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Thursday, 04 February 2010 10:56 |
Rio Ave and Naval join FC Porto in Portuguese Cup semi-finals
Braga beaten in penalty shootout
 Rio Ave knocked Braga out of the Portuguese Cup on penalties last night and were joined in the last four of the competition by Naval, who came from behind to beat lower league side Pinhalnovense.
Carlos Brito’s Rio Ave have enjoyed a solid season and the modest club have given themselves a real shot at making the final of the Portuguese Cup.
The visitors were good value for the goalless draw at the end of 120 minutes of football played at the Estadio AXA. The visitors had the better of a match of few chances, with Portugal and Braga goalkeeper Eduardo busier than his opposite number Mora.
Rio Ave came out on top in the penalty lottery and will now be considered second favourites to lift the trophy.
Naval made to work hard
Naval are another unfamiliar name in at this stage of the competition, as Augusto Inacio’s team travelled south and beat Division Two (third tier) team Pinhalnovense 3-1.
For a long time a shock result looked a distinct possibility as Diego put the hosts one up early in the match. Naval had to wait until the hour mark to draw level, through Fabio Junior, and late goals from Bolivia and Tandia sealed the win.
The final quarter-final is played today. Pacos de Ferreira and Desportivo de Chaves will do battle to join FC Porto, Rio Ave and Naval in the semis.
by Tom Kundert
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