Martins brace leads Benfica past Guimaraes

Benfica kept pace with Braga today at the Estadio da Luz with a 3-1 victory over Guimaraes. Benfica and Braga continue their dance at the top of the Superliga (Liga Sagres) in Week 17 play as both clubs sit with 42 points six up on third place Porto and fifteen up on fourth place Sporting. Benfica opened the scoring when Pablo Aimar broke in alone and beat the Guimaraes keeper, Nuno Assis brought the game back to even before the end of the half when he just outpaced the Benfica defense and sent a low shot past Quim. Carlos Martins in a rare start then took control of the game for Benfica scoring a low shot from the top of the box on a set up by Pablo Aimar before getting his second of the game on a rocket from just outside the box, a goal sure to make the highlight reels in Portugal and Benfica went on their way to the victory.

In other action, FC Porto remained six points behind the league leaders after a crushing defeat over Nacional, Varela and Falcao both scored a pair for Porto in their 4-0 win. Naval got a goal from Godemeche in the first half and defeated basement dwellers Belenenses 1-0. U. Leiria moved into 5th spot in the Portuguese League with a convincing 2-0 win over Olhanense, Leiria's markers were from Silas and Vitor Moreno in the second half.

Braga continue roll against Sporting

Braga continue their remarkable season with another victory over the big three. Braga got a lone marker in the first half by Paulo Cesar when the player made a nifty move around the Sporting defender and let a hard low shot go which deflected of another Sporting defender into the net. Braga have regained their three point lead on Benfica with the latter set to host Guimaraes today looking for a win to tie Braga again at the top of the Portuguese League.

The seeding pots for Euro 2012 revealed

As Portugal get set for this summer's World Cup, UEFA is moving forward with the Group selection in Warsaw on February 7, 2010 for Euro 2012. There will be nine groups with six of the groups containing six teams and the other three groups containing five teams. The Group winners and best second place team based on their record against the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th place teams in their Group automatically qualify.The other eight second place teams will play a home and away knockout phase with the four winners also advancing to Euro 2012.

Seeding Pots:

Pot A- PORTUGAL, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, England, Croatia, France, Russia

Pot B- Greece, Czech Republic, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Sweden, Slovakia, Romania, Switzerland

Pot C- Isreal, Bulgaria, Norway, Finland, Ireland, Scotland, Bosnia, Austria, N. Ireland

Pot D- Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Slovenia, Wales, Macedonia, Cyrus, Hungary, Belguim

Pot E- Estonia, Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Liechtenstein, Kazakhstan, Georgia

Pot F- Luxembourg, Andorra, San Marino, Azerbaijan, Malta, Faroe Islands

Jorge Andrade rumoured headed to Toronto

Jorge Andrade is looking to get his career back on track and may be heading overseas to join Major League Soccer's Toronto FC on a tryout basis according to Portuguese newspapers and a Toronto Sport station The Score. Andrade who started his career with Amadora, has played for FC Porto, Spain's Deportivo La Coruna and Italy's Juventus in his career. He has also dressed for the Portuguese National Team on 51 occasions and was a key cog in the central defense as Portugal made their run to the Euro 2004 Finals. The 31 year old central defender has suffered from knee problems the last few years and would be looking to show that he still can play after breaking his knee cap, an injury that has sidelined him for most of the last two seasons. The reports state that if Andrade passes a physical and performs well during the teams training camp he would be offered a contract in the range of $300,000 USD a season, which would be a significant pay decrease for a player who was earning close to $2 million euro a season in Italy. The Toronto FC have not released any comments on this rumour but it would be a major pick up for the squad to land a healthy Andrade and a boom for the Portuguese community that are said to have around 250,000 descendants in the Greater Area

Carlsberg Cup Round Up

The last round of the Group stage was played today in Carlsberg Cup action as Sporting, FC Porto, Benfica and Academica have all gone on to the semi-finals of the competition. Sporting kept their perfect record alive with a 1-0 victory over Trofense on a first half goal from Liedson. FC Porto got second half goals from Belluschi and Orlando Sa to defeat Estoril 2-0 while Academica defeated Leixoes on a marker from Sougou as both clubs advanced from Group A. Benfica defeated Rio Ave 2-1 on goals from Carlos Martins and Angel Di Maria as the defending Carlsberg Cup champs moved onto the Final Four. Rio Ave's goal came from Bruno Gama on a penalty kick. The semi finals will be an interesting affair as two of the big clubs will face off against one another.

