Talking to the Doll

Podcast Episode 03

2012-02-07T23:30:00.003-05:00

On this Episode
Winter Transfer Window Summary
Benfica News
-Djalo's First Words as a Benfica Player
-Enzo Perez Saga
-Fabio Faria
-Luis Felipe Vieira Tv Interview
-Juniors Win Luanda Cup
Benfica - Maritimo (League Cup) Wrap Up
Upcoming Fixtures

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Podcast Episode 02

2012-01-30T23:55:00.004-05:00

Podcast Episode #2
News
- Capdevilla
- Amorim
- Yanick Djalo
- Stands Being Repaired
- CL match site vs Zenit still undecided
Game Recap
Upcoming Fixture

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Being Carried to the title? I Think Not

2012-01-30T14:54:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB7QqLDThPE&feature=player_embedded

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Podcast Episode 01

2012-01-25T00:16:00.005-05:00

First ever Talking to the Doll PodCast
Episode 01 - 1/24/2012
-Welcome
-Podcast Introduction
-Purpose
-Intentions
Main Content
Benfica News
Benfica - Gil Vicente Review - Liga Zone Sagres 16th round
Upcoming Fixtures

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A Team Taking Shape

2011-07-26T22:25:00.006-04:00

The wait is finally over, after a little bit more than two months, Benfica will officially kick their season off this Wednesday.
It's been a long two months, a time for introspect for many, myself included, and a time for digesting and putting some of the disappointments from last season behind, and look forward to another season with hopes of better success than last year's.

With JJ and some key players admitting to the shortcomings of last season, while at the same time recognizing where they had failed, we go into the new season, not only hoping not to make the same mistakes, but also hoping to renew the flame and the intensity we showed two years ago.
Photo Via Planet Benfica

I'll spare you of a long drawn out write up about the pre-season, the results, first impressions on new players, observations, etc, etc... What i want to write about is the shaping of the squad.

Truth be told, Benfica went into camp with a ridiculously large amount of players, and i understand the need to make a full observation, and to see what the best options are, but i am glad that little by little the 27+1 JJ desires is starting to take shape.

It's not easy to reduce the squad from nearly 40 players to the 27-28(even these number i think they are too large for a squad) JJ wants to work with, nor has it been easy realizing that there will be cuts, and some of the players that some Benfiquistas hoped to make it, will eventually be cut.

I have been anxiously awaiting for the 25 man roster Benfica submitted to UEFA for the Champions League qualifier. Although this list will only count for this qualifying round, it can serve as a rough draft as to who JJ intends to make part of the 28 man roster. After watching training sessions that resembled a 15 on 15 pick up game at the park, the definition and the trim down is a welcome sight.

Here's the submitted list, Remember these 25 will be re-submitted once Benfica qualifies into the group stages of the CL.

Here's the list:

Keepers: Artur Moraes, Eduardo, José Costa(*)and Bruno Varela (*);

There's no doubt in my mind that Artur and Eduardo will be Benfica's two main keepers this year. Costa and Varela are Juniors and can be listed as a part of a B list.
Julio Cesar and Roberto are still training with the team, but they will both be going out on loan deals, being that Benfica picked up a home grown keeper in Mika, which is with the U20 natinal team and unavailable for this round.

Defenders: Emerson, Luisão, Maxi Pereira, Ezequiel Garay, Miguel Vítor, Jardel, André Almeida, Luís Martins (*) and Fábio Faria;

The first 6 are season roster locks, with perhaps Jardel being on the bubble.
Andre Almeida did well in the pre-season, and he might be the only back up solution at right back, beside he is a homegrown player which will benefit Benfica when they have to submit numbers to Uefa.

Martins is a Junior and Faria may be out of room. Faria played left back and some center back, but with the acquisitions of Capdevilla and Emerson, he is shutout of left back, and didn't seem to evolve enough to figure into JJ's plans for CB back up in my opinion.

Roderick who is with the u20 national team, needs to get more playing time if he is to evolve, loan is probably the best choice for him at this point.

Capdevilla who joined the team shorter than a week ago, and coming from vacation, is not at ideal shape to play just yet, and Wass has been loaned out.
Cesar peixoto does not figure into JJs plans and has expressed his desire to move on.

Midfielders: Ruben Amorim, Javi Garcia, Bruno César, Nolito, Pablo Aimar, Gaitán, Matic, David Simão (*), Axel Witsel, Enzo Pérez and Ruben Pinto (*);

The sector where Benfica will have to make the most trimming is also the strongest and the one that offers the most solutions.
Amorim, Garcia,Cesar,Nolito, Aimar, Gaitan, Witsel and Enzo Perez will definitely make the squad.
David Simao which had a great year at P. Ferreira last year, is on the bubble I would say, a real shame, because i think this kid can give a lot to Benfica, but with Gaitan, Witsel, and Aimar all being able to play his position, It'll be hard for him to make it, but it'll comedown to how many players JJ will keep.
Nuno Coelho may also go out on loan as the D-mid position is pretty filled up

There's also the cases of Urreta and Martins, who seem to be recuperating from injuries. Martins hasn't played all pre-season, and there's even a rumor that he might be on his way out.
Urreta has been the on again, off again player in JJs plans, but his pre-season performances seem to have convinced JJ and he is staying.

Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola and Franco Jara.

Three definite roster members for the upcoming season. Missing from the forward list are: Nelson Oliveira and Rodrigo currently with their respective U20 national teams, and Rodrigo Mora.

It'll be kind of hard for JJ to keep 6 forwards, so 1-2 players will most likely not make part of the season Roster. The top candidate is obviously Oliveira, who still has a bit to go in his maturity and evolution process.
Rodrigo who showed himself at a great level during pre-season, may very well make the squad, while Rodrigo Mora may go out on a loan spell to not only get more playing time, but to acclimate himself with the Portuguese style and league. Keep in mind that Nolito, Enzo and Cesar can also play some type of forward postion.

This is perhaps the 27 that we will be making the roster, barring anymore acquisitions off course

Artur
Eduardo
Mika

Luisao
Maxi
Garay
Vitor
Emerson
Capdevilla
Almeida
Jardel

Garcia
Matic
Gaitan
Aimar
Enzo
Witsel
Cesar
Nolito
Amorim
Martins
Urreta

Jara
Saviola
Cardozo
Rodrigo
Mora(possible)

I believe these will be the 27 staying. Very strong midfield sector, a defensive block that will need some time to become a unit, and a forward line with a rested Cardozo and with a Saviola that will need to up his game, if he wants to feature in the starting line up.

Ahead is a very tough season, a season in which our most direct opponents have made important decisions and seem to be at a better level than last year.

On one side you have a reinvigorated Sporting, with a new coach and a totally rebuilt squad, and on the other, a team who despite their success last year, and the departure of their coach, has yet to lose a player to the summer market, and has added more talent.

The key is obviously start the season right and not lose points in the initial games.
First up is the all too important access to the champions league, which is crucial to our finances, and our ambitions. After that we will see a more defined squad.

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The News Received in Russia

2011-03-28T00:17:00.000-04:00

A Thing of Beauty

2011-03-23T00:08:00.001-04:00

Gaitan's goal from start to finish

The Lost Angle

2011-03-08T20:42:00.002-05:00

An angle that Sport tv failed to show during the whole game has now surfaced.

The Golden Shit Statuette Goes To....

2011-03-07T00:58:00.000-05:00

Elmo Presents Word of the Season

2011-02-28T23:36:00.003-05:00

Happy 107th Birthday to the Glorioso

2011-02-28T11:11:00.001-05:00

Words For What?

2011-02-27T22:22:00.006-05:00

Pictures Via - Planet Benfica Forum

The Right Question

2011-02-26T10:31:00.001-05:00

Smelling Salts?

2011-02-04T00:53:00.001-05:00

A Very Bad Omen

2010-10-28T20:26:00.001-04:00

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Foaming at the Mouth

2010-10-04T23:37:00.003-04:00

And this is the penalty he speaks of that went uncalled

here's the fucile foul towards the end of the video

Roster Sheet for Sporting Match

2010-09-19T09:12:00.002-04:00

JJ announced the list of players for tonight's game against Sporting. 20 players in all, 2 will will not dress. The biggest news has to be the return of Kardec to the game rosters. Yesterday JJ had said Kardec had a 50/50 chance of being called, and this morning the inclusion of the young Brazilian confirms the injury is behind him, and that he is getting close to getting to 100%, whether he will be in the 18 that dress, that remains to be seen.

Here's the list:

Keepers: Roberto and Júlio César;

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Sidnei, David Luiz, César Peixoto and Fábio Coentrão;

Midfielders: Airton, Javi Garcia, Ruben Amorim, Felipe Menezes, Carlos Martins, Pablo Aimar and Nicolás Gaitán;

Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola, Nuno Gomes, Franco Jara and Alan Kardec.

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A Whole Team in Waiting

2010-09-06T23:47:00.005-04:00

This tuesday's "A Bola" published the list of all Benfica players currently on loan.

For the young ones, the hope of having a good year and returning to the "nest". For the older ones, a hope that their loan stint will open other doors, as they will most likely not return which are the cases of Jorge Ribeiro and Yebda. For players such as Freddy Adu, Shaffer, and Eder Luiz, the future looks bleak, as their experiences with the main team were not the best, and now look to resurrect themselves even if it's just to get a new lease on their career.

We all know what Adu's situation is, and i find it very hard that Benfica will ever bring him back. Aris was reluctant to keep him this coming season, but with his loan contract valid for two years, Aris will have to honor their agreement with Benfica. He was not part of Hector Cupers plans, but with hard work he might even get some minutes. This is the lowest Adu has ever been, even in the MLS, he never took on a role of 3rd stringer, he definetely has his work cut out for him.

SHaffer came in as a solution for the left back position, but lost his space, and Benfica opted to send him back to Argentina, as he had a market there. Barring a breakout year, i very much Shaffer will return to Portugal.

