myself.. and I work also in time sensitive.. quality environments that requires a person to be on the ball.. if anything they even expect more of a person now. The expectations are beyond the norm now.. I am doing the job of 5 people now..
Anyways my point is that JJ has had a wealth of talent in front of him in his brief time at Benfica.. and he is slow on the uptake it takes him a full season to figure out he has to change his formation maybe it has been two.. his player selection is based on pay cheques.. so we don't see the best.. and his big game selections always include some mystery meat.. so that when they win.. he looks like a genius.. like every other player on Benfica he is looking for the gravy train.. elsewhere.. but the fact is his own decisions have cost him rewards.
Playing David Luis out of position against Liverpool a few years ago was a horrendous mistake.. not that DL is not a good LB it is because he hadn't played there all year. Then you throw him to the wolves.. it cost us that round.. as we were good enough to beat Liverpool.
Then there is his penchant for not playing Portuguese players that are as good as if not better than than the players he sends out.
Jardel and his preferred D were out of position on both goals against Maritimo.. one of my favs Axel was super lazy raising a back heel in defence to a shot.. it cost us this toilet bowl trophy.. Jardel & GayRay were so off of the second that the player easily chipped Eduardo..
As you can see on here one fan even blamed the slack defending on the GK.. who was positioned correctly and was beat because of poor defending.
I appreciate that you came to us through JJ.. and we definitely welcome you.. I am not as hardcore about Benfica as you are about Spartak.. and in my opinion I am even more realistic about my fav team than you are.
That realism bothers some people.. I am a passionate fan of many teams.. but do not resort to the pom poms for the sake of it.
I cheer them on passionately and expect a certain level of commitment, expertise, and passion in return.
So certain things will not change... but I have been known to change my opinion as the results change. I railed LFV for a few years but his buys of late have been so great that I can only praise him.. of course besides the stupid caging Sporting fans bollocks.. or imploring fans not to attend games.
Anyways Miklos your English is fine dude.. and we enjoy reading your posts.. so keep them coming..
Well, I know what it is to be creative, it's not a boast, coz I used to try and to create in my life, almost every day, so I know what do you mean. But mate, that word about Shakhtar, its not good. I'm not a fan of Donetsk team at all, but their fans (believe me, some of them don't write but read this great website!) won't like it at all.. That's why I don't write offensive nicknames of Porto - I respect this team, i like portuguese football a lot, and I just love football, that's why I have no time to show an agression.
The rest nicknames are good only if they are not offensive. GoalDozer - is that your creation? I put it into one of my russian articles about Benfica some months ago;)) hope, its ok hehe
And some words, that I wanted to say before, but couldn't find time.... You know, JJ - is a coach of your favourite team, your football love. TOOO much blame, sometimes I just can't read. You see only negative, why?
I tell you one thing, mate. My fav.football team is placed in Russia. Spartak Moscow. It's my one and only love (just like Benfica for you). Of course I always had simpathy in european football before.... But since 2009 Benfica is my fav.foreign football club. I love it less than my favourite (of course, one life = one team), but I love it really. And who, do you think, turned me to this love? His name is Jorge Jesus. The style of Benfica play was just like a miracle. And still it is. That's because I will always respect JJ. He helped me to find my favourite foreign team. Think about it! This coach helps people to love Benfica! I think, he knows it.
I read your messages, because I always want alternative opinions, but you are very critical....how can it be... You know, if I was good at English, i could discuss it with you for hours, I have much to say... But I can't express it in English, i'm not good enough.
(Oh, there is too much "I" in my posts, just because of my "perfect" english)
Hope, you have read it till the end. Thank you again for your answer. Again: It's good, there is no conflict now. Good luck, Benfica mate.
As for ShitCar.. it is not intended as an insult I actually respect very much Shaks work.. I even come up with names for my own team players.. and sometimes even though I like the player.. the name might not sound like it.. it is just a play on words for a creative guy..
for example.. some names of players I like..