In other action, Braga defeated U. Leiria 4-1 as Rafael, Pena, Matheus and Paulao scored for the Portuguese League leaders and Cassio replied for Leiria. Nacional defeated Guimaraes 1-0, Juliano getting Nacional's lone goal

Mourinho voted 5th Best Coach by IFFHS

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has taken a look at the best coaches between 1996 to 2009 and decided that Jose Mourinho was the 5th Best Coach in the World between this time period. Mourinho has won numerous league titles and cups over this span with FC Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, he also won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup while coaching FC Porto. Mourinho is the youngest coach in the Top 10 list.

Top 10 Best Coaches in the World (Coach and Nationality)

1- Alex Ferguson (Scotland)
2- Marcello Lippi (Italy)
3- Arsene Wenger (France)
4- Guus Hiddink (Netherlands)
5- JOSE MOURINHO (Portugal)
6- Ottmar Hitzfeld (Germany)
7- Marcelo Bielsa (Argentina)
8- Sven Goran Eriksson (Sweden)
9- Luis Felipe Scolari (Brazil)
10- Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands)

Sporting, Braga and Porto all advance in Taca action

The Taca De Portugal Round 16 action took place today as teams looked to move to the quarter finals. Sporting got a scare from minnows Mafra as Sporting jumped to a 4-1 lead before Mafra clawed their way back to lose 4-3. Sporting's goals came from Matias Fernandez, Carrico, Carlos Saleiro and Yannick while Mafra got a hat trick from Chengdong. Braga took it too Freamunde in a 3-1 win, Braga's scorers Oliveira, Moises and Matheus while the hosts lone marker was from Bertinho. FC Porto got the biggest scare of all defeating Belenenses in PKs 10-9 in a shootout that took 15 rounds to complete. Belenenses opened the scoring at the 13th minute mark from Lima, before Falcao tied the game two minutes later. Lima scored again for Belenenses in the second half before Cristian Rodriguez tied it again at 2-2, extra time solved nothing leading to the PKs.

In other action, Pinhalnovense's lone goal from Laurindo was all it needed to defeat Camacha. Rio Ave defeated Guimaraes in 4-2 in PKs after the game ended 2-2. Rio Ave goals, Adriano and Bruno Game with Guimaraes goals from Desmarets and Targino. Naval's Daniel scored to lead them over Alias Lordelo 1-0. Nacional continued their poor performances against Pacos Ferreira losing at home 2-1, Pacos goals from Maykon and Pizzi with Nacional's marker coming from Salino.

Benfica and Braga win to stay on top

Benfica and Braga's fight at the top spot continues as both teams came out winners today and moved clear of third place Porto by six points. Benfica went into Madeira and crushed Maritimo 5-0, Javier Saviola continued his hot hand when he opened the scoring after mad scramble in front of the Maritimo net. Maxi Pereira then made it 2-0 converting a beautiful run and pass by Angel Di Maria. Oscar Cardozo made it 3-0 converting a PK before the end of the half, a half that saw Martimo have 2 players sent off by this point. Then things got worse in the second half when Sousa redirected a ball into his own goal before Luisao rounded out the scoring for Benfica. Braga took on Academica and Meyong converted a PK to open the scoring and Matheus scored in extra time in the second half to give Braga the 2-0 victory.

In other Action, Uniao de Leiria defeated Rio Ave 2-0 when Cassio and Ronny got the markers handing Rio Ave back to back defeats at home after going undefeated until last weekend. Leixoes continued the road team wins today with a 3-1 win over Belenenses and leap frogging Setubal out of the relegation zone. Leixoes got their goals from Morais on a PK, Pouga and Didi with Belenenses' reply coming from Yontcha.

Sporting move into sole spot of fourth with win

Sporting have moved into sole possession of fourth spot in the Portuguese League with a 3-2 victory over Nacional. Nacional opened the scoring first as they had hoped to secure fourth spot with a win when Ruben Micael headed in a goal in the 24th minute before Veloso replied with a rocket to the bottom left corner of the net for Sporting just two minutes later. The second half saw Liedson score a brace to put Sporting ahead 3-1 before Edgar replied for Nacional late in the game to make this one a nail biter right until the final whistle.

In other action today FC Porto stumbled at the Dragao playing to a 1-1 draw with Pacos Ferreira, Pacos' Maykon put his club ahead in the 83rd minute before Falcao scored his 11th of the league three minutes later. Porto could now fall behind first spot by as much as six points with Braga and Benfica yet to play in this weekends week 16 action.
Setubal and Guimaraes played to a spirited 2-2 draw Keita opened the scoring for the visitors just three minutes into the game but Guimaraes was quick to reply when Marquinho scored two minutes later. Setubal once again took the lead in the second half when Collin put them ahead but with four minutes left in the game Targino scored for Guimaraes to square it. Olhanense moved themselves out of the relegation zone with only their second win of the season, a 1-0 victory over Naval when Castro scored the lone marker.