Eder Luiz came in as a substitute for Saviola, and got some minutes, even scoring important goals, but JJ has claimed the player was not ready mentally and he returned to Brazil. Out of all the three he stands the biggest chance to come back.

Urreta, Miguel Vitor, Fellipe Bastos, Patric, Rodrigo and Oblak, are all players that have the biggest chance to return.

Urreta is on loan with a "no-buy" clause, and in my opinion, one of the players that has room in this squad. As a matter of fact i have often said his loan to Depor was perhaps Benfica's biggest mistake of the off season.

Rodrigo has already been labelled has a player for the future, but the truth is that if he has a good year at Bolton, Real can buy him back for double what they paid Benfica, or 10m. Yes Benfica would make an easy 5m, but if Rodrigo is as talented as some of the critics say he is, we may never take advantage of his talent. Let's hope he doesn't blow up at Bolton.

Fellipe Bastos and Patric are both young Brazilians playing in Brazil, and with youth national team experience. While Bastos was once tooted by Camacho as a player not to be left out of sight, JJ had a different opinion, and instead of bringing him back for this season, opted to go hit the market in January and recruit Airton instead. At 20 years old he is still at an age to break out, and that is what Benfica is waiting for.
As far as Patric goes, JJ thought he was too green, and just like Bastos, Benfica hopes he can take it to the next level, even though his window is closing faster at 21 years old.

Miguel Vitor, also 21 yers old, is hoping that his experience at Leicester can solidify him as a good center back. With David Luiz more than likely leaving next year, Vitor knows this year needs to be an important year for him from a gaining experience stand point.

Oblak is 17 years old, and much like Rodrigo, he too is the future. Having done the whole pre-season with Benfica, but not getting any minutes, he now has a chance to gain experience at Beira Mar, but at 17, and with 2 keepers ahead of him, i doubt he will see much playing time, not to mention he will be the fourth goalie, once Beira-Mar's third goalie comes back from injury. It'll be an interesting situation.

The rest of the players are all products of Benfica's youth system, and while some of them have had a taste of the first team, whether in training or in off-season trips, i'd say at least half of them will end up running out their contract without ever wearing a Benfica jersey, which is a shame.

With the Caixa Campus in full swing , I'd like to start seeing more and more players make the senior team. What's the whole purpose of having a youth program, if only a very little percentage of players will ever make it to the senior team, losing their spots to foreign based players instead?>It makes absolutely no sense to spend money in formation, and then spending millions on youngsters from other countries. Why don't we have a "B" team playing in a secondary division? After all, Benfica is most likely paying the wages of players on loan.

Not too long ago, i read an article by Cruyff in which he praises the fact that Guardiola only has 19 players on his roster, and that both mentally and from a personnel management standpoint it as a genius move. The only reason he is able to do that is because any injury can be easily solved with a player from the B team, to make numbers.

26 players out on loan, JJ is currently working with 26 players + 3 others that have not been registered to play(Mantorras, Balboa and Zoro).A lot of money and a lot of wages to be paid, to a large number of players. Something that needs to be looked at by Benfica. There's no sense in comparing ourselves to other clubs, and their own loan numbers, there needs to be a better way to take advantage of our formation, reducing costs and ultimately being able to offer a prospective player the type of wages, that would convince him to play for Benfica.

R.I.P. Good Giant

2010-09-03T23:57:00.005-04:00

Perhaps one of the best Portuguese forwards of all time. Instrumental in the great Benfica teams of the 60's decade, and a member of the 1966 National team who achieved the highest classification in a World Cup.
At 71 and after a long battle with Alzheimer's Jose Torres enters the pitch of the Benfica Eternals victim of heart Failure.

Get to know a little bit of the Good Giant here

A great video memory in Portuguese can be found here
-END-

A Step in the Right Direction?

2010-08-31T23:01:00.003-04:00

While many expected Benfica to drop a big name right at the closing of the transfer window, it was the formation prospects that got the attention. A total of 11 players saw their names being submitted to the league as professionals(some of them renewed).

Bakar Mirtskhulava(18, Defender, Georgia) Ederson Santana de Moraes (17, Keeper Brasil), Vinícius Nascimento da Silva (18, defender, Brasil), Fábio Reis (18, Keeper, Portugal), Daniel Santos Martins (17, defender, Portugal), Luís Martins (18, defender, Portugal), Pedro Dias (17, midfielder, Portugal), Ruben Pinto (18, midfielder, Portugal), Francisco Júnior (18,midfielder, Guiné-Bissau), Pedro Almeida (17, defender, Portugal), Diego Lopes (16, midfielder, Brasil).

Let's hope this is a sign of things to come, where Benfica starts favoring the products of their formation over youngsters from other countries, whose worth can often times be doubtful and financially straining.

-END-

In Case You Lost Count

2010-08-31T22:20:00.003-04:00

I knew sooner or later someone was going to compile this list, well it is thanks to "Eterno Benfica" Blog, of which i am an assiduous reader, that we can now get a feeling for all the names that in some way or another served as fodder for media speculation and filled up many pages of newspapers, and internet portals

Here it is:

1 - Ronaldinho
2 - Victor
3 - Nenê
4 - Quaresma
5 - Gaitan - CONFIRMED
6 - Dentinho
7 - Eduardo
8 - Diego Buonanotte
9 - Rosales
10 - Romero
11 - Anderson Lessa
12 - Bernardo
13 - Marcos
14 - Wendel
15 - Tiago
16 - Sivok
17 - Diego Cavalieri
18 - Monzón
19 - Marco Amelia
20 - De Gea
21 - Job
22 - Anderson
23 - Tiago Targino
24 - Doni
25 - Zezinho
26 - Giovani dos Santos
27 - Drenthe
28 - Garay
29 - Van der Vaart
30 - Huntelaar
31 - Simão
32 - Codina
33 - Adan
34 - Giovanni Moreno
35 - Diego
36 - Akinfeev
37 - Leto
38 - Jan Oblak - CONFIRMED
39 - Marcos Alonso
40 - Diego Tardelli
41 - Roberto Jimenez - CONFIRMED
42 - Rodrigo - CONFIRMED
43 - Geromel
44 - Karvonen
45 - José Callejón
46 - Mc Gregor
47 - Alípio - CONFIRMED
48 - Sebastian Blanco
49 - James Rodriguez
50 - Pablo Sarabia
51 - Adriano
52 - Sosa
53 - Muriqui
54 - Jô
55 - Durval
56 - Mano
57 - Diego Ângelo
58 - Bordachov
59 - Elton
60 - Jermaine Beckford
61 - Desmarets
62 - Jara - CONFIRMED
63 - Tinga (Ponta Preta)
64 - Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik
65 - Dino Drpic
66 - Adilson
67 - Diego Estrada
68 - Nikica Jelavic
69 - Belhadj
70 - Dario Conca
71 - Ochoa
72 - Mamadou Diarra
73 - Ádám Szalai
74 - Amauri
75 - Felipe Melo
76 - Mohamed Sissoko
77 - Raul Fernández
78 - Obraniak
79 - Michalis Sifakis
80 - Carrizo
81 - Andrés Guardado
82 - Fábio Faria - CONFIRMED
83 - Gastón Ramírez
84 - Hugo Almeida
85 - Pedro
86 - Riera
87 - Adrián Colunga
88 - Damien Plessis
89 - Tiene Siaka
90 - Ben Arfa
91 - Elias
92 - Wesley
93 - Daniel Pacheco
94 - Hernanes
95 - Robinho
96 - Maylson
97 - Fernandinho
98 - Diogo
99 - Izmailov
100 - Sebastián Coates
101 - Salvio - CONFIRMED
102 - Carlinhos Paraíba
103 - Armand traoré
104 - Willians
105 - Nilson
106 - Bracalli
107 - Dida
108 - Stojkovic
109 - Hleb
110 - Kingson
111 - Hildebrand
112 - Rensing
113 - Dudek
114 - Yannick Djaló

114 Names of which 7 would eventually put the black on the white with Benfica. Now if my abacus serves me right that is a little over 6%.

I couldn't be happier that the transfer window is not closed. For better or for worst our current squad is the squad we will battle with. Time for the anxiety to be put aside, and time for those players who had hopes of a last minute move to get their head into this squad.

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Champions League Road Map Unveiled

2010-08-26T23:43:00.004-04:00

After a two year absence Benfica returns to Europe's elite competition, the Champions League. The drawing, held this past Thursday in Monaco, put France's Lyon, Germany's Shalke, and Israel' Hapoel in our way. Certainly not the hardest of groups, but a group with opponents that can't be taken lightly either.

The first match day takes place on September 14th, and Benfica will open up at Estadio da Luz, against Hapoel who is theoretically the weakest team of the group. Hapoel reached the group stages of the CL after having played 3 pre-qualifying matches. A key match in the group for Benfica, not only because it's important to get the precious 3 points, but because every team is expected to beat Hapoel at home. A result of less than a win would not be a good result.
In the mean time, Lyon will host Schalke, in a match that can go either way for these two teams.
The three points are not only crucial to start the competition right, they will also serve to either take the lead of the group(in case of a tie in the other game)
or to keep pace with the winner of that game.

On September 29th, Benfica will travel to Gelsenkirchen to face Schalke. Schalke got an automatic bid into the group stage after coming in second in last years Bundesliga.
Although seeded in pot 3, Schalke is as capable of winning this group as anyone else. With players like Neuer, Escudero, Metzelder, Farfan and the newly arrived Madrid legend Raul, Schalke is anything but an easy opponent.
The trip to Germany comes at a time where the competition is still in the early stages and a slip up, or even a tie, will not endanger any aspirations to the top two spots of the group.
Lyon will travel to Tel-Aviv, where Hapoel will certainly defend their home turf, tooth and nail.

