Portuguese Federation decide to eliminate Division III

The Portuguese Soccer Federation has decided to eliminate Division III soccer commencing in 2010/11. The District Championship Winners will now have a chance to enter Division II directly. The decision was passed with 312 votes for the motion and 123 against and 60 absentees.

Nacional third team in Taca Semis

Nacional have moved on to the Taca semis as the knocked out a definant Valdevez team 3-1 on penalty kicks. Nacional took the lead 1-0 before Valdevez tied the match up to send it took extra time, were neither team could pull ahead. The game was decided on dreaded penalties and Nacional prevailed. The last quarter final match up between Amadora and Guimaraes will take place Feb. 17/09

Porto and Pacos advance to Taca semis

FC Porto and Pacos Ferreira have advanced to the semi final round of the Taca De Portugal today as Porto on a goal by Mariano Gonzalvez scored early to take a 1-0 lead over Leixoes and hung on for the victory by the same score, while Pacos Ferreira defeated Naval in a very entertaining shootout by a final score of 5-3. Rui Miguel with a pair lead the way for Pacos

Pele loaned out to Portsmouth

Porto's midfielder Pele has been loaned out to English outfit Portsmouth. Pele failed to claim a regular spot in the Porto lineup after coming over to Porto as part of the Quaresma transfer in the summer, so the talented 21 year decided a move to England would be beneficial at this time.

Porto back on top of Portuguese League

Porto have moved back to the top of the standings in Portugal with a 2-0 victory on the road over Braga. Lucho and C.Rodriguez scored for the Dragons tonight. Porto's win coupled by ties by Benfica and Sporting this weekend moves the Dragons clear of both teams by one point.

Scoreless Friday in Portugal

This Fridays action in Portugal's Liga Sagres ended both in scoreless draws as Leixoes and Martimo tied in Madeira and Benfica where held scoreless in Restelo by Belenenses. The tie was not the result that Benfica was hoping for as they battle Sporting and FC Porto for the portuguese title and currently sit one point ahead of Sporting and two points ahead of Porto. Porto and Sporting have yet to play this weekend.

Frechaut signs another season with Braga

Braga have signed Frechaut for another season, the versatile player has been with Braga since the 2005-06 season. The 31 year old Portuguese international who has had stints at Setubal , Boavista and Dynamo Moscow in his career is looking forward to remaining at Braga.

Bruno Alves suffers leg injury

Bruno Alves has suffered a right leg injury and is not able to practise with the team as Porto prepares to take on Braga in the next jornada. Alves suffered the injury in the Carlsberg Cup matchup with Academica over the weekend but is not expected to miss Porto's next game at this time.

Benfica, FC Porto advance to next round

Benfica defeat Belenenses 1-0 on a goal by Katsouranis to go a perfect 3-0 in Group C action and claim top spot in the group. FC Porto came into the game needing a victory to advance to the next round against Academica and pulled it off 1-0 when Nunes scored in his own goal during the matchup. FC Porto currently sit in top spot in Group A but Nacional can still claim the group with a win tomorrow.

Sporting's Injury woes mount before Pacos clash

Yannick will be out of Sporting's lineup for up to three weeks with some muscle damage in his front thigh. Sporting also has a few other key injuries at this time as Miguel Veloso looks to be out for two weeks with a muscle injury while Derlei is still recovering from a left knee injury, all players look to miss Sporting's Carlsberg Cup clash against Pacos Ferreira.

Year in Review Portuguese Soccer 2008

We look at a quick rundown down of some of the highlights involving portuguese soccer. We start the review with World Soccer Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo who lead United to the Premiership title and Champions League title with a 42 goal outburst. Ronaldo then started the 2008-09 season on injured reserve after ankle surgery and didn’t return to action until late September. Rui Costa walked into the night as he hung up his cleats with Benfica and moved into the a management role. Costa was quick to load up Benfica for a run at the portuguese title and Benfica currently sit in first place at the Christmas break. Euro 2008 kicked off in June and Portugal after a promising start was knocked out of the tournament by Germany in the quarter finals. This was also the last game the Scolari was on the sidelines as he moved on to Chelsea and was replaced by United assistant Carlos Quieroz. The national team is currently having a disappointing World qualifying campaign as the currently sit in 4th place. Mourinho returned to the coaching ranks in Italy and currently has Inter Milan in top spot chasing the Scudetta. FC Porto continued their winning ways in 2008 claiming their 23rd league title and fifth in the last six years. Sporting took this year edition of the Taca De Portugal and then went on to claim the Super Cup at the start of this season. Setubal won the inaugural Carsberg Cup on Pks. In Champions League action FC Porto and Sporting both qualified this season for the Round of 16 the first time in portuguese soccer history. Heres hoping that 2009 is just as great a year.