Jorge Jesus' Benfica roster for game against Maritimo

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has released his club roster for tomorrow's clash in Madeira against Maritimo. The coach has added some new faces to the roster.

Goalies: Quim, Julio Cesar

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Sidnei, David Luiz, Peixoto, Miguel Vitor

Midfielders: Ramires, Pablo Aimar, Carlos Martins, Javi Garcia, Angel Di Maria, Fabio Coentrao

Forwards: Oscar Cardozo, Javier Saviola, Nuno Gomes, Eder Luis, Alan Kardec

Carlsberg Cup Round Up

The third round of Carlsberg Cup continued today as the twelve teams remaining in the tournament look for an automatic spot in the UEFA Europa League next season.

Group A- Academica and FC Porto played to a scoreless draw, Leixoes got a goal from Alexandre and Estoril from Conceicao as the clubs tied 1-1.

Group B- Sporting maintained their hold on top spot of the Group with a 2-1 victory of U. Leiria, Sporting's markers where from J. Pereira and Veloso while Carlao replied for Leiria. Trofense provided the shocker of the day defeating Portuguese League leaders Braga 1-0 on a goal from Mercio basically eliminating Braga from the competition.

Group C- Benfica got an equalizer from Fabio Coentrao to draw with Guimaraes at 1-1 after they were put ahead by Douglas. Nacional and Rio Ave also played to a 1-1 game with Nacional going ahead on a goal by Costa before Joao Tomas brought the game even on a penalty kick

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River Plate and Porto in talks about Farias

Porto and Argentinian club River Plate are said to be currently in talks for Porto striker Ernesto Farias. The reports coming out of Portugal have Farias going back to River Plate on a loan deal with a permanent move a possibility. Farias has five goals this season in the Portuguese League with Porto and currently is fourth on Porto's attacking depth chart behind Hulk, Falcao and Varela

Benfica keep pace with win over Rio Ave

Benfica have started their 2010 with a victory over Rio Ave on the road, as the Eagles keep pace with Braga as both clubs are on top of the Portuguese League with 36 points a piece. Benfica got an early second half goal from Javier Saviola and it was all that the club needed in their 1-0 victory.

Earlier today Sporting got a late marker from defender Tonel to defeat Leixoes 1-0 and move into a tie for fourth spot, while Guimaraes continued their fine form of late with their third win in a row a 1-0 road win over Martimo on a goal by Sereno and now sit in 6th spot in Portugal.

Nuno Gomes a wanted man in Europe

Nuno Gomes seems to be a wanted man around Europe as the transfer window is now open and the 33 year old striker looks for regular playing time as World Cup 2010 approaches. Gomes is deperate for some regular action and this seems unlikely at Benfica with the strike pair of Oscar Cardozo and Javier Saviola clicking on all cylinders together. Nuno Gomes would be glad with a loan move for the rest of the season and clubs from England, Italy and Greece have come knocking on Benfica's door. The clubs said to be interested in Nuno Gomes are Bolton, Hull City and West Ham from England while PAOK from Greece and Livorno from Italy have their sights on Gomes

Braga open 2010 with a win

Braga has opened the 2010 campaign of the Superliga the same way they ended 2009 and that is with a victory over Nacional. Braga's markers came from Vandinho with the game only four minutes old and then another in the second half from Andre Leone at the 57th mark for a 2-0 win. The win moves Braga into sole spot of the Superliga for the time being with 36 points at the halfway mark of the season.

Nacional sign a trio of players

Nacional have signed a trio of players over the last few days. Nacional have picked up striker Diego Barcellos, midfielder Thiago Gentil and centerback Alex Bruno. The 27 year old Bruno was picked up from Brazil's Atletico-MG on a free transfer. Thiago Gentil came over from Brazil's Coritiba and signed a two and a half year contract with the club, while Diego Barcellos another Brazilian has come over from China's Guangzhou as Nacional will be looking to him to replace Mateus who has suffered ligament damage and could be lost for the rest of the season

Porto defeat Leixoes in Carlsberg Cup

Porto and Leixoes completed the first matchups of the 3rd Round of Carlsberg Cup action on Tuesday with Porto defeating Leixoes 1-0 on a first half goal by Varela at the 45th minute mark. Porto now sit atop Group A tied with Academica. The Portuguese clubs will will play the second round of games in the Group Stage on January 13, 2010.