October 20th will be the date for Matchday 3, and Benfica will have what will be the hardest fixture of the group stages against Lyon. With a very good possibility that both teams will have at least a win under their belt, this game can very well catapult the winner into the lead of the group. Lyon, who has had assiduous participations in the Champions League, qualified directly into the group stages, following their second place in last years Ligue 1.
With players like Cris, Cissokho, Kallstrom, Michel Bastos, newly acquired Gourcuff, and the well known Lisandro Lopes, Lyon has to be the line favorites to win this group, not only because of their pot 1 seed, but also because their above mentioned regular presences in this competition which edges out the rest of the teams in the group as far as experience goes.
Schalke hosts Hapoel with a chance to benefit from a possible stalemate between Lyon and Benfica.

On Match day 4, November 2nd, Benfica and Lyon will invert matchday 3's fixture, as Benfica will host Lyon at Estadio da Luz.
With the group stages entering the final stretch, this can be a game that can give Benfica momentum to finish strong, with the result in France as a backdrop, this match will either serve to re-establish parity, or determine who will take a clear advantage into the last 2 fixtures.
Schalke will travel to Israel hoping to put an end to Hapoel's dream, and at the same time gain an edge following the double fixture clash between Benfica and Lyon.

At the end of November(24th) it'll be Benfica's turn to travel to the middle east to face Hapoel. In a game that can prove to be decisive in Benfica's aspirations into the round of 16. Only a win will do at this point of the competition. A win here can very well seal a spot into next round, or put us in a position where our destiny is in our hands, especially when Lyon will travel to Germany.

The last fixture of the group stages will take place on December 7th, and Benfica will close out the group stages against Schalke. It's hard to imagine that the last fixture will be meaningless, one thing is for sure, if Benfica is still in the hunt, I much rather finish at home in front of our fans.
Coming into this game Schalke will have had to play 3 difficult fixtures domestically, against Bremen, Kaiserslautern and Bayern Munich respectively, another factor to keep in mind.

Ideally Benfica can very well advance into the round of 16, but because football is so unpredictable, this is nothing but an exercise in speculation. Still, with 2 wins against Hapoel, 1 win and 1 tie against Schalke, should be enough even if we get nothing but 1 tie from the Lyon double fixture.

There's definitely some excitement and anxiety to see what JJ and this team can do in Europe. Despite the slow start domestically, i think that we can very well have a good campaign in this years CL, a year that marks our 50th anniversary of our first Champions League trophy.

Wish List for Europe

2010-08-26T00:40:00.002-04:00

AC Milan
Tottenham
Hapoel

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We Miss You Di

2010-08-24T19:06:00.003-04:00

Sometimes

2010-08-22T23:48:00.004-04:00

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can start your climb to the top.
Sometimes you'd like to think every cent spent on a player is a cent well spent.
Sometimes bad things come for a greater good.
Sometimes all you've been looking for has been sitting on your bench all along.
Sometimes It's easy to find scapegoats, and ignore the problems that may go deeper.
Sometimes it's good to get a win on your third attempt.

-END-

Benfica - Academica - Game Preview

2010-08-14T09:34:00.003-04:00

Today Benfica initiates their title defense against Academica. Season kick off games haven't been good to Benfica in recently memory, as in the past 10 years, Benfica has only won their inaugural games twice - 02/03 and 04/05. In the last 4 years Benfica has started slow with all draws. Certainly today at Estadio da Luz JJ and the boys will try to invert past tendencies, and start off with a win. 50,000+ are expected today at the Estadio da Luz, expectations are high, following last season's stellar campaign, but there are still a few questions as to whether this team can repeat last years feat.

Academica comes into Lisbon, with a brand new coach in Jorge Costa, after losing Vilas Boas to porto, last season under the Morinho's clone guidance, they finished 11, 10 points above the relegation line. A team with a lot of tradition but without many means, Academica's first objective is first tier maintenance, Europe is a high plateau for the "Students", but this early in the season, the success of their will depend heavily on the players they added, and what Jorge Costa is able to do with this team.

As for Benfica, they will try to erase a bad image left in the Super Cup, and live up to their high offense reputation. Last year Benfica routed Academica 4-0 at Estadio da Luz, coincidently the same result the team opened up the the 38/39 season, also against Academica.

Here's the game roster for tomorrow's game versus Academica

Keepers: Roberto and Júlio César;

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Sidnei, David Luiz, Fábio Coentrão, Roderick, César Peixoto and Ruben Amorim;

Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Aimar, Airton, Carlos Martins and Felipe Menezes;

Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola, Jara, Weldon and Nuno Gomes.

Notable absences are the ones of Luisao, Kardec and Gaitan, who have been hurt, and did not recuperate in time to be available for this game.

19 players in all, so once will watch the game from the stands.

The big question lies again on what disposition JJ will go with. While the 4-3-3 looked to have potential in the last game of the pre-season, it was the 4-4-2 that was defeated by porto. With the roster still missing 1-2 key pieces, JJ's decision will depend on how he feels the team can defeat this Academica team.

Last year's Academica relied heavily on the counter, but with quick transitions and not long passes, I'm sure Costa will try to take advantage pf the abilities of their players. The 4-3-3 might not be the best disposition to play against a team who relies on the counter, but it'll remain to be seen what Academica presents itself. With that in mind here's what i think JJ will line up.

With Maxi having had a week to get himself up to speed, i think he will start and Amorim will jump into the midfield as a result. Sidnei will take Luisao's spot in the center of the defense as Luisao did not recuperate in time, and Coentrao should be back to the left back position.
I don't think JJ will once again go with the Peixoto/Coentrao combo, instead either Aimar or Martins will help out Coentrao on the left in his offensive maneuvers.
The absence of a true left midfielder causes an unbalance on this line up, but with Amorim back in the middle, it'll give Airton more freedom to drift to the left side to cover, as Amorim can very well slide in the center spot.
Up front, no surprises, Cardozo and Saviola will look to renew last year's partnership, that netted the Paraguayan the award for the league's top scorer.

Not an easy game for sure, as tradition shows, but with Braga and porto already with their first victory under their belt, Benfica will have to break the tradition, and stay on pace.

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A Not So Super Benfica

2010-08-07T19:09:00.006-04:00

First game of the season, and first lost trophy of the season. Not much can be said about this loss, no alarms need to be sounded, and yes even Roberto managed to stay off the radar.
Truth be told, we just didn't show up for this game. No need to find excuses, or say that the team is tired, and that we should have had a pk called in our favor, don't bother. When the team returns to the Caixa Campus they will know very well what they need to do, and JJ will make the proper corrections for the team to be ready for the start of the defense of our title this coming weekend.

# Photo AFP/Getty -

I have to say i wasn't surprised by JJ's decision to go with the 4-4-2, i can't even say i didn't understand his decision to go with Peixoto, but can follow his logic.

The 4-4-2 is a more concise formation,more solid, but only with the right personnel, this 4-4-2 missed Ramires terribly, while on the left both Coentrao and Peixoto can defend, the same doesn't apply for Martins, which explains why Varela, had a field day down our right side.
But let's start at the beginning, JJ lined up - Roberto in goal, Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto in the defense. Airton in front of the defense, Coentrao, Aimar and Martins. Up front the all too familiar duo of Cardozo and Saviola.

Before getting a real feel for either team's game plan and tactical set up the scoreboard was already working. 3 minutes in and Benfica conceded the first goal of the game. A slight touch by Martins from a corner at the first post was enough to throw Benfica's zone off, and leave a man unmarked inside that same zone. Point blank header, no chance for Roberto. Suffering a goal 3 minutes in, will change any team's game plan, suffering a goal this early is also enough to spur the team into some sort of a reaction, but that wasn't Benfica's case.
The team was almost unrecognizable, and could not get a handle on the game, sloppy passes and no significant ball posession let porto have the upper hand for most of the first half. It wasn't until the 20th minute that Benfica had their first chance on goal, on a shot by Martins, this first initiative would open up Benfica's best period of the game, and the team finished the half clearly with the game's reigns in their hand, but without a goal to show for. Poor passing in the final third, lack of involvement by Cardozo, and not enough ball circulation were all things i saw, things that i hadn't seen yet this season.

With Benfica finishing off the half a lot better than how they started the game, i expected JJ to make a few adjustments, inject a dose of confidence, and see the team mount a comeback, but it wasn't to be. The same eleven came out, and nothing new in their game, the team came out nervous and anxious, and without real solutions to turn the result around, or even to shutdown what porto had been so successful doing.
At the hour mark JJ made his first substitution, bringing in Jara for Aimar. While Jara showed the will to want to change things, it seemed that the same lack of accuracy and ball control by the team as a whole, prevented our front line from getting more of the ball. porto would get their second at the 67th minute, from a play that Benfica right side was unable to defend against all day, this time they capitalized.
At the 69th minute, JJ was forced to pull Luisao as the captain complained of an injury, Sidney took his place. Different faces but the apathy continued, missed passes, forced long through balls, and the inability to make anything happen. In his last substitution JJ took out Coentrao and put in Gaitan(77th) the move seemed illogical, and i'm still trying to understand why didn't Peixoto come out? Weird.
More weird was JJ's body language and silence on the sideline which can almost be interpreted as a sign of conformity, and of helplessness in this game.

porto celebrated like they had just won the league title, and they were the just winners. Curious speech from the Mourinho Clone claiming that this was a win of revolt, for the injustices the club was subject to last year. Glad to see he's already drinking the cool aid.

With the season just a week away, time to lock ourselves in the Caixa campus and get ready. I'm sure some serious reflection will be made about this game, and the proper adjustments made. It's urgent that we find a replacement for Ramires, and if it's not too much to ask, why not a left back/winger, while you're at it, i'm more inclined towards a left winger,as Coentrao should be our left back. Peixoto can serve as back up.

I read in a blog , and this might seem one for the conspiracy theorists out there, that JJ purposely lined up that team in that disposition so that Rui Costa could see that the team's deficiencies, particularly at the right mid, and left mid positions.
It's a ridiculous theory, but nevertheless a curious one.

1 week to prepare, i'm sure we will comeback and start in our familiar fashion, as last night we were unrecognizable.

