Sporting 0 - 1 Leixões: Pwned
By: Greg |
1 Comment
I refuse to put serious effort into a blog for a team and manager that lose a match like this… I don’t care that Leixões are in first place right now and we had a freak run of injuries in the first half… This group had better show me something in the Champions League or I’ll… I’ll… Probably keep watching and rooting them on like a frigging moron each week. What other choice do I have?
Category: Sporting Team News
No Portuguese Cup This Year For Us, AND… Porto Are Still Cheating, Loathsome Tripe Eaters
By: Greg | Add Comments
What a mess of a Taça match to lose on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The referee had no control (or competence) whatsoever. He sent off Caneira for a RIDICULOUS, UNCALLED-FOR second yellow. Porto then had Hulk (who I now patently ABHOR as he scored the match tying goal, is extremely ugly, plays like a fucking assclown) sent off for a bitch ass dive in the box. Pedro Emanuel was then also sent off for a second yellow but Sporting couldn’t manage to convert one of their 485762 corner kicks they earned and were forced after extra time into a penalty scenario. Then this bullshit happened…
Let’s hope we can now focus solely on the Champions League and Domestic championship in order to replace this ugly piece of silverware with a league champions trophy at the end of the year.
Category: Sporting Team NewsWe’re MOVIN’ ON!!! Champions League Recap: Sporting 1 - 0 Shaq D
By: Greg | Add Comments
No bullshit build up necessary…
Sporting Starting XI
Postiga - Liedson
João Moutinho - Rochemback - Izmailov
Miguel Veloso
Grimi - Polga - Caneira - Abel
Rui Patrício
It’s been well documented at this point how I feel about Rochemback and Veloso starting together. At least he didn’t have Veloso playing left back this time around. I wasn’t thrilled about the lineup but I wasn’t in a “what the fuck” state of mind this time around. Maybe I had a good feeling about this one…
First Half Analysis / Notes
Thoroughly cautious. Shaq D wanted to press the issue but we gave enough danger on a few counter attacks that they couldn’t push too many men forward. A few half chances for both teams but nothing too crazy. Rochemback played his role of disruption in the midfield brilliantly and Polga put a stop to about five bazillion runs into the box. Brandão led the Shaq D diving squad with a bunch of bitch dives and made me hate the majority of players on the Ukranian side for their constant hurry to hit the canvas. It shows how bad their simulation was if a supporter of a Portuguese team is complaining about the dives.
Intermission changes / Thoughts
We needed to ramp up the attack. We were handling whatever it was they could throw at us but were not getting to the final level and making the counter attacks… count…
Second Half Analysis / Notes
The push became heavier from the outset of the half. We looked somewhat more crisp and had a number of chances that went begging only by inches. We managed to keep the dangerous free kicks to a minimum and when they were conceded, we handled them brilliantly. Bento brought on Derlei for Postiga around the 70th minute and four minutes later, pure ecstasy….
I still get chills watching the ball hit the back of the net… The Ukranians never really looked like troubling too much in the final minutes and there it was: knockout stages for the first time ever. Amazing.
Individual Player Rankings:
Goalkeeper
Rui Patrício: 7.75 - Wasn’t troubled too much, but handled the free kicks intelligently and confidently. Picked a good time to pull his head out of his ass and have a solid match.
Defenders
Abel: 7.25 - Got forward a bit and tried to kick start the offense but couldn’t manage to help the boys up front. Still, a solid effort.
Polga: 8 - Man of the Match - It’s way too easy to give Man of the Match to Derlei. For me, he simply completed the inevitable at that point. Every time I looked up, Polga was BEASTING someone off the ball. He played confident, intelligent defense and disrupted numerous attempts by Shaq D to breach the Sporting backline.
Marco Caneira: 6.75 - Somewhat sloppy at times. Had some wild challenges that if they didn’t pan out could have left the defense badly exposed. When Tonel comes back, he’s not a starter in my book.
Grimi: 7 - Played a similar match to Caneira at times: sloppy. When his number was called, he managed quite well.
Midfielders
Izmailov: 7 - Didn’t have quite the match or the impact that I thought he would, but can take the ball across the field like a frigging lightning bolt when needed.
