23/08/2010
FC Porto-Beira-Mar, 3-0: So perfect that it even seemed effortless
 Three goals were scored and they certainly don’t do justice to the production and brightness of a team that has executed the most difficult movements as if they were rather ordinary, basic and of startling simplicity. It’s almost scary. It even feels as though some players were blindfolded in this second round of the Portuguese League.
The pressure, constantly present in any of André Villas-Boas’ strategies, was displayed in two different moments: mixed and tempered by the expectation, at first, and especially intense after the 20th minute. It was evident that the team was a step closer to the goal, even tough the management of the game’s rhythm was restricted by the positive approach of the opponent.
After much precision and perseverance, simplicity and perfection were combined in the first goal. Alvaro crossed form the left and Falcao was at hand and managed to divert, with a perfect header. There was no possible save. It was an excellent example of execution, showing perfect and effortless play.
Minutes later, Belluschi sealed a perfect second goal, just three days after scoring in Belgium, against Genk. Just as with Courtois, Rui Rêgo’s efforts were of no use. Trying to catch one of those faultless shots would prove to be impossible.
The rest was very much the same. FC Porto’s supremacy was mounting, culminating with the 3-0 score. Falcao scored his second, even though he had, minutes before, missed the final touch in rather unusual circumstances. Helped out by Rúben Micael, the Colombian was allowed to shake the net once more. FC Porto showed great team work and stability, in spite of Ukra’s injury; the substitutions made only brought a double dose of explosiveness.
MATCH REPORT
2010/11 Portuguese League, 2nd round
22 th August 2010
Estádio do Dragão, Porto
Attendance: 43.209 spectators
Referee: João Capela (Lisbon)
Assistant referees: Ricardo Santos and Tiago Rocha
4th Referee: João Quitério Almeida
FC PORTO: Helton «cap»; Sapunaru, Rolando, Maicon and Alvaro; Fernando, Belluschi and João Moutinho; Varela, Falcao and Ukra
Substitutions: Ukra for Sousa (6m), Varela for Rúben Micael (73m) and Sapunaru for Fucile (75m)
Unused subs: Beto, Sereno, Walter and Castro
Coach: André Villas-Boas
SC BEIRA-MAR: Rui Rêgo; Pedro Moreira, Hugo «cap», Yohan and Renan; Djamal and João Luiz; Rui Sampaio, Artur and Wilson; Rui Varela
Substitutions: Pedro Moreira for Leandro Tatu (60m), Artur for Tinoco (68m) and Rui Sampaio for Hugo Seixas (78m)
Unused Subs: Bruno Conceição, Danilo, Jaime e Tiago Barros
Coach: Leonardo Jardim
At half-time: 2-0
Scorers: Falcao (26m and 81m) and Belluschi (45m)
Bookings: Yellow card to Hugo (13m) |