Season Kick Off

2010-08-07T12:17:00.004-04:00

Benfica gets their official 10/11 season underway today with a Super Cup match against porto. After an arduous 7 weeks of pre-season, in which we saw the team surpass last pre-season's goal output, Benfica will try to give continuity to last season's successful campaign. With the exits of Quim, DiMaria, and Ramires, Benfica has lost three key players, but the additions of Jara, Gaitan, and Roberto, all of which have gone straight to the starting 11, and the evolution of Coentrao, combined with the emergence of Airton, i think we has Benfiquistas have reasons to be optimist about the upcoming season.

In the 10 games played during pre-season, Benfica amassed the record of 7 wins, 1 tie, and 2 losses, scored a staggering 29 goal, 8 more than last season, and suffered 14, 5 more than last season. While the increase in offensive output is a stat that can't go unnoticed, the increase in goals allowed can very well be explained as the lack of starters in our our back line. Luisao, Coentrao, and Maxi all joined the team later after their World Cup presences.

Off course the offensive mindedness of the team, and the routines shown by the team this early in the season, has all taken a back seat to the the story that certainly has been made to be more than it is by the media, Roberto's shaky start.
There's no sense in sugar coating it, Benfica paid 8 million and change for Roberto, some of his performances this early in the season have left most fans, apprehensive, but nonetheless supportive.

The way i look at it, there's really nothing to worry about, and it's nothing but a psychological barrier, that he will soon get over.
At 24, Roberto's talent is undeniable, a product of the Atletico Madrid cantera, Roberto was part of Spain's U19 and U20 national teams, came up through Atletico's reserve system as a youngster, went on a couple of developing loans as Atletico had names like Coupet, Leo Franco and Christian Abbiati in their rankings.

While going on loan for a player who does not have chances to play is a great thing, when the loan repeats season after season, it affects the players psyche. Certainly the feeling of stability has to be the most affected, as you never know what your future holds, combine that with the fact that season after season you have to start over, as your change of clubs practically wipes your slate clean, and you have a player that is perhaps in a situation where confidence and uncertainty is not abundant.

Certainly his season at Zaragoza last year caught the eye of Benfica, who was willing to make Roberto one of the top 5 most expensive goalies of all time in the world.
Now, imagine if you will, you go from being 4th choice, and being a loan candidate season after season, to being the most expensive keeper Benfica as ever bought, just imagine the pressure and the expectations Roberto is being set up to live to?
To me those have been the biggest obstacles for Roberto, expectations and the fear of failing. It's all mental, and something that JJ and his assistants have been working on, it'll only be a matter of time before everyone forgets about Roberto's pre-season. No position is more under the microscope than the one of a goalie, and Roberto needs to be able to clear his head and do what he knows how to do best tend goal.

Now about today's game...

JJ has called everyone but Kardec, who picked up a muscular injury in friday's session.
In regards to the line up, i believe Benfica should line up something like the below, with one doubt, Gaitan or Jara?
Gaitan has been injured, and unable to play these last few games, but JJ claims he is ready to go, and that he is familiar with the inner workings of the team, hence making him a viable option.
Also, if Gaitan starts will Benfica revert to the familiar 4-4-2, or will they use the new 4-3-3 variant. That is the biggest question in regards to the team that will line up against porto tonight.
As for the game itself, there is no question Benfica comes into this game with the edge over porto, not only because of the pre-season, both have made, but because porto is starting a new cycle, with a new coach and new playing philosophies. They have also lost their defensive anchor and captain in Alves, and their defense has shown vulnerability, during pre-season.

There's no reason why we shouldn't be confident going into this game, the team itself looks very confident, and they have passed that message to us the fans. The pressure is definitely on porto's side, there are tons of questions in regards to their team this year. The mobster from up north overlooked the proven, man of the house, Domingos to take over his team, opting instead for a man who is often referred to as a Mourinho clone.Their pre-season hasn't been all that stellar, and there is a certain lever of suspicion as to whether or not this team is at a level where they can challenge Benfica this year. A loss for Benfica will not have as great of an impact as a loss for them, which will create even more doubts as to their competence.
Carrega Benfica!!!

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RIP Antonio Feio

2010-07-29T23:55:00.002-04:00

Thank you for the laughs, I will miss your humor and your Benfiquismo.
Keep them laughing

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Jara and Gaitan Unveiled

2010-06-24T00:23:00.003-04:00

After Fabio Faria joining the team for the two games Benfica played in North America, it was now the time to unveil the Second and Third signings of the new season, Franco Jara and Nicolas Gaitan respectively.

At 21 Jara arrives at Benfica from Arsenal de Sarandi, and is an acquisition for the front line. He is a player with similar characteristics to Saviola, and will be his natural back up. In 12 games of the 09 Apertura Jara scored 4 goals and assisted 3. He also collected his first senior cap during Argentina's preparation for the WC, as he was part of the large pool of players Maradona looked at.

Nicolas Gaitan was purchased from Boca and is an offensive midfielder than can play both out on the wing and as a supporter to the center forward. In the 10 games he played in the 09 Apertura, 6 of them were as a starter, as he collected 4 goals and 1 assist during that time. Gaitan comes into Benfica as a possible solution to DiMaria's exit, but not limited to that, quick lefty who plays from the final third up.

Wish them both luck

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Return to Sender

2010-06-22T22:34:00.004-04:00

According to Aris Salonika's press secretary Freddy Adu will not be a part of Cuper's next season's team. Adu who had a loan deal until the end of next season, failed to impress Hector Cuper, despite some more regular playing time at the end of the season.

According to information that was given to me, the USMNT scouts traveled to Greece to observe both Adu and Eddie Johnson, but were unimpressed by Adu's progress, as opposed to Johnson's who earned a call up to the WC. Cuper has expressed Adu's lack of intensity in training and tactical understanding as one of Adu's downfalls.
Adu who made a name for himself at youth levels because of his raw talent, has now hit a major roadblock as he failed to step up to the next level in his maturity as a professional.

So what's next?

He could come back to Portugal and go on another loan deal(where he has failed before), or he can very well go back to his roots in the MLS, where he will most likely be used as an "attraction" for a league who needs to take advantage of the WC fever to bring more fans to the stadiums.

Nonetheless this will prove to be another headache for Rui Costa who will have to deal with another issue

Fifa.com World Cup Fantasy

2010-06-10T00:15:00.002-04:00

With the World Cup Fast approaching i decided to form a fantasy league at fifa.com
All are welcome, experience and unexperienced players can join the league.
Code to join is 290903-103815

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Amorim en route to South Africa

2010-06-08T22:38:00.004-04:00

As a result of Nani's clavicle injury, Ruben Amorim has been called by Queiroz to sub the Man U winger. Shame for Nani that he couldn't be part of this team, unlucky for him.
Amorim might not be a true replacement for Nani, but his versatility, and his way to play the game are naturally an asset to this team.
Amorim will join the team on Wednesday, where he will start a specific program to be at the same level as the the rest of the team.

As for Nani, apparently the injury happened in Portugal before the team left to S.A., in an apparent bad fall following an acrobatic kick. National team physios and Queiroz made the decision to bring Nani, but decided that the winger could not give his contribute. '

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Staying True to Our Colors

2010-05-16T17:26:00.003-04:00

There is currently a movement to remove the ugly blue color from "tmn" logo from Benfica's jersey's. Although i have nothing against TMN and know that the sponsorship in front of the jersey is one of the biggest endorsements for Benfica, there's nothing wrong with having TMN change the logo to fit our color scheme.
I'm a supporter of this movement. There's already a Facebook Group for this cause.
Here's a video that illustrates the cause

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Benfica TV coming to North America

2010-05-16T10:11:00.004-04:00

According to reports out of Portugal, Luis Felipe Vieira will be signing an agreement with Satellite provider Dish Network, that will make Benfica TV available to Dish Network subscribers.
The agreement is supposed to take place on the 20th of this month, when Benfica is in American soil.

Benfica TV is a 24/7 running channel with all kinds of programming about Benfica and aimed at the Benfiquista. News reports, documentaries, round tables, commentary shows, as well as game broadcasts and other Benfica sports are all part of the weekly programming.
As of this very moment Benfica does not have the rights to their league games, as their current contract ends in 2012, but it is very possible that Benfica TV will have exclusivity of Benfica games when the contract expires. Nonetheless the channel currently broadcasts the league games in a tape delay format. Benfica's european match rights, as well as friendly matches are all owned by Benfica, and broadcast live by the clubs' channel.

Here'a link to a sample of their weekly line up.
Programming Guide for Next Week

North American Tour Roster Announced

2010-05-15T10:13:00.006-04:00

Benfica will travel to the North American continent for a couple of exhibition games this very month. On the 20th of May, Benfica will face the New England Revolution in Foxboro MA, and will then cross the border into Toronto, where they will play Panathinaikos 3 days later.

Here is the roster that will be making the trip across the Atlantic:

(Edit - it seems like the original information about what players would be travelling was incorrect here is the list now )

Keepers: Moreira and Júlio César;

Defenders: Luís Filipe, David Luiz, Sidnei, Fábio Faria and César Peixoto;

Midfielders: Airton, Javi Garcia, Felipe Menezes, David Simão, Leandro Pimenta, Ruben Amorim and Pablo Aimar;

Forwards: Nuno Gomes, Kardec, Éder Luís, Weldon e Saviola.

The biggest surprise of this list is the inclusion of new boy Fabio Faria, along with 2 players who are part of Benfica but were not part of the main roster(David Simao(on loan to Fatima and Leandro Pimenta who was on loan at Beira-Mar)

Surely an opportunity to see our Champions up close.

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Jorge Jesus until 2013

2010-05-13T19:22:00.002-04:00

Benfica has officially announced an extension of JJs contract until 2013.
JJ who became only the 3rd Portuguese coach to lead Benfica to a national championship, originally signed a contract of 2 seasons with an option for a third year, now sees Benfica not only better his contract but also deposit plenty of confidence in his abilities.