João Moutinho: 7.25 - Probably the most prominent that I’ve seen him in any match this season.
Rochemback: 7.5 - Played a decent match. I’m not crazy about him and Veloso starting together (did I mention that 1489574218 times already?) as I’d rather have a more offensive minded type player like Romagnoli in his place, but he put in a competent performance.
Miguel Veloso: 7.75 - Was a defensive Izmailov. Up and down the field constantly, to support both the attack and defense simultaneously. Nice match.
Attack
Postiga: 6.5 - Got fouled quite a bit so he couldn’t really get much going. He needs to pull his ass off the pitch and get back to work after a hard tackle, not bitch and moan for fouls.
Liedson: 6.75 - Squandered a chance or two but created a few out of thin air as well.
Substitutes:
Derlei: (for Postiga 69′) 7.75 - Scored a historic match winner that will not be forgotten any time soon.
Bruno Pereirinha: (for Izmailov 93′) : Usual time waster - See his rating.
Conclusion:
We’re through to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time ever. Derlei has been quoted in the press as saying he wants first place. I love the enthusiasm and gall on the guy. In the end, I’m THRILLED we’ve made it.
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team NewsChampions League Matchday 4 Preview: Sporting v. Шахтар Донецьк
By: Greg | Add Comments
2008/09 Champions League Group C, Matchday 4
Sporting v. Шахтар Донецьк
November 4, 2008 @ 2:45 PM Eastern
José Alvalade, Lisboa, Portugal
TV: Delayed (5:45 PM Eastern) on Setanta Sports Canada and (7:30 PM Eastern) Setanta Sports USA.
Preview
Sporting have been playing so wildly inconsistent lately that they’ve driven me up the wall. Bento’s somewhat wacky tactics haven’t done much to help either. However, we’re off a narrow win this weekend against Rio Ave (big whoop) and hopefully (finally) we can get the good ship Sporty-pop back on track. A home win will be a massive three points and make the dream of reaching the knockout stages for the first time seem all the more tangible.
Possible Sporting Starting XI
Liedson - Hélder Postiga
Romagnoli - João Moutinho - Izmailov
Miguel Veloso
Grimi - Polga - Caneira - Abel
Rui Patrício
Tonel is out with an injury, so Marco Caneira should slide into his spot. I know I’m going to curse the TV later on tonight when I see Rochemback and Veloso on the field together and either both or one out of Postiga and Romagnoli on the bench. Yannick is way out of form right now and this match is way too large for him to go out there and do his usual cowering under the bright lights of European competition. All this probably means that Bento will start him in goal and have Veloso playing up front with Rochemback. Who the hell knows what this guy is going to throw out there at this point?
Key Player
Izmailov, Midfielder - He’s been bringing the wood of late and has to continue his usual high intensity play in order to cause havoc down the sides for Shaq D. Our best defense in the past has been an overwhelming, fast, short pass-based offense. He has the ability to be the main cog in getting us to the final (attacking) level of the field.
Tactics
See last sentence above re: Izmailov.
Prediction
Reverse jinx worked last time, so let’s do it again! Sporting 0 - 2 Shaq D
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team NewsJornada 7 Match Preview: NOT HAPPENING
By: Greg | Add Comments
That’s right. In case you hadn’t noticed, after their draw with frigging Paços de Ferreira this past weekend, I’m boycotting my own blog. Until this team can stop CHOKING and dropping points to RIDICULOUS clubs, there will be no previews, no reviews, and no grab-assing.
This team needs to get its domestic shit in gear PRONTO. Or else we’ll be dicking around at the end of the season, eating Porto’s scraps.
BEAT RIO FUCKING AVE THIS WEEKEND BOYS!!!!!!!!!!
Category: Sporting Team NewsChampions League Recap: Shaq D 0 - 1 Sporting
By: Greg | 2 Comments
Another three points makes your fearless blogger a happy boy. Bento’s tactics and a muddled midfield however, make me sad.
