17/08/2010
Naval-FC Porto, 0-1: Second half at full speed
 FC Porto’s first win in the championship had its focal point in a rather productive second half that could have brought about a strong final result. Despite creating numerous goal opportunities, André Villas-Boas’ team celebrated just one goal, but once again revealed quality in the team’s game. The machine continues to grow and looks promising.
With regards to the first 45 minutes, apart from the wind that blocked FC Porto and blew against Naval, the only highlight was indeed Falcao’s header and Belluschi’s free kick, well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Insufficient? This was just the start to a second half jam-packed with intensity and offensiveness.
Hulk threatened through a free-kick and Belluschi tried his luck from the half-way line. Only Salin’s brilliance seemed capable of avoiding the obvious. FC Porto continued trying through all means possible. Short passes, individual movements to break the opponent’s defence. Hulk managed isolation at a given point, but his efforts were inches wide of the goal. It was tricky but not impossible. Especially for a team that is starting to trust its progression and collective quality.
With Guarin ready to perplex Naval’s play, FC Porto managed to get to the goal and the much-desired three points, although the team’s brilliance more th an justified the decision of awarding a penalty. However, when Jonathas raised his hand to the ball and Hulk prepared to kick the penalty, it was clear what the final score was certain. It most certainly was. The «Incredible» hit a very sturdy shot, a shot that brought about three points and justice.
MATCH REPORT
2010/11 League (1st round, 14 August 2010)
Bento Pessoa Stadium, Figueira da Foz
Referee: Paulo Baptista (Portalegre)
Assistant Referees: José Braga and Luís Tavares
4th Referee: António Costa
NAVAL: Salin; Carlitos, Lupéde, Rogério and Jonathas; Godeméche «cap.» and Hauw; João Pedro, Hugo Machado and Marinho; Previtali
Substitutions: Marinho for Camora (61m), Hugo Machado for Giuliano (71m) and Previtali for Edivaldo (81m)
Unused Subs: Jorge Baptista, Michel Simplício, Godinho e Gomis
Coach: Victor Zvunka
FC PORTO: Helton «cap.»; Sapunaru, Rolando, Maicon and Alvaro; Fernando, Belluschi and João Moutinho; Hulk, Falcao and Varela
Substitutions: Varela for Guarín (60m), Belluschi for Rodríguez (72m) and João Moutinho for Souza (86m)
Unused Subs: Beto, Sereno, Miguel Lopes e Ukra
Coach: André Villas-Boas
At half-time: 0-0
Scorer: Hulk (83m, pen.)
Cards: Yellow cards to Rogério (29m), João Moutinho (44m), Carlitos (63m), Guarín (74m) and Jonathas (82m) |
