27/08/2010
FC Porto-Genk, 4-2: The return of the superhero
 It’s written in the books: a superhero’s life isn’t an easy one. Superheroes also suffer setbacks in life and bear their own misfortunes. That's what happened to Hulk last week as he endured a personal drama. However, there isn’t anything that can’t be fixed and so the Brazilian player showed what he indeed is made of: he returned even stronger and scored a hat trick in FC Porto’s 4-2 victory over the Belgian team, Genk. Amidst all this, Fernando scored his first goal with the blue and white shirt.
FC Porto did exactly as coach André Villas-Boas had promised: take control of the game right from the start, with the sole aim of finding their way to the goal. Indeed the team almost scored very early in the game. After five minutes, Hulk sped from the right and passed onto Falcao, who overtook Koteles’ defense. Seven minutes later, the 'Incredible Hulk' took off from the left, almost scoring but his efforts were saved by Genk’s goalkeeper.
With nothing to lose after following the 3-0 loss at home, the Belgians proved to be uninhibited, taking on a bold 4x4x2 formation. They even scored the game’s first goal at 22 minutes, when Vossen’s shot somewhat emerged against the game’s direction. This goal didn’t change anything and it was evident that a draw was imminent; it was just a matter of time. Hulk missed a penalty, but the se tback would be readily surpassed. At 37 minutes, Hulk fired a low shot bringing about a free-kick that only ended in Koteles’ net. This goal brought about a special and unique dedication and would be the first of more to come.
In a stunning combination of attack, which culminated with Rúben Micael’s assistance and a thundering shot from Fernando, FC Porto was finally ahead of the game. At the 57th minute, Genk increased the score to 2-2, Vossen’s goal being the only threatening shot of the second-half. The power of the strongest team was evident once more, obvious soon after the opponent’s last goal. A clear foul on João Moutinho brought about a penalty, successfully sealed off by Hulk in his unique way.
Four minutes later, in the most magical moment of the night, the 'Incredible Hulk' scored his third goal, once again from a direct free kick. This time, the kick was way further than the previous and much more precise, causing even more celebrations from the stands. This was Hulk’s first hat-trick for FC Porto. The power is and will remain with Hulk.
In the remaining minutes of the game, FC Porto brought about a real knock-out: There were many opportunities that could have increased the score. For instance, at the 75th minute, Varela shot towards Koteles’ defense, finding himself isolated, while Castro got the stadium yellin g ‘goal’ when he got very close to scoring but missed the target at the 86th minute. These are the records: FC Porto has five wins and thirteen goals in five official matches this season. The attacking machine is roaring.
MATCH REPORT
FC Porto-Genk, 4-2
UEFA Europa League, Second leg play-offs
26 August 2010
Estádio do Dragão, Porto
Attendance: 33.512 spectators
Referee: Georgios Daloukas (Greece)
Assistant Referees: Dimitrios Bozatzidis and Leónidas Vasileiadis
4th Referee: Dimitrios Kalopoulos
FC PORTO: Beto; Sapunaru, Rolando, Maicon and Alvaro Pereira; Fernando, Souza, João Moutinho and Ruben Micael; Hulk and Falcao «cap»
Substitutions: Falcao for Varela (56m), João Moutinho for Belluschi (62m) and Ruben Micael for Castro (74m)
Unused subs: Kieszek, Sereno, Walter and Miguel Lopes
Coach: André Villas-Boas
GENK: Koteles; Daedeleire, Ngcongca, Durwael and Pudil; Tozsér «cap» and Camus; Ndabashinze and Huysegems; Yeboah and Vossen
Substitutions: Vossen for Ogunjimi (63m), Yeboah for Aquino (74m) e Huysegems for De Bruyne (82m)
Unused subs: Casteels, Joneleit, Hubert and Buffel
Coach: Frank Vercauteren
At half-time: 1-1
Scorers: Vossen (22m and 57m), Hulk (37m, 59m, pen., and 63m) and Fernando (53m)
Bookings: Yellow card for Koteles (24m), Tozsér (29m), Daedeleire (59m), Ndabashinze (61m), Pudil (90m) and Rolando (90m) |