Sporting Starting XI
Derlei - Liedson
João Moutinho - Romagnoli - Izmailov
Rochemback
Miguel Veloso - Polga - Tonel - Abel
Rui Patrício
This is the second match in a row where I’ve seen the lineup and almost hit the fucking floor. Grimi has been STELLAR at left back and our offense has been anemic. Paulie B’s solution? Sit him out and slide trinco Veloso into the spot, thereby eliminating his ability to distribute between the defense and the midfield. For the holding mid spot he threw (for me) out of form Rochemback in, to essentially have the team play what amounted to an overwhelmingly defensive spread. Lucky for him (and yes, they won IN SPITE of the formation, not BECAUSE of it), they took home the three points.
First Half Analysis / Notes
Shakhtar came out firing on all cylinders. They pinned Sporting back a number of times and were more than willing to go to ground to earn a free kick. The referee, for the majority of the match, was happy to oblige and buy into their bullshit for the most part (don’t get me wrong, I know we have our fair share of divers) and as we’re all too aware, where there’s free kick defending that has to take place, we’s in trouble.
Intermission changes / Thoughts
Shakhtar had the better chances, but we held up okay for an away CL match. Our best defense tends to be an effective, short passing offense. This was essentially nowhere to be found as the ball got stuck in midfield quite a bit.
Second Half Analysis / Notes
Few chances but the ones that were there were wasted by both sides for the most part. Patricio was caught out once or twice but held strong when his number was called. The match could have gone either way but once Derlei backheeled Rockyback’s cross into Liedson for the 76th minute goal, the three points seemed ours at that point. A somewhat boring encounter that was held up quite a bit in midfield. Three points is three points, so there.
Individual Player Rankings:
Goalkeeper
Rui Patrício: 7.75 - Had a few tricky balls in his direction that he handled very well (sounds like my wife’s college career). Made a bad decision to come out on the aforementioned set piece in the first half from the right channel but Shaq D didn’t make him pay for it, so it’s all good. He needs more mature, stable performances like this before I’m 100% comfortable with him between the pipes.
Defenders
Abel: 7.75 - Rock solid, handled all the pressure which came in spurts well. Had to essentially play on a three man defensive line with Veloso (who still did a pretty decent job) out of position at left back.
Polga: 7.75 - See above. Saved our asses by clearing a ball off the line on (surprise!!) a cross into the box.
Tonel: 7.75 - See above.
Miguel Veloso: 7.25 - Played out of position so he was somewhat high in the box, drifting towards his natural trinco position at times. There really wasn’t much he couldn’t handle, but he shouldn’t have had to play here as Grimi has been thoroughly effective in this slot. A waste of Mikey V’s abilities.
Midfielders
Romagnoli: 6.5 - Tends to be massive in matches such as this but didn’t really knock anything out of the park for me. Kind of “meh.”
João Moutinho: 6.25 - Asleep for most of the first half. Good service to Liedson that the striker wasted in the second half. I’m starting to get nervous about him habitually being lost in the woods for long spells match after match. His mind may be elsewhere (Everton).
Izmailov: 7.5 - Best midfield player of the match. Got forward well and had an unending motor. He rarely disappoints and didn’t
Rochemback: 7.25 - I know I’ve been hard on him but I was in love with his play early in the season so to see him regress somewhat disappoints me. Tough love is what he needs. Free kick led to the goal so he’s going to get a temporary stay of execution.
Attack
Derlei: 6 - With the ball hung up in midfield for the most part, it was hard for him to make any impact. His rating is more a reflection of the way the match went rather than his performance.
Liedson: 7.5 - See Derlei. Scored the match winner so he gets 1.5 more points.
Substitutes:
Bruno Pereirinha: (for Romagnoli 68′) 6.5 - Must have shit his pants when he came on before the 85th minute. Played fine as a more defensive minded replacement.
Grimi: (for Izmailov 74′) : 6.5 - Should have started, further defensive reinforcement. The move actually scared me as there were seven thoroughly defensive minded outfield players on the pitch at this point.
Postiga: (for Derlei 88′) Incomplete - Time waster, nothing more.
