Rampant Porto outclass sorry Sporting
FC Porto 5-2 Sporting
 Portuguese Cup holders FC Porto marched into the semi-finals of this year’s competition after thrashing Sporting 5-2 at the Estadio do Dragao tonight.
Goals from Rolando, Falcao (two), Varela and Mariano saw the hosts run out easy winners, with Izmailov and Liedson giving the scoreline a modicum of respectability for the visitors.
Despite the weekend defeat to Braga, Sporting came into the game in good form, with their confidence further boosted by the absentees of key Porto players Bruno Alves, Raul Meireles, Hulk and Cristian Rodriguez.
One-sided
It was therefore a shock for their fans to witness an embarrassingly one-sided first half, with Sporting lucky to go into the break just 3-1 down. Porto took a grip on the match from the very first whistle against an incomprehensibly apathetic Sporting.
Varela and Belluschi could and perhaps should have given the Dragons an instant lead, but headed and shot wide after poor marking had allowed them free efforts on goal, while Ruben Micael’s snapshot flashed just wide. A Mariano cross-shot was then tipped around the post by Patricio, but it was only a temporary reprieve.
From the resulting corner more shocking defending allowed the ball to run straight to Rolando to bundle into the net. Out of the blue Sporting got back on level terms just five minutes later with their first effort on goal. Izmailov connected well to fire in from 30 yards out, although goalkeeper Beto may feel he should have done better.
If the Porto keeper could be questioned for letting in the equaliser, there was no doubting his opposite number’s culpability for the next goal as Rui Patricio mistimed his dive and allowed Falcao’s daisy-cutter to squirm into the net under his arms.
Varela and Micael give Queiroz a nudge
Porto immediately resumed their domination, with rising Portuguese stars Silvestre Varela and Ruben Micael providing flashes of brilliance under the watchful gaze of Carlos Queiroz in the stands.
It was the Madeiran, Micael, who set up Porto’s third shortly before half time as he burst into the box and delivered a wonderful cross with his left foot that Falcao met with a typically thumping header to the delight of the vast majority of the exultant crowd. The Columbian has now netted 19 goals in all competitions and has proved himself a worthy successor to Lisandro Lopez.
Grimi woe
Any hopes Sporting had of mounting a second-half comeback evaporated two minutes after the break. For the umpteenth time Varela made mincemeat out of hapless left-back Grimi and coolly slid the ball past Patricio to make it 4-1. Four soon became five as Mariano rifled a stunning shot past a shell-shocked Patricio in the 56th minute.
To their credit Sporting continued to fight as they attempted to repair some of their shattered pride, but a Liedson goal in stoppage time failed to mask a dreadful night for the Lions. Sporting must regroup and fast as they prepare to pit wits against Benfica in the semi-final of the Carlsberg Cup next week - a competition that is now their only realistic shot of obtaining silverware this season.
As for Porto, after hitting nine goals in two runaway victories in games where they were expected to struggle, Jesualdo Ferreira’s men will now look upon the rest of the season with renewed buoyancy.
by Tom Kundert
FC Porto:
Beto, Fucile, Rolando, Maicon, Alvaro Pereira, Fernando, Ruben Micael (Valeri, 75), Belluschi (Tomas Costa, 71), Mariano, Falcao (Orlando Sa, 75), Varela
Sporting:
Rui Patrício, Joao Pereira, Carrico, Tonel, Grimi, Adrien (Matias Fernandez, 39), Izmailov (Pereirinha, 78), Joao Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, Liedson, Saleiro (Pongolle, 46)
Goals:
[1-0] Rolando, 17
[1-1] Izmailov, 21
[2-1] Falcao, 33
[3-1] Falcao, 41
[4-1] Varela, 47
[5-1] Mariano, 56
[5-2] Liedson, 91
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its "how can i take someone serious that doesn't..."
:P
The reason I correct people's grammar (and I've only done it once) is because although most of us are Portuguese writing in English, most of those that make that biggest grammar mistake are Portuguese that live and were educated in North America. How can I take seriously someone that doesn't understand the very language that they were educated in? I am however, overreacting.
On another note, I enjoy reading your posts Steve. Happy reading and posting!
I smell another coaching change.
Varela would be in my team before nani, simão, coentrão and quaresma.
By the way, quoting what you said, it's not: "...I couldn't of been..." but rather "I couldn't HAVE been..."
Especially when the porto players were clapping their hands after sporting scored thir 2nd goal!!!
So sad, VIVA SLB!!!!!!!!
As for positives not many for this Sporting supporter, Great match if you back Porto. Queiroz saw the match firsthand and Micheal and Varela continue to a make a case for both themselves for the seleccao. Varela carved up Grimi along with any other defender Sporting threw on him. Ruben Micheal had the perfect cross and continues to display good possesion and decision making. I think Micheal could be for Portugal what Iniesta is to Spain. Iniesta is vital part of that Spanish midfield, he is mastermind of that attacking midfield, very good passer, has great touch. Time will only tell with Micheal but I think he could be something special maybe not a big part of South Africa(Deco still serviceable to an extent) I hope he is. But come September for Euro 2012 qualifiers this young man will have a regular place in the squad