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Friday, 27 April 2012 11:32 |
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A real pity to concede right at the end, when it seemed set for extra-time, but you did yourselves and Portuguese futebol proud with your performances in both legs. I admire how they went to Bilbao to play football, and despite leading from the first leg, never for a moment last night resorted to the Chelsea-style everyman behind the ball and defend at all costs.
This has to be admired, and they go out with honour. It was so close, and i believe had it gone to extra-time Sporting would have been big favourites to progress, as a secod away goal would've killed the tie off. Sa Pinto has done a great job turning around their season and next season they should be genuine title-contenders. Congratulations to Bilbao though too, a very talented team who play in the right way, and I hope they win the final now.
On another note, i was impressed yet again with Carrico (why wasn't he played from the start?), and they looked much more solid in that second half with him on the pitch. I'm really starting to believe that he is the Seleccao's best option to play defensive midfield in the Euro opener against Germany. I know he's not very experienced, but he has been awesome in the Europa League, which will have given him big-match experience. We really need some steel and power to be able to protect our back four against the likes of Ozil and Gomez, and Carrico looks a better option for this than Veloso or the others. He could also act as a 3rd centre-back to defend against dangerous set-pieces...
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