Conclusion:
No man of the match this time around because nobody really and truly stood out for me. I’m really apprehensive about Boss Bento’s inconsistent, somewhat scary tactics of late. I feel like the team won in spite of him today rather than because of him. The late mass of defensive subs always scares me as well, since going into a “Prevent” defense (to use an American football term) so often comes back to bite teams in the ass. On the other hand, I think we have the talent to make it through and expect another win when we face the Ukranians at home in Lisboa.
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team NewsChampions League Matchday 3 Preview: Шахтар Донецьк v. Sporting
By: Greg | Add Comments
2008/09 Champions League Group C, Matchday 3
Шахтар Донецьк v. Sporting
October 22nd, 2008 @ 2:45 PM Eastern
RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium, Донецьк, Україна
TV: Live on Sky Sports Interactive. Delayed (6 PM Eastern) on Setanta Sports Canada and (8 PM Eastern) Setanta Sports USA.
Preview
In what will probably shape up to be a battle for second place in the group, Sporting head to the Ukraine to face off with Shakhtar Donetsk. Sporting earned a full three points last year in the Ukraine against Dynamo Kyiv so the environment won’t be necessarily an overwhelming one for them. It’s also going to be a relatively mild kickoff temperature (6 deg. C / 43ish F predicted) so their surroundings and the weather shouldn’t provide the Lions with any excuses. Unfortunately for us, Paulo Bento’s gotten way too good at giving excuses for the team’s recent run of shit performances (Beating Leiria 1-0 in the Cup tournament may have been a dominating display, but it’s Leiria and it’s like the bazillionth round of the Cup tourney, so it doesn’t count in my book).
Possible Sporting Starting XI
Liedson - Hélder Postiga
Romagnoli - João Moutinho - Izmailov
Miguel Veloso
Grimi - Polga - Tonel - Abel
Rui Patrício
Yannick has been virtually useless in European competitions so he’ll probably have his ass planted firmly on the bench at the beginning of this one. I hope Paulie B. doesn’t go back to having both Rochemback and Veloso on the field at the same time as two holding midfielders on the pitch simultaneously does bunk for this group. Izmailov is the much better choice over Rochemback here, in my correct opinion, since “Iz My Love” is fantastic box to box and Rochemback just plain sucks of late.
Key Player
The Forward Line, Attack - They wasted no fewer than 137 chances against Leiria in the Cup tie, and that was against a team that probably couldn’t put one past my U-6 recreational squad that I coach. If they have paltry finishing again here, expect a 2-0 loss because you know the Ukranians are going to put at least one, if not two set pieces past a flailing Patricio and a confused looking defense.
Tactics
Score. Defend set pieces effectively. Repeat. Take home three points.
Prediction
Reverse jinx time! Shaq D 2 - 0 Sporting
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team NewsClássico Preview: Sporting v. The Tripe Consumers
By: Greg | 1 Comment
2008/09 Portuguese Liga Sagres Jornada 5
Sporting v. Tripeiros
October 5th, 2008 @ 19:45 Local time
Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
Preview
Porto are coming off a thorough Champions League ass whooping at the hands of Arsenal midweek to the tune of 4-0. Sporting, on the other hand, won their home Champions League tie against FC Basel 2-0 on two second half goals. I’m by no means trying to say that Basel = Arsenal and therefore Sporting > Porto. Different teams react in varying ways to wins and losses. Some become complacent with victories while others are able to compartmentalize each match and move forward from staggering defeats. We’ll see what each team is made of this Sunday in Lisbon, where Porto haven’t left with a win since the 05/06 season…
Possible Sporting Starting XI
Yannick Djaló - Hélder Postiga
João Moutinho - Romagnoli - Simon Vukčević
Miguel Veloso
Grimi - Polga - Tonel - Abel
Rui Patrício
Polga, Simon Vukčević, and Izmailov are all doubts. Polga seems a bit more serious than the other two, so we may see Grimi slide over and Bruno Pereirinha take one of the wings. Either way, the formation is somewhat fucked by the recent anti-windfall of injuries.
Key Player
Rui Patrício, Keeper — The combination of a depleted defense and a somewhat formidable Porto attack should make for a decent amount of balls flying at the Sporting net. Since it’s his job to stop the aforementioned balls, his performance in this match will be critical to Sporting’s success (or failure).