-END-

2010/2011 Jersey Unveiled

2010-05-11T23:33:00.007-04:00

With the champagne still popping, LFV unveiled next years jersey. The jersey itself is an homage to the team who won Benfica's first European Cup, what is known today as the Champions League.
50 years later, Benfica in conjunction with Adidas decided to pay tribute to perhaps one of the best European teams of that decade.
The design is still modern, but there are details which clearly invoke the jersey made immortal by Eusebio and company.
The emblem is now backed by a white background with 1 star on top of the emblem. The star obviously represents the title, the emblem with the white background intends to emulate the old jerseys, in which the emblem itself was sown on a patch, which in turn was sown on the shirt itself.

The collar and the sleeve trim are also reminiscent of the 1960 jersey, but the biggest retro detail has to be the emblem. I like the touch, but personally i think it has an odd shape compared to the 50 year old jersey. I'm also having a hard time digesting the disappearance of the 3 stars, which i had grown accustomed to, and is always an indicator of our superiority to our adversaries.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to use this version for the Champions league and change up the emblem for domestic competition.

The other bone i have to pick is the continuation of the blue "TMN" logo, is there no one in the club's upper echelon that can tell the sponsor the logo needs to be changed to accommodate the teams colors?
It doesn't seem all that far fetched, after all, there are teams throughout Europe who have remained true to their colors and have "forced" their main sponsor to conform to the uniform color scheme.

The other thing that's bugging me is the emblem detail, where have the colors gone? WTF? It seems all too rushed out, but how can this detail be missed? I understand that 50 represents gold, and perhaps the gold and red are to represent that, but i still feel that changing it up goes against everything that is sacred to us, our emblem.

Perhaps, some changes will still be made, nonetheless, there's already a place reserved for this beauty in my collection .

Here's the original

Before You Go

2010-05-11T22:47:00.002-04:00

Before the team set foot on the pitch to start the game this past Sunday this is what they watched.

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Champions 09/10

2010-05-09T19:15:00.002-04:00

We are with You

2010-05-09T11:30:00.006-04:00

Type your summary hereType rest of the post here

WC hopes for 6 Benfica players

2010-05-05T19:09:00.003-04:00

6 Benfica players are part of the 50 name list of players being considered for the final 23 that will travel to South Africa for this decade's first World Cup.

Carlos Martins, César Peixoto, Fábio Coentrão, Nuno Gomes, Quim and Ruben Amorim were the players selected by Carlos Queiroz who will need to "lose" 27 before the official roster announcement on May 10th.

Out of the 6, I think 4 have quality enough to make the squad, but taking into consideration Queiroz's philosophy and tendencies, it's very likely that only 2 will make the roster.

Carlos Martins is definitely part of the 4 that have enough quality, but i think in his natural position(Offensive Midfielder/offensive transition pivot) there are many players that Queiroz calls with frequency. Not to mention Portugal is loaded with transition midfielders(Tiago, Moutinho, Mendes,Meireles) In my opinion he is definitely on the outside, which is a shame.

Cesar Peixoto presents himself as a natural left back, but his lack of play this year will most likely see him stay in Portugal.

Fabio Coentrao is most likely going to be one of the 2 left backs chosen by Queiroz, not only has he had a good season, he has also developed and matured into the positio. His competitive rhythm and the minutes logged in as Benfica's #1 left back, will surely earn him a spot in the 23.

Nuno Gomes, could surely provide experience up front, but his scarce minutes this season and his age are working against him.

Quim is without a doubt one to the top Portuguese keeper of the moment. He got the starting job following the fall from grace of Ricardo, but he too was a victim of bad performances, and following Brasil's beating of Portugal, he stopped being an option. He has had a a good season, and he will in my opinion be in the chosen 23, whether he will start or not, that's a different story altogether.

Amorim has been without a doubt, Benfica's utility man this season. He has played right back, right half, center mid, defensive mid, and all with the consistency he has accustomed us to. Much like Martins, he is on the fence, and it will all depends if Queiroz feels Amorim has a role in the 23. Forget about whether he deserves to be there or not, it will entirely be up to Queiroz to see if there is a role for Amorim in this National team. If you ask me, he surely deserves to be there, but you have the same situation that you have with Martins, too many regulars blocking him.

Whatever the list is of the 23, don't count on too many Benfica players being on there. It might not be entirely fair, but expected.

here's the full list
Atlético Madrid: Simão Sabrosa e Tiago

Benfica: Carlos Martins, César Peixoto, Fábio Coentrão, Nuno Gomes, Quim e Ruben Amorim

Chelsea: Deco, Hilário, Paulo Ferreira e Ricardo Carvalho

Inter: Ricardo Quaresma

Colónia: Maniche e Petit

FC Porto: Beto, Bruno Alves, Miguel Lopes, Raul Meireles e Rolando

FC Zenit: Danny e Fernando Meira

Iraklis FC: Daniel Fernandes

Kayserispor: Makukula

Lille: Ricardo Costa

Málaga: Duda

Manchester United: Nani

PAOK FC: Edinho e Vieirinha

RC Deportivo: Zé Castro

Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo e Pepe

Valladolid: Pelé e Sereno

Saragoça: Eliseu

Sp. Braga: Eduardo e Hugo Viana

Sporting: Daniel Carriço, João Moutinho, João Pereira, Liedson, Miguel Veloso, Pedro Mendes, Rui Patrício, Tonel e Yannick

Toulouse: Paulo Machado

Valencia CF: Miguel

V. Guimarães: Nuno Assis

Werder Bremen: Hugo Almeida

Nicolas Gaitan Official

2010-05-03T23:23:00.004-04:00

It's official, Nicolas Gaitan is Benfica's 3rd signing of the 10/11 season. With the customary physical exams pending, Benfica and Boca Juniors agreed to the sum of 8.4 million euros, for the players pass, who signed a contract valid for the next 5 seasons.

Nicolas Gaitan is Benfica's 3rd most expensive acquisition in the clubs history, falling behind Simao at 13M, and Cardozo at 11.6M.

The little i know from Gaitan i have seen on Youtube

I found one write up that i believe describes the player accurately

Via - Talented Football

Name: Nicolas Gaitan
Team: Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Birth date: 23.02.1988
Nationality: Argentina
EU Passport: No
End of Contract: 06.2011
Estimated Yearly Wage: 180.000 €
Estimated Market Value: 3.000.000 €

Position: Winger - Usually plays as a free front man, coming wide, both at left or right. His natural position is as winger, either side and would adapt more easily to a 4-3-3 system because it’s defensively less demanding. With his age and potential he can easily become a useful player in other systems too.

Potential (0-10): 8 - His talent is very easy to spot. If he can learn more about the tactical side of the game, both in decision making and positional play, he can easily get to a very high level.

Physical description: 173 cm, very easy to say his best physical attribute is the speed. Can accelerate very quickly and has good agility and balance. He’s not a physically strong player but is also not too fragile in physical challenges.

Technical description: His left foot is his weapon. Very good technically, both in first touch, passing, crossing and shooting. His main attribute, though, is the dribbling. Very fast receiving, turning and getting away from defenders, being very difficult to stop when running with the ball.

Tactical description: His talent makes it very easy to find offensive movements where he can be strong. In transition and more space, it becomes more obvious, but also with more organized defences he can be a weapon, with fast 1-2 combinations. The problem with Gaitan is that this is the only thing that has been asked from him. He needs to start playing in a more demanding tactical environment, where he can learn to make better decisions and to position himself in the defensive moments of the game. This is what separates Gaitan from a promising player from a top class one.

Souvenirs from the Wild Wild West

2010-05-03T22:55:00.001-04:00

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Postponed

2010-05-02T22:40:00.003-04:00

So we'll have to wait another week, no biggie. In porto the local team celebrated their win over Benfica as their 09/10 championship, too bad the realization of not being in the Champions League next year as yet to set it.
For a team of porto's "caliber", who is part of UEFA's elite, to be celebrating their third place in such manner really shows how little this club is.

Not too far away in Braga, someone came back to the visitors locker room after the game to find one of them cases from "let's make a deal", complete with big breasted model attached.
I mean, what keeper let's go of a floating cross and falls back?

In Lisbon, the 16 thousand and change that had the need to go to find a bathroom with a view at the same time, applauded porto's goals, yet their team closed out their home season with yet another loss. Perhaps the applauses were for the fact that porto prevented Benfica from adding a few more points to the already massive 28 point gap, between them and Benfica. Cheers to the less important team from Lisbon, they have plenty to be proud of this year.

The world seems upside down, porto celebrating the clinching of 3rd place, Braga receiving favors, and Sporting fans applauding in their stadium this season.

I can't help but to mention the acts of savagery that took place the whole week and culminated with the final whistle from tonight's game.
From Benfica houses being vandalized in northern Portugal, to Benfica's team bus being hit on two separate occasions, once at the entry of the city of Porto on Saturday, and then again before entering the garage of the stadium this afternoon.
Add that to the many golf balls, lighters and several other objects hurled at our team during the game, and it's easy to see how Benfica bothers as many people as it moves.
"Jealousy will get you nowhere" is a phrase me and a couple buddies often use as a joke, but it couldn't be truer here.

I just hope that porto hasn't forgotten that they will need to come to Lisbon to play the Portuguese Cup, and although i think violence has no place in sport, i will not be surprised by a similar retaliation.

The funny thing is that no official from porto came forward this past week to calm their fan base, instead it was the leader of the super dragays who came out and pretty much washed his hands of any acts of violence that might happen.

As for the game itself, I have to wonder how in the world is Olegario Benquerenca going to the World Cup, did FIFA run out of referees to call? Was there no one available from Burkina Faso? Oh wait, i got it, if your National team is ranked in FIFA's top 3, you automatically have a referee in the competition.

I understand him wanting to want to take control of the game, but the double yellow to DiMaria and fucile borders on the ridiculous. By the same criteria, fucile should have seen his second on a much more serious foul on DiMaria, just a few minutes later. Olegario would later make up for the mistake and give fucile his dues.
How do you not call that penalty on Maxi? Not to mention fulfilling his pre-ordered quota on getting 3 of the six Benfica players (that were in risk for next week) yellow cards. DiMaria(5') is laughable, Coentrao(12') is equally laughable, and Javi Garcia(41') is ridiculous.

