Cardozo scores three as Benfica win by touchdown

Benfica came out flying in this game against Setubal with a crushing defeat in what turned into one of Benfica's most dominant performances in years. Benfica had a 5-0 halftime lead over Setubal before coasting to an 8-1 win. Oscar Cardozo with the hat trick, Pablo Aimar, Luisao, Ramires, Nuno Gomes and Javi Garcia got all the markers for Benfica with one of Cardozo's three being scored on a penalty kick his first after two missed attempts this season. Setubal's Helder Barbosa spoiled Quim's shutout bid with a marker in the 90th minute.

Sporting finally get win in Superliga

Sporting have finally obtained their first victory of the 2009-10 Superliga season with a 2-0 win over Academica. Sporting had their fans on pins and needles until Liedson finally scored in 64th season before Yannick Djalo but the Lions ahead by two in the 84th minutes to give Sporting the win.

Braga continue their unbeaten run in Superliga

Braga continue their unbeaten run in the Superliga (Liga Sagres) after Week 3 with a victory over Belenenses. The home side got an early own goal when Diakite directed the ball into his own net. Belenenses brought the game to a draw in the second half on a goal by Yontcha but a brace by Hugo Viana later in the game gave Braga the victory and returned them to the top of league in early season action

FC Porto win over Naval in Week 3 action

FC Porto gain a win in Week 3 action of the Superliga 3-1 over the hosts Naval. This game was all Porto and Falcao open the scoring in early in the 9th minute his third marker of the season. Porto were held off until the second half where Varela scored his first goal as a member of Porto and Ernesto Farias finished off the scoring for Porto. Naval's lone marker was an own goal by Rolando late in the game

Benfica and Nacional move on in Europa League

Benfica and Nacional are both moving on in UEFA Europa League action and will now move on to the new Group Stage joining Sporting in the draw today. Benfica lost to FC Vorskla 2-1 but moved on with a 5-1 aggravate with Saviola picking up his second goal of the campaign. Nacional had one of the days biggest shockers knocking off 2007-08 UEFA Cup Champions Zenit from Russia 5-4 on the aggravate after finishing with a 1-1 draw on a late marker by Micael in the 89th minute. The teams will now await todays group stage draw to find out who they will be facing in the next stage.

Portugal announce World Cup Qualifier squad

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers coming up on September 5, 2009 against Denmark and September 9, 2009 against Hungary.

Goaltenders: Eduardo (Braga), Beto (FC Porto), Rui Patricio (Sporting)

Defenders: Pepe (Real Madrid), Bosingwa (Chelsea), Miguel (Valencia), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Rolando (FC Porto), Jose Castro (Deportivo)

Midfielders: Deco (Chelsea), Tiago (Juventus), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Veloso (Sporting), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Maniche (Cologne), Duda (Sevilla)

Forwards: C. Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Nani (Man United), Liedson (Sporting), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Simao (A. Madrid)

Former Porto striker signs with Braga

Former Porto striker Adriano has been sold to Braga and the 30 year old has decided to sign with the Minho club for one season. Adriano who spent three seasons under contract with Porto will now start his new career with Braga today at Axa Stadium

Portuguese Superliga Team Nicknames

Portuguese fans from around the globe known that each sports team is always given a nickname by its supporters, the media that covers them or the region where the play out of. We have decided to post the Portuguese Superliga's Team Nicknames, for some that do not know and for some to refresh their memory some teams do have more then one nickname.

Academica- The Students (Os Estudantes)
The Stout One (A Briosa)

Belenenses- The Blues from Restelo (O Belem Azuis do Restelo)

Benfica- The Eagles (As Aguias)
The Reds (Encarnados)
Glorious Ones (O Glorioso)
Red Devils (Diabos Vermelhos)
The Lamps (Lampioes)

Braga- The Archbishops (Os Arcebispos)
The Arsenalists (Os Arsenalistas)
Those from Minho (Minhotos)

FC Porto- The Dragons (Os Dragoes)
Blue & White (Azuis e brancos)

Guimaraes- Black Angels (Anjos Negros)
Victorians (Vitorianos)

Leixoes- Sea Heroes (Herios do Mar)
The Babies (Os bebes)

Martimo- The Green & Reds (Os Verde Rubros)
The Lions (Os Leoes)

Nacional- The White & Black (Os Alvinegros)

Naval- The Ugly Ducklings (Os Patinhos Feios)

