After our sluggish start to the season we’re now firing on all cylinders, Sporting Braga style, and dishing up the finest podcast about Portuguese football in English you could hope to listen to.
There were some big games this weekend, none more so than Braga’s 5th consecutive victory over the tetracampeões FC Porto. Permanently on-loan Portista Alan got the vital and rather fluky goal that won the game. At the bottom of the league, there was an early season relegation six-pointer which permanently-managerless Setúbal amazingly won against a Naval side whose chicotada psicológica (check the glossary) must have left a lot to be desired. The other big game, on one of Portugal’s islands, was the Madeiran derby between Nacional and Marítimo, whose manager Carlos Carvalhal must be feeling the heat after his side failed to beat a Nacional team down to ten men for the whole of the second half.
In part 2 we review Leixões’ first victory of the season against Guimarães whilst covering the young Leixões striker Tiago Cintra with plaudits; he really does look good and is Portuguese! There were two boring 1-1 draws, and we skate over them before talking about Benfica’s victory over Leiria – possibly fortuitous depending on whether you think Benfica deserved the penalty which won them the game. Here’s FIFA’s rule on “Dangerous Play”,
Playing in a dangerous manner is any action that, while trying to play the ball, threatens damage or harm to someone (including the player himself). It is committed with an opponent nearby and prevents the opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury. The action becomes an offence only when an opponent or the player himself is affected. Playing in a dangerous manner involves no physical contact between the players. If there is a physical contact, the offence becomes a careless, reckless or excessive force offence punishable with a direct free kick or penalty kick.
Finally, in Part 3 we give you an update on the new direction the ‘Apito Dourado’ (Golden Whistle) scandal has taken and we talk a little bit about next weekend’s Portuguese general elections.
Keep the comments coming, spread word of the podcast far and wide, and thanks for listening.
Steve and Phil
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Great podcast guys! Keep up the good work. Unfortunately I didnt get to see any of the games so it is good to hear how things are going! I just wish my second team Naval would get up and play!
Hi chaps, am in Porto this weekend and the elections have played havoc with the fixtures. Do you know what time Boavista play as that may be an option before heading to the Dragão? Cheers!
Hi, Carlos
According to the FPF site, it’s 17.00.
Afterwards, do let us know how it was.
Cheers
So, Olhanense 0-1 Sporting Braga in the last minute of injury time… Olhanense looked uncomfortable with having to take the initiative at home in the first half, and actually seemed more at ease in their role of defending and counter-attacking after the sending-off. Enthusiastic like the other day v SCP. Toy looked clumsy in the first half, and Ukra was a bit invisible throughout, though by and large the defence did OK, especially Verissimo… And Braga? Well, I have to say they were rather unimpressive. Some good tiqui-taca at times, with the odd flash from Hugo Viana and Paulo Cesar, but very toothless. Up until the 93rd minute it was like watching a team with Xavi and Iniesta in midfield and me and my Granny up front – sure, Verissimo played very well, but they shouldn’t have let him. Bit jammy to get the goal after Verissimo spilling it for a corner right at the death.
Good review, Lodzu. Thanks!
Veríssimo was playing like someone out of the Tiger comic – come on, stop everything … even though you’re only five foot five and fat – until that silly mistake. I think you must agree, though, that Alan is a bit of class, as is João Pereira – Braga’s right-hand side works really well, as it did last season.
Six wins from six, then. It reminds me very much of Boavista’s triumphant 2000/2001 title, when journalists were asking coach Jaime Pacheco every week whether they were candidtates for the title or not. He would always tell them that no, they were only interested in the next game. Domingos Paciência is going through the same thing now.
Let’s hope they can do it!
Pity Anselmo had to make that stupid mistake and spoil what was a good game in the first half.
I’ve seen four Braga games now and they’ve only played attractive football in one of those games (against Belenenses). I thought Viana was very good for Braga, he’s a bit like Pablo Aimar in style and effectiveness. When he gets the time and space he can really rip the opposition apart. But there were some awful performances up front from Braga today. Alan shot umpteen shots straight at the keeper, Meyong was invisible, except when he took the penalty, and Adriano is Adriano. The TV commentators were really singing Alan’s praises but I don’t find him an exceptional player, he’s sort of in the Simão class of eternal trier, sometimes gets results.
I love the way the Olhanense back 4 defend, it’s like Jorge Costa knows they’re weak and has instructed them, “right lads, faintest hint of trouble, row Z. Got it?”
And bloody hell, Castro, I could watch him play football all night. I can’t recall a single time he lost the ball tonight. I’m willing to predict that he will be a major name in world football within 8 years.
Have to disagree with you about Alan, Steve – he’s very skilful and very objective every time he gets the ball. Can’t agree with the ‘eternal trier’ tag, I’m afraid. (And I thought you rated him!?)
Both sides were playing VERY attractive, attacking football in the first half. The second was basically Olhanense hanging on for a point – justifiably, maybe – and Braga not really knowing how to capitalise.
Not sure about the superlatives aimed at Castro – he’s loaned out from Porto for a reason, I’d say – but he IS very good, yes. As is Ukra (less so tonight). I’d have Ukra down for a more stellar career than Castro.
Wanna put some money on it?
Phil
€10? Ukra is good but Castro is an exceptional talent. Porto would kill to have him in the team tomorrow.