Aimar = AimRetarded or I AM Retarded
Luisao = Loserao
Maxi Perreira = Maxi Pad = Cause he saoks up all the messes..
Rodrigo = DrugDealo
Garay = GayRay
DiMaria = DiMerda
They are all play on words.. and those were players I liked..
Cardozo = GoalDozer
Javi Garcia = Have Diarrhea
Queiroz = Queer Eyes
Peixoto = Peixe Ho
Some of those people I like the last two I did not.. so the name is not necessarily related to the player.
I love Luisao...
The same applies to Shakhtar Donetsk
I personally like watching them play.. although the results this year could've been better.. but when you say the name and translate a bit.. with the word play.. you get Shitcar DontAsk.. and trust me I have had a shit car a few time in my life.. the last one I ran into the ground.. the current one.. knock on wood is a little machine.. a super charged Mini Coop.. with all the fixings.... anyways.. sorry Miklos if you took it wrong..
Never read a book by its cover.. some people don't like my word play.. but I am not here to be politically correct and run for president.. I only draw the line at the important crap.. words don't break bones.. but golf balls, lasers, trampling and burning seats.. hurt people.
As far as the Taca goes. To me, far more important than Europa league. Its one of my favorite things to see the stadium in Jamor split in two colors with fans cheering for opposing teams, espcially when one of those colors is red. Ill stand by my position about Europa league...its a joke. It is the second division of the champions league. Im sure we all know what "Thursdays, Channel 5!" means in England when fans say it to an opposing team. Its an insult! Of course Ill take it if we win it, but Ive never heard a Real or Milan fan say we have 9 champions league and however Uefa cups, or 7 Champions league and whatever Cup winners Cups. Fact is, no one cares, its the truth, and its not worth a club like Benfica's time! Champions league or nothing for me!
Let me clarify that I post on other teams reports, because I'm usually trying to get a feel for how fans are feeling.
I try to pose a question about the teams that are being written about.
For example, I got killed for throwing a question out on the Djalo news, when people basically agreed or have the same thought process as I did.
I t was just a tough question.
I know I get thought of as a know-it-all that knows nothing, but I like to think that most people are above just writting;
Your team sucks and cheats & My team is the best.
That kind of nonsense is worthless. I much rather hear from the proud Sportinguista, who can state what they feels is going right for his club, and what could be improved on.
Same goes for Porto, Braga, etc...
Let me add that I truely like the Liga Orangina updates, because the people that post on that news usually bring more to the table in the thought process. Mostly due to the no rooting interest.
As for the Taca, I disagree with most. The Taca does still mean something. Not only in Portugal, but in Europe as well. The Taca is the FA Cup and Copa Rey, Coppa, etc...
Those "Cups" hold great tradition and history and in my mind, will always be significant Silverware.
Granted the League Title should come first in Domestic competition.
Yes the Champions League is more important than the Taca, but I would put the Taca right up there with Europa League title. And that's not me diminishing Europa, it's just of how highly I feel about the Taca.
So this loss does hurt. We are far enough into the tourney that we could and maybe should have played more starters. Better yet, we should be deep enough, where thsi loss shouldn't occur. No disrespect to Maritimo.
Fact is just like the stewards at the Luz allowed the seats to burn.. in Portugal all they need is something else to talk about to spite their neighbours...
so worthless piss pots like this bring extra drama to their lives...
Call me weird but I love Benfica, admire Sporting, and appreciate Porto.. especially when Hulk is not on the field. I enjoy watching Braga games.. so maybe you can say I am a Portuguese Fan that prefers Benfica.
Although Forca started with many astute comments..I especially liked the fact he mentioned unlike some of the trolls on her he doesn't go onto other team pages and start crap.To be honest I think people that do that are pathetic.. NJ gets a bad wrap sometimes because he posts everywhere but the majority of time bar a couple of occasions he is constructive and is just sharing his opinion.. where as some soft skinned Porto fans can't take it with their Napoleon complexes.