Highest transfers in and out of Portugal

We take a look at the highest transfers paid to come in and out of Portugal from 1999-2009. Portugal has been a country that has provided the stronger European leagues with quality players over the years as they have applied their trade in Portugal before moving on to bigger clubs in Europe. (all funds are in Euros)

Top 15 Transfers Out

1- Anderson (FC Porto to Man United) $31,500,000
2- Pepe (FC Porto to Real Madrid) $30,000,000
- Carvalho (FC Porto to Chelsea) $30,000,000
4- Nani (Sporting to Man United) $25,500,000
5- Quaresma (FC Porto to Inter Milan) $24,600,000
6- Lisandro (FC Porto to Lyon) $24,000,000
7- Deco (FC Porto to Barcelona) $21,000,000
8- Bosingwa (FC Porto to Chelsea) $20,500,000
9- Paulo Ferreira (FC Porto to Chelsea) $20,000,000
- Simao (Benfica to Atletico Madrid) $20,000,000
11- Manuel Fernandes (Benfica to Valencia) $18,000,000
- Lucho Gonzalvez (FC Porto to Marseille) $18,000,000
13- Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting to Man United) $17,750,000
14- Nuno Gomes (Benfica to Fiorentina) $17,000,000
15- Jardel (FC Porto to Galatasaray) $16,0000,000
- Maniche (FC Porto to Dynamo Moscow) $16,000,000

Top 15 Transfers In

1- Cardozo (Newell Old Boys to Benfica) $11,650,000
2- Lucho Gonzalvez (River Plate to FC Porto) $10,250,000
3- Simao (Barcelona to Benfica) $10,000,000
- Luis Fabiano (Sao Paulo to FC Porto) $10,000,000
5- Diego (Santos to FC Porto) $8,000,000
- Angel Di Maria (Rosario Central to Benfica) $8,000,000
7- Ramires (Cruzeiro to Benfica) $7,500,000
- Roger (Fluminense to Benfica) $7,500,000
9- Tello (U. Chile to Sporting) $7,000,000
- C. Rodriguez (PSG to FC Porto) $7,000,000
- Pongolle (Atletico Madrid to Sporting) $7,000,000
- Javi Garcia (Real Madrid to Benfica) $7,000,000
- Sidnei (Inter PA to Benfica) $7,000,000
14- Van Hooijdonk (Vitesse to Benfica) $6,800,000
15- Lisandro (Avellaneda to FC Porto) $6,750,000

Garcia in at Braga and Cristiano out at Pacos

Sporting Braga have found their replacement for recently departed Joao Pereira as they pick up 26 year old Miguel Garcia from Olhanense for $50,000 Euros, Garcia spent the past two seasons in Italy playing for Reggina before returning to Portugal this season. Cristiano on the other hand is on his way out of Portugal as the 26 year old Brazilian striker is headed to Greece to suit up for PAOK after being sold by Pacos Ferreira for $150,000 Euros. Cristiano who has two goals in the league campaign had been at Pacos for four seasons

Carlsberg Cup Round Up

The third round of the Carlsberg Cup got under way today as the twelve teams remaining in the tournament look for an automatic spot in the UEFA Europa League next season.

Group A- Academica defeated Estoril 2-1 on first half goals by Eder and Lito while Estoril's marker came from Antchouet, FC Porto will take on Leixoes on Tuesday.

Group B- Trofense and U. Leiria battled to a 1-1 draw with Silas opening scoring early for Trofense and Luis scoring late for Leiria. Sporting did what not many teams have done this season and defeated Braga 2-1 on goals from Saleiro and Veloso with Alan replying for Braga.

Group C- Rio Ave came from behind to defeat Guimaraes 2-1, Moreno gave the home side a 1-0 lead before Wesllum and Joao Tomas scored in the second half for the win. Benfica got a late marker by Javier Saviola to defeat Nacional 1-0.

Porto win to move to Round of 16 in Taca

FC Porto have advanced to the Round of 16 in Taca de Portugal action as they defeat Oliveirense 2-0 in this make up game which was postponed from the Round of 32 schedule. Porto got a first half marker from Raul Meireles in the 44th minute and Rolando scored in the second half at the 66th minute mark and it was more then Porto needed as they took it to an over matched Oliveirense squad. Orlando Sa was stopped on a penalty kick in the second half not once but twice by the Oliveirense keeper after the rebound from the first stop came right to him. Porto will now face Belenenses on January 19/10 as they continue their quest for the Taca de Portugal

Deco renounding choice for starting midfielder

PSNL Fans have spoken hoping to see the 32 year old Chelsea midfielder patrolling the starting center midfield position for Portugal in World Cup 2010. Deco received over 50% of all votes to be Portugal's starting center midfielder finishing the voting at 53%. Deco has worked his way into the heart of Portugal fans with his crisp passing and the odd long ball marker. Sporting's Joao Moutinho finished way back in second spot with 20% of the vote, while Zenit's Danny came in third with 19% of the vote. Happy New Year to all and hope 2010 is a great year for everyone.