Small is Big.
Small is Big.
By Dominic Vieira, writing from Lancaster
“Where is Portugal?” How many times have I been asked this? Countless. You may have read in the news recently that the Portuguese economy is a disaster or the politics are a complete bunch of corrupt pigs. However, the football is booming! Last night Braga and FC Porto qualified for the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League final producing history as its the first time two Portuguese clubs will battle in a final. And just before you start thinking Portugal is a small football nation, remember that Benfica has won 2 Champions League titles from 7 final appearances and FC Porto 2 from 2. Braga, who have never won the league title, will be featuring in their first final. The supreme underdogs have produced wonders this season as they’ve knocked out strong sides such Celtic, Liverpool and Sevilla from European competitions. Historic.
FC Porto had virtually qualified for the final after beating La Liga side Villarreal 5-1 at home, an interesting observation about that match was that the hosts were 1-0 down at half time before completing an epic comeback in the second half with the Colombian striker Falcao scoring a ‘poker’, 4 goals. There was still hope of a sheer surprise at the Madrigal when Cani opened the scoring in the 17th minute but a 1-1 result at half time simply annihilated that hope; the match did end 3-2 to Villarreal though. Andre Villas-Boas, aged 33, has been breaking records in his debut season coaching the recently-crowned Portuguese champions and is expected to become the youngest manager ever to win a European trophy. But watch out for Braga…
Benfica were their next victims and it was expected to see them reach the final after sealing a narrow 2-1 victory against Braga at the Estadio da Luz. But the beauty about this Braga side, the ultimate underdogs, who aren’t from a large city and lack the funds for a luxurious transfer budget like the other two sides, is their collective and mental strength which revolves around the team. The early first half header scored by midfielder Custodio from a Hugo Viana corner was sufficient to put the side through to the last round. They weren’t necessarily the stronger side last night but merit must be awarded for their hard work, unbelievable determination and to manager Domingos Paciencia.
The most western country in Europe is undergoing several major transitions to revive it's economy, reduce unemployment, control VAT and stabilize the politics amongst other concerns. On the other hand, football is generating happiness, money and history for the nation. It’s expected to see the league’s biggest stars complete multi-million transfers to Spain or England yet again, more young managers making a name for themselves, the next Cristiano emerging and another European cup shortly arriving. Things couldn’t be better for Portuguese football!
In 12 days time FC Porto in their trademark blue and white striped kit and Braga wearing red, will march onto the Dublin Arena with 22 motivated men, mainly consisting of South Americans, fiercely fighting to lift the 2010/11 Europa League title. This battle won’t be as exhilarating as the Champions League final, naturally, but a match involving two teams from the North of Portugal will be definitely be emotional, intense and hopefully, highscoring.
Até ja!