I'm not one to excuse defeats with refereeing, but this referee is nowhere near the level needed to officiate a game of this importance, mind you he is the best we got, which says a lot about our Sunday league.

As for the game itself, and putting aside all of the referee's influence, i think porto was a just winner. Benfica lacked a little bit more of poised following their tying goal. The first 15 minutes of the second half, especially after tying the game, is perhaps the most important period of the game, and in that aspect Benfica came up short.

In our stadium, in front of our fans, is where we will celebrate, but until then we will have to remain vigilant, as there are many at work to prevent Benfica from hoisting their 32nd.

Classico Heats Up

2010-05-01T14:31:00.005-04:00

Benfica made their trip up north in their official team bus and are already in a hotel in downtown Porto. The trip itself was calm, with a couple of unmarked police cars escorting the team bus, and with the bus taking the necessary measures to avoid potential dangerous situations in the highway that connects Lisbon to Porto.
However, at the entry of the city of Porto a small group of men "welcomed" Benfica with rocks and with bags filled with blue paint.

Reports this week of a large purchase of golf balls by the super dragays, and their leader coming out claiming that they are revolted against some of the sanctions their club was given this year, and that he could not guarantee there wouldn't be consequences, are making this Sundays game a very high risk game.

porto does not want Benfica celebrating in their home turf, and are going to do what they can to avoid it from happening. The truth is that on both official meetings this year Benfica was superior to porto.
For starters, Benfica starts the game as champions being that they will only need a tie to be champions, secondly, porto has to play to win, and every time they have done that this year they have been dominated and shutdown.

Surely the atmosphere around and in the stadium will be one of "high voltage", between the fans, but how will it translate on the field?
Expect a hard fought game on the field, maybe too hard fought. Benfica has 6 players in risk of sitting out the last game of the season, in the event they pick up a yellow card in this match. Aimar, Di María, Saviola, Fábio Coentrão,Javi García and Ruben Amorim all run the risk of finishing their season Sunday night. I'm predicting that neither team will finish the game with 11.

Bottom line is that Benfica will have to leave their skin on the field to be champions, because they will not be given a free pass. Let's hope that there are no incidents that will mark this season in a negative way. My wishes to the 2550 Benfica fans that acquired their tickets through the club and will be in attendance, are that they make a safe return to their homes unharmed

CARREGA BENFICA

"People Get Ready"

2010-05-01T11:19:00.002-04:00

The "Reserved" Theme has taken over the country.

Click on the link to see pictures and videos of several places throughout Portugal where fans have reserved a spot for the celebration

Reservations

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Rumours Have It

2010-05-01T02:47:00.003-04:00

According to some reports coming out of Portugal, Benfica's next signing may be Boca Junior's sensation Nicolás Gaitán. Word is of an agreement reached for the players pass by both clubs for the amount of 9 million. No official word has come from either club. Benfica may very well make that announcement after this weekends game..

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"Guaranteed"

2010-04-25T17:16:00.005-04:00

While the national title was postponed for another week, the Futsal team got their first UEFA Futsal title tonight in Lisbon.

CONGRATULATIONS!

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"RESERVED" Part II

2010-04-23T23:02:00.002-04:00

Here's another video of another "Reserved " banner being put up. This time it was put up in the well known Boavista rotunda in the city of Porto, which is also known as the meeting place for celebrations by the Benfica fans that live in the northern city of Porto.

This banner has the particular detail of the "v" (in "Reserved")being substituted by a "b". The reason is that in northern Portugal the "v" is traditionally pronounced "b", hence the change in the banner, which not only adds a very unique touch, but it also serves as a bit of comedy.

Enjoy

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"RESERVED"

2010-04-19T22:03:00.003-04:00

Certainly the video of the moment.
Just a little background, the statue that you see in this video is of "Marques do Pombal", an influential statesmen of the 18th century. The square where the statue stands, has been for years the chosen locale for Benfiquista celebrations(outside of Estadio da Luz off course). It is here that crowds gather following the achievement of important titles.

What you see in this video, it's pretty self explanatory, 3 games away from the end of the season, it's time to be proactive and reserve the space.
Coincidentally in the same area, there is also the Tunnel of the Marques, which will surely serve as another celebration point since we have been labeled the Champions of the tunnels by our adversaries whose excuses for their shortcomings border on the ridiculous.

Enjoy

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And the Magic Number Is.........

2010-04-18T23:17:00.002-04:00

1 win, 1 tie, in the next three games, two of which are home, will be sufficient to bring in our 32nd national title.

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Karma is a Bitch Mossoro

2010-03-29T00:52:00.005-04:00

This animal still has the courage to say that Benfica players make themselves the victims.
Yet, his visible cowardly attack on Cardozo during the first round speaks words of his character.

Karma is a bitch......You reap what you sow, have a nice off season.

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Words for What?

2010-03-21T19:57:00.002-04:00

Via slbenfica.pt

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Game Roster for Nacional

2010-01-02T11:47:00.002-05:00

JJ has called on the following players for the initial game of the League Cup against Nacional.

Keepers: Quim and Moreira;

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luís Filipe, Luisão, Roderick, David Luiz, Miguel Vítor, César Peixoto and Shaffer;

Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Felipe Menezes, Urreta and Fábio Coentrão;

Forwards: Nuno Gomes, Saviola, Cardozo and Weldon.

Notable absences are those of Aimar and Ramires, who have been battling minor injuries. DiMaria will serve the last game of his two game suspension.

The registering period with the league will only start this monday, for those of you wondering about the new acquisitions.

JJ will surely promote some changes and some rotativity to the squad, starting with Moreira in goal. Shaffer may very well get another start at left back, as well as Urreta who will most likely show up on one of the flanks opposite of Coentrao. I don't anticipate any other changes.

-END-

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Pooping My Pants

2010-01-02T11:38:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T22:41:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T16:53:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to all the readers of talking to the doll.

Benfica 1 - porto 0 - Just Winners

2009-12-20T17:28:00.004-05:00

If in my review of the Olhanense game, i had expressed some resignation in regards to the sense of fear that was being created ahead of this game by some of the fans, the team turned out to(once again) prove that there is nothing fake or misleading about this team.

Those who doubted, and feared the worst for this team, who was going into this game orphan of some key players, must be rejoicing this win. Rest assure, as i have written here before, this team is for real. We should fear no one, especially in our stadium. This tight group held together by their belief in success, enchanted by JJ's ideals and visions, and carried by its fan base to imaginable levels of conviction, know fully well what is within their grasp and what they can achieve.

# Photo Getty

Lot's of tension and speculation preceded the game, with DiMaria and Coentrao being suspended, Amorim and Sidnei hurt, Aimar and Ramires doubtful, the 11 that JJ was going to field was anyone's guess, but once again, the depth of our squad this year allowed JJ to put together a more than competitive team.

Quim in goal. Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz, and Peixoto as the usual back 4. Garcia, Martins, Ramires, and the debutant Urreta made up the midfield quartet. Saviola and Cardozo, rounded out JJ's chosen 11.

I have never doubted the worth of Urreta, i think he is a young player with a huge amount of talent, it's too bad he hasn't gotten any playing time this season. Part of it because both DiMaria and Coentrao are well ahead of him, part because his participation int he U20 World Cup put him at a disadvantage, when it came time to compete against the aforementioned two. But given the chance, I think he can respond well. JJ's choice to put him on at left mid, didn't entirely surprise me, but i have to admit he wasn't the first option in my mind, much because of his lack of competitive rhythm, nonetheless, JJ took the calculated gamble.

Martin's inclusion can't be considered a surprise either, despite coming off a considerable lay off due to injury, he had already played against AEK on thursday.
Martins is a player that knows very well the ins and out of a game like this. JJ knew he couldn't count on him for the full 90, but his experience and knowledge of this type games was definitely a plus over the other choice - Felipe Menezes.

Ramires recuperated in time to start, Aimar didn't, and didn't even make it to the bench.

On to the game....

The game started under steady rain, which had started falling an hour before the game. The field had seen better days, especially in the central corridor, and it all indicated to a hard fought game, with the field being a huge factor to each teams playing style.
Porto started better, but quickly ran into an organized Benfica, with high pressure lines and numbers around the ball carrier. With porto's midfield having very little time to organize, Benfica's defense and second ball gatherers, quickly tilted the game in their favor and pretty much took over the game.
Benfica's midfield was able to come out on transition, and despite the rapidly deteriorating pitch, Benfica was able to find progression by the means of their usual combination, between the front line and the transitioning midfielders.
Without Aimar, it was Ramires and Martins who alternated assuming the build up, while Urreta in a classic winger position, often took the ball deep into the final third.
porto on the other hand, looked like a team lost, and without solutions to organize, or put any type of consequent play together. Benfica's defense stopped play at midfield, and Benfica spent more time in porto's half. The control and the ease of build up eventually ended up opening up the final third for Benfica, and Benfica was able to start reaching the porto area with danger. It was on one of those incursions that Benfica benefited from their clearest chance. Martins chipped the ball over the defense, Urreta on a diagonal run back heeled into the limit of the keepers box, the porto men were able to control the trajectory of the ball, but Cardozo showed up to hit it, his shot found a porto defender, and porto cleared Benfica's clearest chance up until that point.
What followed was a play that caught the porto defense ball watching, David Luiz was able to win a 50/50 ball following the porto clearance, his interception ended up going deep into the porto defense, where Saviola appeared surprising everyone and did not miss, putting Benfica ahead.
22 minutes in, and Benfica saw themselves up 1-0. The way the game was going justified the goal, and Benfica deserved it. Up until that point it had been all Benfica, and porto limited themselves to defend, and trying to figure ways to come out of their half.
But it wasn't just up until that point that Benfica dominated, the domination continued until the end of the half. The possession percentage at the half 59/41 favoring Benfica, and porto had yet to make Quim make a real save.