Of course the truth is Forca doesn't have to take his show on the road as incendiary comments like the Europa League has no value, and Porto is a provincial team with ok results.. will attract even the most moderate fan to hurl abuse at him.
Now I am not telling anyone to stop attending Porta-Pottie Games.. Benfica needs money please do attend but when you are sitting there with a half empty stadium with a
discounted ticket wishing you could feel the fire of a Full Stadia at a Europa League match.
Hey I would rather play Galati in the Europa League than Maritimo in the Porta-Pottie Championship anyone that still has a tie to one of those old trophies.. don't worry your affliction will pass.. as the more time ensues since the Cup Winners Cup the less value they will have.
That is just my opinion you are entitled to your own.
While you cheer the rest of us will too.. but as we go deeper we will cheer louder every time we exit one of those worthless games.. in the hopes of attaining much more on a Euro stage. This goes out to everyone..
But to Forca to not respect what Porto has done for the last 20 years just makes you another ultra with an opinion. It devalues most of the great comments you make.
You can still support your team and debate intelligently, or God forbid even voice doubt in your own squad.
Benfica has a tradition in this competition and I want us to do well in it. The league cup doesn't mean that much to me as it's a new competition only created for money really, but I have to say, it seems sad to me that Benfiquistas simply don't care about it anymore.
I'm generalising here, but I think it means more to portuguese Benfiquistas than it does to foreign Benfiquistas, though I'm one myself
9 starters? Amorin, Eduardo, Nolito, Matic and Jardel are not starters. Im not at math expert...but, but maybe I have more of a brain than "fan with a brain". Obviously we are the deepest team in the league, but we still have starters and non-starters.
Manchester in shambles? When they came to the luz, they had just hammered Arsenal 7 -1 and were the talk of Europe. We were better than them over two legs, were top of our group. What else do people want? I remember some troll saying they couldnt wait to see Benfica lose 6 nil at Manchester...where is that person now. All that has to be said about Porto's group is that APOEL finished first...enough said...right there it makes it the weakest group in the entire tournament. The group did have the great names of the Europa league in it though.
Like I said, dont go on porto pages (or Braga pages either), dont care to and dont have time. I actually dont think they're in crisis either. I think for a small provincial team, they have over achieved for the last 20 years. They ve had help though. The same kind of help that O. Marseille had, Milan and Juve. had and Fenerbache had.
Cheers to Porto, and another season of over achievement so far!
As for Saviola though, it's starting to look like his days are numbered, he is just not finding form and with teams such as Galatasaray and Villareal apparently interested in signing him, he could be gone come January. It seems like JJ's shift to a formation of just one striker up front for much of this season has affected things for Saviola, he is no longer a first-choice and perhaps this has affected his confidence. Maybe a new challenge would be best for him and his career. If he moves on Benfica will need to replace him for sure, with someone with a little more experience than Nelson and Mora. As good as Rodrigo has been lately, I still think Cardozo should be our main centre-forward in the bigger matches. But great to have this competition for places through-out the squad, it means the players are performing, which they have been for the most part this season..
Right now we are the best team in the Portuguese liga, thats something the rest of you just need to suck up...The table might show we are level with Porto but that will change when will open up a point gap.
You must've really thought out this argument..
plus your selection of teams is a bit skewed
11. FC Shakhtar Donetsk
42. FC Basel 1893
The direct comparisons are:
Manu U (1) v ShitCar DontAsk (11)
Benfica (15) v Porto (8)
Basel (42) v Zenit (20)
FC Oţelul (174) v APOEL FC (72)
Average Benfica Group C = (216 tot) 54
minus bottom feeder= 14 avg ranking
Average Porto Group G = (111 tot) 28
minus bottom feeder= 13 avg ranking
Which were last years rank this years ranking is this:
Manu U (5) v ShitCar DontAsk (39)
Benfica (6) v Porto (18)
Basel (17) v Zenit (15)
FC Oţelul (58) v APOEL FC (7)
Average Benfica Group C = (86 tot) 22 avg
minus bottom feeder= 9 avg ranking
Average Porto Group G = (79 tot) 20 avg
minus bottom feeder= 13 avg ranking
As you can see once you drop the bottom feeders.. it is a much closer group all around, and when you work this years rankings not last years the coefficient is two points difference in average.