Olhanense- Olha (Olha)

P. Ferreira- The Beavers (Os Castores)
Those from Pacos (Os Pacenses)

Rio Ave- Big River (Rio Grande)

Setubal- The Old Sir (O Velho Senhor)
Those from the Sado River (Os Sadinos)

Sporting- The Lions (Os Leoes)
Green & Whites (Verde e Brancos)
Viscounts (Viscondes)

U. Leiria- The Ones from the Lis River (Os Lis)

Porto defeats nine man Nacional

Porto has won their home opener defeating a nine man Nacional 3-0. Falcao opened the scoring for Porto from the penalty area after Nacional's Clebao received his second yellow card of the game on a hand ball in the box. Nacional's Cleber then was next to be sent off in the 65th minute and Porto pushed forward against the short manned Madeira squad and Rolando scored off a set piece before Cristian Rodriguez scored the final tally for last seasons Champions.

Benfica win it late against Guimaraes

Benfica saved it for the end in their defeat of Guimaraes in what turned into a nail bitter for Eagles fans. Benfica's newly acquired Brazilian midfielder Ramires headed in a corner in the 90th minute to give Benfica the victory. Guimaraes got close in the second half when Targino sent the ball past Quim and off the post after Cardozo had an opportunity to give Benfica the lead from the penalty spot but again for the second week in a row was turned away this time by Guimaraes keeper Nilson. Benfica will now prepare for their second leg this week in UEFA Europa League action.

Braga remain only team to win in Portugal

Braga remain the only team to win in Portugal after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Sporting. Braga opened the scoring on an early marker by Alan, Sporting equalized the game in the second half with a goal from Liedson before Meyong gave the visitors the victory with a late marker in the final ten minutes. Braga now have two victories in two matches in the Superliga (Liga Sagres).

U. Leiria and Olhanense draw in week opener

Uniao de Leiria and Olhanense opened Week two in the Superliga with a draw as the two promoted clubs were not able to put anything past the keepers in this match up. The portuguese league campaign has started the season so far with many draws as teams have drawed in eight out of nine matches so far.

Benfica and Nacional win for Portugal in UEFA

Portugal have finally gained victory in UEFA action as both Benfica and Nacional picked up victories today in 1st Leg action. Benfica looks set to advance to the UEFA Europa League group play stage after a 4-0 drubbing of FC Vorskla on goals by Angel Di Maria, Cardozo, Saviola and Dollarama man Weldon, while Nacional defeated 2008 UEFA Cup Champions Zenit St Petersburg in a high scoring affair 4-3 and unfortunately for Nacional, Zenit scored in extra time to close their defeat to one goal. The teams will now prepare to go on the road for second leg action on August 27/09 with Benfica almost assured of going through while Nacional will be in tough as a loss will send them packing out of the tournament.

Benfica and FC Porto open the season with draws

Benfica opened their season at home against Maritimo with a 1-1 draw as the Eagles dominated just about the entire game and only a first half penaly taken by Alonso had Maritimo up at the half. Maritimo's keeper kept Benfica at bay with some key stops in the second half even foiling Benfica's Cardozo on a penalty kick before Weldon gave Benfica the equalizer. FC Porto also fell behind in their matchup against Pacos Ferreira as Ricardo gave Pacos the 1-0 lead at the half, Pacos looked on their way to the upset when Hulk was given his second yellow of the match and thrown out of the game early in the second half but new signing Falcao make sure the Dragons escaped with the 1-1 draw

Sporting draw, Braga win in Superliga action

Sporting opened the Superliga season with a draw against Nacional in Madeira. Sporting trailed the game 1-0 when Aurelio put Nacional ahead in the 28th minute but then Aurelio scored again but this time in his own goal to give Sporting the draw in this season opening matchup. Braga got a late goal by Meyong in the 87th minute to pull out a 1-0 victory over Academica in their home opener.

Benfica announce squad for UEFA matchup

Benfica have announced their squad for their UEFA competition matchup against FC Vorskla of the Ukraine and have left off Mantorras, Urreta and Patric.