For the second half, it was expected that porto would come out more attacking, and they did, but Benfica always seemed in control, and despite not having the initiative the first 15 or so minutes, of the second half, the team never looked in trouble from the porto offensive.
Despite 1 long range shot from Pereira, to which Quim responded well(his first real save) and a deflected shot that sent Quim one way and the ball close to the post, porto didn't do much else. JJ made his first substitutions at the 67th minute when he pulled both Martins and Urreta, who were both exhausted, Weldon and Luis Felipe took their places.
Following the initial pressure from porto, Benfica subdued porto's attack, and was once again in control of the game despite not really having clear chances. Benfica played a smart defensive game in the second half, and little by little took some of the air of porto's balloon, and headed into the final 15 minutes in full control of the game. JJ put in Menezes for the massacred Ramires, who once again had to come out, victim of a hard tackle. Ramires was clearly the most fouled player in this game. the final whistle came and Benfica came away with the deserved 3 points, Deserved for what they did in the first half, and for the smart, non allowing game they had in the second.

An obvious penalty was missed by the referee from a handball in the box by Rodriguez, but the non-call fortunately ended up not influencing the result.

With the win, Benfica once again joins Braga on top of the leader board while opening up a 4 point gap to porto, who will continue in third.

I can't say enough about the team and their attitude, the same goes to JJ and the tactics he put in place for this game. He hit the nail on the head with his game plan.

The result ends up being a logical one, as Benfica has shown all season that they have been the better team. Despite being short a couple key figures, the subs showed themselves up to the challenge, and the team showed once again that it's more than just the starting 11. It's that kind of depth that will make us a strong contender for the title.
There's still a lot of games to be played, but this result, and being atop of the standings at this point in time is a step in the right direction.

A much deserved rest awaits the team, let's hope that we can get the squad again at 100% as January will prove vital towards title aspirations.

Benfica - porto - Live Commentary

2009-12-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

Benfica - porto

Game Roster for porto

2009-12-19T16:05:00.003-05:00

Here's the game roster for tomorrow's game.

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César;

Defenders: Luís Filipe, Maxi Pereira, Luisão, David Luiz, Miguel Vítor, Roderick Miranda, César Peixoto and Shaffer;

Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Ramires, Carlos Martins, Urreta, Felipe Menezes and Aimar;

Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola, Nuno Gomes and Weldon.

20 in all, 2 will watch the game from the stands. Aimar and Ramires both made the list but their condition is unknown, hence the 20 men list.

Check back tomorrow when i will be doing a live commentary starting 1 hour before game time.

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Yeah We Know

2009-12-19T08:51:00.006-05:00

After the AEK game DiMaria gave a brief interview to Argentinean radio "La Red" in which he stated that despite being very happy with the group, he has desires to move to another league. While in the past i have criticized DiMaria for statements such as these, i can no longer criticize him for it.
It's clear that DiMaria is at another level, and while there's nothing wrong for Benfica to have players of Dimaria's level(and we have a few) the reality of these days is that the Portuguese league isn't exactly known as one of the most competitive ones. It's understandable for a young player, with tons of potential, to want to get to the highest level possible, and that level is not the Portuguese league.
Then there's the financial aspect of it, while Benfica might be on the way to a healthy financial recuperation, the wages that other clubs offer throughout Europe, are out of range for Benfica's current situation.

So, there's nothing wrong for DiMaria to have these types of statements, but what bothers me, is the fact that ever since the chatter started about him making the jump, the Argentinean has shown a clear break in performance quality, something that in my opinion is the result of a lack of focus. The couple bad outings DiMaria had up until the Olhanense game, which culminated with him picking up a straight red on a foolish play, was the last straw for the fan base, and he didn't escape the usual jeers during the warm up for the AEK game.

Don't get me wrong, i think DiMaria is a tremendous talent, it took me a whole 2 minutes to realize that after seeing him play for the first time, but there's still a level of immaturity to his game(normal for his age).
The fact that he practically carried the team during the AEK game is evident of his superstar talent, and despite being directly involved in both goals, he was also the player whose ball loss originated the AEK goal. There's a DiMaria we all love, and there's a DiMaria which sends everyone over the edge. I have no illusions that Benfica will negotiate DiMaria at the end of the season, but in the meantime, he needs to re-focus on the team, and give his all to help the team. His time and deal will come, and his jump will happen, but right now Benfica should be the only thing he should worry about.

The fact that he will be out tomorrow's important game, and the reason why, will not be forgotten by fans, and although he somewhat reconciled with the fans on Thursday, he will need to show a lot more, and do a lot more to help the team, from here on out, if he is to be remembered by the Benfica faithful when he departs at the end of this season.

Best of the Decade

2009-12-18T23:04:00.002-05:00

Pablo Aimar was voted the best Argentinean player of the decade, by the visitors of the site www.ambito.com
Aimar beat out Batistuta, Riquelme and Messi among others.

-END-

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Benfica 2 - AEK 1 - Closing Out the Group

2009-12-18T00:53:00.005-05:00

Benfica beat AEK 2-1 in the final game of the Europa league group stages. A second line Benfica team, composed mainly of less used players, and 2 players unavailable for this weekends' game, was enough to stamp out the victory, much because of an inspired night by DiMaria.

Julio Cesar, Luis Felipe, Miguel Vitor, Roderick, Shaffer. Martins, Menezes, DiMaria and Coentrao in the midfield. Weldon and Nuno Gomes up front. Were the selected 11 by JJ for this game.

DiMaria got both goals, the second one from a rabona, and Menezes had the upright return his penalty shot. Not much else to talk about, in a game where the quality of the game was evident for the line Benfica fielded. Peixoto, Garcia and Cardozo got minutes in the second half.

First Half
Second Half

Game Highlights after the jump.

Photo AP

Durval

2009-12-18T00:43:00.002-05:00

Seen in the VIP area last night at Estadio Da Luz, the Brazilian central defender maybe headed to a January signing. Currently without a contract, Durval is a player who has been under JJ's watchful eye since he was the coach at Belenenses.
With Miguel Vitor most likely headed to Portsmouth when the market opens, Durval can be his substitute.

In the meantime, no word on Kardec's formal introduction, although the media is stating that he has already finished his required physical.

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Alan Kardec

2009-12-14T19:16:00.003-05:00

No Confirmation from Benfica yet, but according to the media and Vasco da Gama directive the deal is done.

Comments after Benfica's confirmation

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Olhanense 2 - Benfica 2 - Lackluster

2009-12-14T17:17:00.003-05:00

I'll have to be honest, and say that i didn't have a very good feeling about this game. For one playing against a last place team, always brings a certain level of over confidence, and under estimation. Despite JJ having said that games are planned based on everything else but the other team's position on the table, i think there was definitely a lack of concentration going into this game. There were plenty other factors and story lines around this game(i'll get to those in a bit),and that, i think ended up conditioning the team. As for the game, we didn't ultimately deserve the 3 points, but i believe we did enough to come out with the tie.

All week there was talk about David Luiz and him being on the verge of suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards, which would ultimately have him out for the Porto clash. In my opinion, the decision by JJ to include David Luiz in the starting 11 is a "no brainer". He is our starter and needs to start every game JJ deems necessary. The exclusion of Luiz from the starting team not only raises questions about the confidence JJ has on the solutions on the bench, namely Vitor and Sidnei, but it also ends up giving porto much more respect than they deserve. This last one i really can't wrap my head around, as with all the talk during the week, it almost seems there is a "boogie man complex" when it comes to Porto.
There was certainly a lot of importance given to this coming week's game that shouldn't have perhaps been there, but then again, that attention sells papers.

In regards to Olhanense, or porto B(as they are also known as), it was easy to see they would be playing Benfica with plenty of direction from the boss up North, after all, porto has a total of 5 players in Olhanense's roster, and a coach who was a porto reference for many year in Jorge Costa.
If you don't believe that porto has any influence on this team(and many others where they have strategically placed players), then you are clearly unaware of the reality and the true reach of the tentacles of Pope Costa. Despite extra incentives Olhanense had on the table, I must say that Benfica did not play enough to win this game and that is the bottom line.

For this game JJ fielded the following players: Quim in goal, Maxi, Luisao, Luiz and Peixoto. Garcia, Coentrao, Ramires and DiMaria. Cardozo and Saviola up front. Aimar who had complained about some muscle pain in the morning's tune up session was left out by JJ as a precaution.

In retrospect i might have lined up Menezes in place of Aimar, as he seems to be the Argentinians natural substitute, but JJ opted for DiMaria instead.

I'll breeze through the game quickly, it was the worst first half i saw Benfica play this year. Gave up an early goal from a dead ball situation at the 10 minute mark,(on an nonexistent foul)tied the game in the 29th minute, following an ejection of an Olhanense man, only to give up another goal on another dead ball situation 3 minutes later, and to restore numerical advantage as a result of a dumb red card by DiMaria in the 42nd minute.
Top that with the loss of Ramires due to injury in the 46th minute, and you have plenty of occurrences in the first half, but quality from Benfica was yet to be seen.

With the advantage, and the same men on the field, Olhanense came out for the second half clearly wanting to defend the result, and that they did, positioning every single player behind the line of the ball. Benfica on the other hand, could not find solutions to penetrate, and their lack of speed and ever present apathy, prevented us from getting the equalizer. Menezes, Weldon, and Nuno Gomes were presented as possible solutions, but could not get anymore than a tie in the time added period, coincidentally by Nuno Gomes.

Worst game of the season in my opinion, perhaps over confidence, perhaps already looking past this game. The truth is that the team was a far cry from what they have accustomed us to, not for the lack of effort, but certainly for the lack of concentration. Too many missed passes, and miscalculated risks, along with poor decisions and poor execution ended up hurting the team.
The absence of a player with a little more clairvoyance, ended up letting the team fall into a funk, which ultimately cost the two points.