With similar quality in the CL the records were:
Benfica is W 2 D 3 L 0
Porto is W 2 D 1 L 2
Those are the facts.. and the numbers..
Benfica did not select the teams.. they just got the results.
When Porto was winning last year many of us were cheering them on.. and praising where it was due..
I am sure a couple of douches douched you but you don't go firing a machine gun into a crowded christmas mall because a salesperson would not serve you.
In closing I would add that we are cheering on Porto to try to make it to the last 16 but even if they don't a nice run in Europa League would be good too.
I happen to disagree with some of the posts. The Taca is not a "coffee cup". The Taca is true silverware, much like the FA Cup in the epl. The Carling Cup and BWin are coffee cups.
Very disappointed.
Now when it comes to Champions League lets do a little comparison...
Acording to UEFA Club Rankings
11. FC Shakhtar Donetsk
42. FC Basel 1893
72. APOEL FC
174. FC Oţelul GalaţiFC Oţelul Galaţi
I agree with Andre that the 4-2-3-1 has to be deployed more, especially in League play. It has shown its worthiness and gotten us the desired results in European competition and in important away games. It has also shown its flexibility, as JJ has deployed several different versions of the 4-2-3-1. Based on his refusal to use anything but the rigid 4-4-2 diamond last year, that is a monumental progression in and of itself. Witsel, especially, has shown his versatility and worth when paired with Aimar in the middle and given the freedom to roam.
But getting back to my point. Benfica always look dazed, disorganized, and just not the same in games that Aimar doesn't start. The fact they played rather organized in the first half yesterday I say was more of a fluke than anything else, no disrespect to Maritimo. To me they again looked lackluster sans Pablito. My beef/worry is that JJ hasn't selected a backup to Aimar at the 10, and played that player on a regular basis. Nico has the passing skills and vision, which is more than half the package, but he doesn't track back, and (more importantly) doesn't have the tenacity and heart to constantly fight and challenge for the ball. He will also likely be sold sooner than later. No sense in grooming him for the future if he is going to be sold and is not in the long term plans. Benfica has Witsel, Cesar, and Gaitan to choose from. IMO opinion Gaitan could and should be deployed more at the 10 to spell Aimar. You can then get Nico, Nolito, and Cesar all on the field at the same time. Sadly, the odd man out is David Simao, arguably the player best suited to replace Aimar, and the MVP of the Liga Orangina last season. Hopefully we see more of him soon, especially if Nico is sold.
Aimar has to be given a 2 yr extension and a raise, immediately. He is absolutely Benfica's most valuable player. He has the intangibles, the leadership skills, and he is even a role model for the younger players, especially the Argentinians. Did you ever watch him closely on the field? How he constantly works the referees and establishes dialogue, questioning calls and arguing. Always with that look: sly smile, ball tucked under his arm, arms outstretched with palms up and that "who, me?" look on his face as he debates the referee. Those skills are invaluable and the teams that have a leader and a mouthpiece like that, especially a respected and relatively well-known leader like Aimar, have an intangible and invaluable asset.
Memo to LFV: RESIGN PABLO AIMAR NOW!! Give him a raise, especially if Saviola's wages come of the books in January, and give him a 2yr extension. Move David Simao's locker next to Pablito's, and begin deploying Simao at the 10 in all games Pablo doesn't start. Utilize Simao as a substitute in place of Aimar as often as possible. Simao is the future, and he is being underused, wasting away on the bench.