Benfica squad

Quim, Moreira, Julio Cesar, Maxi Pereira, Luis Filipe, Luisao, David Luiz, Miguel Vitor, Sidnei, Shaffer, Yebda, Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Cesar Peixoto, Ruben amorim, Ramires, Fabio Coentrao, Pablo Aimar, Nuno Gomes, Cardozo, Javier Saviola, Keirrison, Weldon, Angel Di Maria, Roderick and Nelson Oliveira

Leixoes and Belenenses kick start the Superliga season

Leixoes and Belenenses have kicked started the Portuguese Superliga (Liga Sagres) season with a scoreless draw. Leixoes had a few more chances the Belenenses in the matchup but were not able to convert when needed and Belenenses who look to shed their form of the past two seasons gain a much needed point.

Benfica will make visit to Canada for friendly

Benfica will be paying a visit to Toronto, Canada on September 2nd, 2009 in a friendly to take on Scottish side Celtic. The teams respective leagues will be on a break as World Cup qualifying will be taking place so expect that some team players will be with their National Teams and not make the trip to Toronto. Tickets for this contest range from $40 to $150 and the game will take place at BMO field which is the home of MLS side Toronto FC.

FC Porto wins Super Cup over Pacos Ferreira

FC Porto have opened the 2009-10 season with their first trophy and 16th Portuguese Super Cup in a rematch of last seasons Taca De Portugal Final in defeating Pacos Ferreira 2-0. Porto were held of the scoresheet in the first half but Ernesto Farias opened the scoring for the Dragons with a goal in the 60th minute before Bruno Alves sealed the deal for the eventual champions with a goal late in the contest at the 89th minute of the match. The Superliga(Liga Sagres) will kick off its regular season next weekend as we look to see if Porto can repeat once again as the Portuguese Champions

Benfica draw against AC Milan in friendly

Benfica had a wild game against the Italian powerhouse AC Milan and had a great effort against the seven time Champions League winners. Cardozo put Benfica ahead in the 58th minute before an own goal by Sidnei in the 87th minute gave the Italian club the draw at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica did win the Eusebio Cup on penalty kicks 5-4 in the end. Benfica now prepare for next weekends kickoff of the Superliga when they host Maritimo.

Benfica make it official with Cesar Peixoto

Benfica have captured Cesar Peixoto from Braga, as the left back makes a return to the Eagles in what amounted to a $400,000 purchase for the players full rights by the Lisbon club. Cesar Peixoto should be present with the club today as it takes on AC Milan.

Braga and Pacos Ferreira out of Europa League

Braga and Pacos Ferreira have both been knocked out of the UEFA Europa League as both clubs bow out early which is a big blow to Portugal gaining points in the UEFA coefficients. Braga lost again on the road to Sweden's Elfsborg 2-0 while Pacos lost again at home to Isreal's Bnei Yehuda 1-0

Benfica close in on Cesar Peixoto

Benfica and Braga are close to agreeing on a switch for left back Cesar Peixoto. Peixoto was held out of Braga's UEFA Europa League matchup last week, as the teams continued to negotiate as to not have Peixoto ineligible for play with Benfica when the transfer is completed.
Benfica and Braga are said to be ready to announce the deal over the next few days.

Weekend Friendlies Round Up

We have another Weekend of Friendlies by Portuguese clubs. These were some of the more notable friendlies of the weekend. Pacos Ferreira defeated Spain's Celta Vigo 1-0 with Diarra scoring the marker for Pacos. Belenenses defeated Setubal 2-1 Yontcha and Diakite getting the markers for Belenenses and Helder Barbosa scoring for Setubal. Nacional defeated Academica 2-1 with Mateus and Amuneke scoring for Nacional and Amoreirinha for Academica. Martimo and Rio Ave battled to a nil draw. U. Leiria defeated Marinhense 1-0 on a goal by Ludovic. Olhanense got the best of Farense with Fabio and Rui Baiao getting the markers in a 2-0 victory. Benfica won another pre season cup with a 2-0 victory over Guimaraes on goals by Weldon and Ruben Amorim to claim the Guimaraes Cup.

There is now less then two weeks to the start of Superliga play.

Benfica crush Portsmouth in friendly

Benfica came out in full force today in a friendly drubbing of English side Portsmouth. Oscar Cardozo with a pair, new signing Weldon and an own goal were all the tallies that the Eagles required in this crushing, defeating the Blues 4-0

Porto kncoked out of Peace Cup

Porto have been knocked out of the Peace Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Villa scored both goals in the first half with Emile Heskey and Steve Sidwell scoring for Villa. Porto replied in the second half when Hulk converted a penalty kick in extra time but it was to little to late for Porto