Tactics
Sporting’s tactics are the same for almost every match: stick to the short, crisp, creative passing and bring the ball to goal methodically. That’s the formula for their wins. If you see the ball start leaving the pitch and heading skyward for thirty yards to two guys who can’t be taller than 5′1″ (Postiga and Yannick), you can be sure that Sporting are frustrated, off their game, and bound to lose.
Porto will be looking to assert themselves early and take the Alvalade faithful out of the equation with an early strike. They’ll test the Sporting defense with every manner of probe: be it long ball, set piece (oh shit), or step-ladder passing. If Polga is out and the defense is further compromised, it could be a long night for the Leões.
Prediction
After losing to the fucking Lamps, we can’t possibly drop it to these ass clowns… Sporting 3 - 1 Porto That’s right, I want to see a THREE SPOT hung on them! LIGHT IT UP, BOYS!!!!
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team NewsChampions League Recap: Sporting 2 - 0 Basel
By: Greg | 4 Comments
Alllllright… That’s some good footballin’. Actually, it wasn’t super pretty but who gives a shit, we needed this win and got it. Here’s a look at the boys who started and got it done…
Sporting Starting XI
Derlei - Hélder Postiga
João Moutinho - Romagnoli - Rochemback
Miguel Veloso
Grimi - Polga - Tonel - Abel
Rui Patrício
After all the talk about Vukčević featuring in this match, he came out of the tunnel in warm ups. I’m glad Romagnoli got the start over him, as he tends to really get up for big matches.
First Half Analysis / Notes
Basel played a very physical game throughout and Captain Moutinho found himself on his ass quite a bit. Both teams seemed to have trouble getting to the final stages of their attacks, but at least Sporting played somewhat patient and didn’t resort to the long ball like they did against Benfica in their 2-0 loss this past weekend. The lack of scoring on the 8,517,403 corners we had was frustrating. One of these defenders needs to step up and get an aerial threat going. Grimi’s technical skill showed well and I wouldn’t put Caneira back in on the left when he returns from injury as I feel Grimi’s earned the spot through performance.
Intermission changes / Thoughts
I would have thrown Liedson in for either Postiga or Derlei at this point, as neither looked too much like they were going to tip the scales in Sporting’s favor. However, Boss Bento Box decided it was time for Vukčević to get a run out and the largely ineffective Rochemback was sacrificed (literally, on an altar of DOOM!).
Second Half Analysis / Notes
More of the same from the first half: composed passing but the final level never being realized. After a bunch of pushes forward, Romagnoli finally broke through the Basel defense and after a bit of confused clearing, the ball ended up in the back of the net. Yannick came on for Postiga in the 73rd minute and basically proceeded to do nothing (as per usual in matches of this magnitude). A handful of shots and fouls later, Derlei got on the end of a beautiful through pass and poked home the match sealer in the 86th minute. The Alvalade faithful were bonkers and it was a fitting end to a deserved three points for Sporting.
Individual Player Rankings:
Goalkeeper
Rui Patrício: 7 - He only faced two shots on goal, but since they didn’t go in, he gets a loving seven.
Defenders
Abel: 7.25 - Shut down his side well, working in tandem with the central defenders to support each other. Was more than Abel to handle the Basel “attack”. (Sorry, it’s cheap, I know)
Polga: 7.5 - Strong throughout. Anchored the defense excellently and had them playing as a cohesive unit.
Tonel: 6.5 - He’s a good defender, but I worry about the puzzled look he has on his face a number of times throughout the game. He plays a lot shorter than 6′ 1″, so he better figure out how to use that height on these set pieces, and fast.
Grimi: 7.25 - Please leave him at left back, even when Caneira comes back healthy. PLLLLEASSEE.
Midfielders
Romagnoli: 7.75 - Scored the match winner and played a solid wing / midfield hybrid. Should be starting every match that “matters.”
João Moutinho: 6.75 - Was beat to hell by the Basel defense. Spent a lot of time shaking off knocks, but featured more than he has in the past for this one. His influence prevented the long ball shit show that took place a few days ago in da Luz.