As for the cup, Porto went out convincingly and deservedly, 3-0 at Academica...while Benfica were pretty unfortunate to go out last night...even with one eye on the CL match next week, we still dominated most of the match and had more than enough chances to have at least tied the match (against let's not forget, a team currently 4th in the league). So i say the same to you, just because Porto have won a few games in a row lately, don't start getting all arrogant again all of a sudden.
While it's slightly dissapointing to see our long unbeaten run come to an end, still if i had to choose betweeen losing in the cup to Maritimo last night or losing to them in the league next week...I would've taken the cup loss 200%!!! And I say it again, Benfica deserved at least a draw last night.Anyway the good news is now we can focus on what really matters this season, the Liga and the CL!
But i must say again, what I've been saying all season long...JJ must stick with 4-2-3-1 formation for ALL AWAY MATCHES this season...even against the likes of Maritimo who we are expected to beat. Our worse performances and results this season, including the first defeat last night, have all come when playing 4-4-2...it's simply not as effective. I hope JJ learns from this, in my opionion we must play 4-2-3-1 in all away matches and even the tougher home matches as we did against Sporting. I would even play it against Otelul next week, to make sure we dominate the match and get the 3 points that ensure top spot in the group...Forca!!!
Don't blame me for UEFA taking the value out of them.. but they are worthless especially in Portugal...
in Spain& England it is another opportunity to watch a few juggernauts play..
In Portugal they are two toilet bowl trophies.. where the managers played half squads in hopes that they would get far.. resting their best for Liga games and CL.
Those are the facts and in a few years give or take 6 the FA Cup will be a ghost town too.
Forca SLB!
Then John your comments on Eduardo are absolutely retarded.. here are the highlights:
http://www.tvgolo.com/football.php?subaction=showfull&id=1320173688&archive=&start_from=&ucat=39&
He had absolutely no chance on either.. what was he supposed to do pull a superman and fly off with the ball.. not to mention for a guy who is cold off the bench from not playing his saves throughout saved their bacon amazingly.. he is still Portugals best by FAR!!!!!
As for these Toilet Bowl Trophies..
I am happy.. the quicker Benfica can be out of them all the better.. we should not be wasting any effort or injuries on such retarded games.. it is high time both of those trophies were eliminated.. as they mean almost nothing in any country they are in now.. back in the day of the Cup Winners Cup it was different.. but now.. worthless..
Only good to take on the road to piss in when the washroom is full on the bus, or you have a bad case of the squirts.
Good result for Benfica.. so we can focus on what is important.. just like Jon said..
I think you'll find Porto made it onto numerous front pages last season.
As much as the benfica-loving press tried to ignore Porto's amazing achievements last season, even they had to admire to greatness of FCP last season.
Perhaps some of you need to go back to the Academica-Porto article, and the APOEL-Porto article to go and see just how many of you were happy to bash Porto....if you're going to give it you have to take it as well. It's the way it goes I'm afraid.
Benfica seem to think they are having a better season then they actually are.
Porto are in a mini crisis this season and yet Benfica still only have the same number of points as them in the league - they are out of the Taca, just like Porto. And both sides are still in the CL - we will find out next week of course if Porto makes it. But lets face it, Benfica are in a stupidly easy Champions League group with two very poor sides and a Man Utd side who are woeful at the moment.
Benfica greeted their 2 draws with Man Utd like they were back amongst the big time. You guys do realise that Man Utd are a shambles defensively at the moment and fielded weakened sides against you too?
Porto have a much stronger and competitive group with 2 recent Europa League winners to compete with. Benfica only have to compete with 2 donkey sides and a depleted, second string Man Utd team.
Maybe this Maritimo defeat will give them a reality check that they aren't actually as good as they think they are.
Congrats to Maritimo, they are having a great season and it would be great to see them win the Taca.
I wish Maritimo the best of luck in the taca because Benfica will be at their best next week in Madeira.