Rochemback: 4 - Eesh. He started out of the gate like gang busters, but where the hell did his game go?
Miguel Veloso: 7 - Gutty, clinical tackling. Did a good job of working with the defense to diffuse whatever moves forward they faced for the most part. If he continues on the upswing and Rochemback continues to regress somewhat, it could mean the pine for Fabby.
Attack
Derlei: 8 - Man of the Match -Experience shone through here. He had one or two missed opportunities early but made no mistake when the time came to put the match away. The younger guys should be ashamed at the fact that he looked like he could go another ninety. He just never seemed to give up.
Hélder Postiga: 5 - If he scored goals the way he dishes out and receives fouls, he’d be the leading striker in the world.
Substitutes:
Vukčević (for Rochemback 45′): 6.5 - Was involved in a number of plays, more so than Rochemback. Gave the midfield a more offensive-minded approach that yielded the two scores.
Yannick (for Postiga 73′) : 4 - Had an effort or two on goal but nothing too crazy. He needs to get out of the funk he’s presently in or he could get lost in an attack that has an embarrassment of options.
Bruno Pereirinha: (for Romagnoli 87′) Incomplete - Standard issue time killing sub. It’s actually what he’s used for quite often: late match time killing and defensive reinforcement.
Conclusion:
Yay for three points. Barcelona dispatched Shaq D so they’re sitting top of the group on six points. We’re equal with the Ukranians on three points each while Basel are in the basement with zilch. A trip to Shakhtar on the 22nd of this month is next. Let’s keep it rolling!
Category: Sporting Team NewsChampions League Matchday 2: Sporting v. FC Basel 867-5309 Preview
By: Greg | 2 Comments
2008/09 Champions League Group C Matchday 2
Sporting v. FC Basel 1893
October 1, 2008 @ 2:45 PM Eastern
Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
Preview
Both teams come into this match after losing their first contest of the tournament. Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk are both on three points and face off today in the Ukraine. Sporting were early cautious favorites to make it out of this group with Barcelona, and this match is viewed as a must win. Shakhtar Donetsk have shown that they are no slouches and for Sporting to take only one point off of Basel at home would be nothing short of disaster for Bento’s Boys.
Possible Sporting Starting XI
Yannick Djaló (But Quite Probably Derlei) - Hélder Postiga
Vukčević - João Moutinho - Rochemback
Miguel Veloso
Grimi - Polga - Tonel - Abel
Rui Patrício
I think Yannick is going to be benched for the start of this match because of his poor performance away at Barcelona as well as his dip in form which showed against Benfica with a shot that he made a lumberjack sized meal out of. At the same time, Basel aren’t Benfica or Barcelona and Yannick tends to shine against opponents of a somewhat lower tier, so I think starting him may be actually the right medicine to get him “back on track.” Want-away midfielder Simon Vukčević scored two goals in Sporting’s UEFA Cup triumph over Basel last year, and Boss Bento has publicly given his support to Vuk Master Flex as far as featuring in this match to hopefully recapture that brace-ariffic magic once again.
Key Player
Simon Vukčević, Midfielder - See above notes on him being in the lineup.
Tactics
If I see long balls flying forward after twenty minutes of frustration like I saw in the Benfica loss, I’m going to get on the next plane to Lisbon and fuck someone in a green and white hooped uniform up. Clean, crisp, possession-based passing and taking advantage openings is our formula for victory. Oh, and let’s not let our most favorite type of goal get scored against us: the set piece. Basel have basically said in the press that they’re looking for a point here, so they’ll be defensive and probably park the proverbial bus in the penalty area. Teams that wait back are ASKING for Sporting to build from the back and make effective use of a gifted midfield. If they’re asking for it, please do it. Thanks!
Prediction
A win here is, as I’ve said, almost necessary at this point. If Shakhtar Donetsk somehow manage to beat Barcelona at home, then a win is DEFINITIVELY necessary… Sporting 2 - 0 FC Basel 1492
Viva O Sporting!!!
Category: Sporting Team News
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