We have no one to blame but ourselves for the loss of points in this game. The lead over porto is now 1 point and there's not much else to say about it. In all honesty we can't act like a bunch of scared little children who after taking a comfortable lead are now convinced this is the end, and we will soon be left in a position where we will be seeing the lead through binoculars.
We have too much talent to think this way. For one, we haven't even reached the half way mark, and there's still a lot of games to be played. Secondly, we have to lose this negative mentality, in which we are always waiting for the bottom to fall out.
Hasn't this team given us enough proof we can win this whole thing?
To me they have showed me enough, thinking, and fearing that we can all of the sudden find ourselves in third place, is not only wrong, but something that shouldn't even cross anyone's mind.

We are Benfica, we fear no one. This weekend's game is at our stadium and a loss should be the furthest thing from our mind. It's time to leave everything behind, as the quest for the Championship starts this weekend.

Forca BENFICA!

Airton

2009-12-12T11:03:00.002-05:00

Reports from the media is that this is a done deal... My comments after an official confirmation by the club.

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Benfica 4 -Academica 0 - Back to Abnormality

2009-12-06T22:29:00.005-05:00

It's perhaps in games like these where i fear for a lottery result for our team. With the field showing signs of water saturation, especially in the middle, and with the rain coming down harder and harder as the game got underway, I thought the conditions would really played against us, as our playing style isn't really the best for the near monsoon conditions. But we prevailed, and came out of the game not only with a win, but one that serves to quiet down some of the usual pundits, and doubters, who have the courage to utter the words "crisis", "drought", and "downfall".
JJ recently classified Benfica's recent results and marginal wins as the norm, well it's nice to see we are back to abnormality.

For this game JJ called on the following 11: Quim, Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto in defense. Amorim in place of Garcia, DiMaria, Ramires, Aimar in the midfield. Cardozo and Saviola, the usual suspects, up front.

Normal start of game for Benfica, trying to adapt to the wet pitch, but what it seemed to be the start of a long night, took a turn for the best as Saviola put Cardozo in front of the Academica goal and the Paraguayan didn't waste the chance and put Benfica ahead before most of the 40 thousand plus got a chance to make themselves comfortable in their seats.
With 6 minutes in and up one nothing, I don't have the stats in front of me, but I know that when Benfica doesn't score early, usually it becomes more and more difficult to get past the defensive schemes of the opposition. The early goal not only settles the team, but makes the opposition come out of their "shell", which allows for Benfica to play their usual game.
Academica stepped up and came looking for the tie, but despite playing in Benfica's half for the first part of the first half, Academica never really threatened Quim's net. Benfica on the other hand, showed themselves solid in the back, but missed some passes that would have made offensive transition easier, a lot of it because of the wet pitch, which despite worsening, was still no object for Benfica offensively, as Benfica kept finding a way to threaten. It was during one of those threats that Benfica found their way to goal at the 32nd minute, as Maxi found a sneaking Saviola behind the defense, Saviola executed a perfect lob over the watching keeper and into the goal. A goal for the highlight real for sure. DiMaria and Cardozo would have a couple more chances before the end of the half, but the first half would finish up at a tranquil 2-0.

Benfica's ascendant in the last 15 minutes of the first half, carried into the start of the second, and it wasn't too long before Cardozo put the game out of reach with his second goal of the match in the 56th minute. A dipping shot by DiMaria bounced in front of the goalie who saved it forward, Cardozo's reflexes allowed him to put a head to the rebound. A typical center forward goal, in the right spot, at the right time, and with the quickness and the instinct to put it away. Ramires almost made it 4 shortly thereafter, but his full stretch header going away from goal found the outside of the upright.
JJ made his first substitution at the 69th minute, when he brought on Weldon for the much applauded Saviola. In the freekick that stopped play for Weldon to come in, DiMaria found Cardozo's head, who got his third of the night, his 14th for the Liga Sagres. Cardozo has now surpassed Sporting's entire team output of 12. For those who spoke of his drought, and current misses, stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Coentrao and Nuno Gomes came in for Aimar and Cardozo respectively, in an effort to refresh the team, but the storyline was more than written, as Benfica wins a game that could have been a difficult one, but it turned out to be as easy as a walk in the park, despite the conditions of the field, and the torrential downpour.

With this win, Benfica joins Braga at the top, with a 3 point advantage over 3rd place porto. Next up is a trip to Algarve to face second to last, and porto satellite, Olhanense.

#PHOTO - Getty

Game Roster for Academica

2009-12-05T13:38:00.002-05:00

Keeper: Quim and Júlio César

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, David Luiz, Miguel Vítor, César Peixoto and Shaffer,

Midfielders: Ruben Amorim, Ramires, Pablo Aimar, Di María, Fábio Coentrão, Urreta and Felipe Menezes,

Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Weldon and Nuno Gomes.

Luisao returns, and Aimar is well enough to make the roster, although his start is doubtful. Urreta is the new face in detriment of Keirrison.

-END-

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Bate 1 - Benfica 2 - Next Round Clinched

2009-12-02T22:23:00.003-05:00

Benfica sealed their ticket into the next round of the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Belarus side Bate Borisov.
I didn't have the opportunity to watch the game, but hope to watch it in the next day or two.
Goals by Saviola and Coentrao on media echoes that speak of Menezes, Coentrao, Saviola and Garcia as Benfica's best.
This win allows us to go into the home game against AEK without any worries, on the eve of the clash with porto.

Below are the links for the game from MEGAUPLOAD. Download and see for yourself.

First Half
Second Half

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For Tonight's Game

2009-12-01T21:33:00.005-05:00

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Operation Bate Underway.

2009-11-30T20:50:00.003-05:00

Benfica has started their preparation for the Europa League's clash against Bate Borisov. The team arrived in Belarus today, and will train in the game stage tomorrow, in preparation for Wednesday's game.
JJ travelled with the following squad:

Keepers: Quim, Moreira and Júlio César.

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Roderick Miranda, Miguel Vítor, David Luiz, Shaffer and César Peixoto.

Midfieders: Javi Garcia, Ramires, Ruben Amorim, Pablo Aimar, Di María, Fábio Coentrão and Felipe Menezes.

Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Weldon and Keirrison

The biggest surprise is Roderick, who was called after both Sidnei and Luisao are unable to give their contribute. Sidnei picked up a muscular mylagia on his thigh, and Luisao continues to recuperate from his appendectomy.

-END-

Things That Make You Go Hmmm?

2009-11-30T20:29:00.004-05:00

Recently Sir Alex Ferguson uttered the words Nani and Benfica in the same sentence, stating that despite the interest of Benfica and Milan, Nani is staying put at Old Trafford.
With DiMaria being one of the most coveted players in all of Europe, and his name already being linked to the better Manchester team. It would not surprise me if Sir Alex was indirectly enticing Benfica to what could be brought to the table, were Benfica to turn in their direction.
Although Nani has confessed he was a Benfiquista as a kid(it can change as the need arises), the prospect of Nani wearing the sacred mantle is something that i have mixed feelings about.
I'm sure this is not the last we have heard of Nani and Benfica mentioned in the same breath.

-END-

Sporting 0 - Benfica 0 - Good for Some.

2009-11-29T21:41:00.006-05:00

Last time i posted to the blog was prior to the Everton game in Liverpool, so it has been sometime. I swear it's a lot easier to fill this space when things are not going well, and the frustration mounts from watching a bad game/performance.
The transition from the couch to my current position comes a lot more naturally. With that being said, a quick breeze through the last 3 games is in order, before i get into the Sporting game.

In what was perhaps the hardest away game of the group stages of the Europa League, Benfica came away with 3 points, and with proof that the 5-0 2 weeks prior was no mistake, case closed on that speculation.

The next game brought Naval to our home pitch in the type of game in which championships are won. We battled the whole 90 minutes, but it was our relentlessness that won us the game with Javi Garcia getting the clincher in added time.

After a week off for international duty, and UEFA zone World Cup playoff fixtures, Benfica came back to action for the Portuguese Cup against Guimaraes. An uncharacteristically bad first half ended up dictating our elimination from the competition. The team showed to be a little rusty from the break and gave up a goal early and was never able to turn the scoreline around. I don't want to take away any credit away from Guimaraes and especially their keeper who saved everything that came is way.
It's a shame that we are out of a competitions whose trophy eludes us for quite some time, but perfection was never the goal for this season, and i'd honestly give up every single competition we are in just to be able to hoist the Portuguese league trophy at the end of the season.

Now for more current events...

This past Saturday, Benfica traveled a few blocks to Sporting's tile showroom, in a match that opposed the first place team, against the 8th place team. The game which was a lot more important for Sporting's title hopes, was also the beginning of a new cycle for a team whose coach of 4 years had just stepped down, victim of the teams' poor performance so far, which included 5 ties in 10 games.
With all of that as a backdrop, it was easy to look at this game with a certain degree of confidence.

For this game JJ fielded the following 11:
Quim returned to goal after sitting out the past 2(3 if you count the friendly in Azores) games as a result of JJ's competition rotation policy. In the defense, it was Maxi and Peixoto on the sides, David Luiz and Sidnei in the middle, as Luisao was submitted to an appendectomy right before international duty, and has been unable to give his contribute to the team. In the midfield, the all too familiar quartet - Javi Garcia, Ramires, DiMaria and Aimar. Up front, Cardozo returned from his two game suspension to join Saviola.

It wasn't a bad start for Benfica, but it wasn't a good one also. Playing in our arch-rivals' pitch, with the home team hoping to make this game the high point of their early mediocre campaign, wasn't going to be easy. Proof of that was the tactical setup Sporting came out with, a clear 4-5-1 with all the intentions making Benfica's passing game a lot more difficult. Up front, Liedson was the only weapon for a team whose clear intentions were to not be embarrassed. Even so, It was Sporting who benefited from the first real chances on goal. The rest of the half was pretty balanced as Sporting's defensive scheme fit like a glove into Benfica's system. JJ tweaked the team, moving Ramires to the middle to help out Garcia while Aimar drifted more to the right, which seemed to balance out the middle of the park.
Benfica ended up going into the locker room with more possession, more corners, and more time spent in Sporting's half, yet the half time score seemed fair for the chances both sides had. With DiMaria clearly on one of his off days, and Aimar without many passing lane options, Benfica had a hard time bringing their game into the desired level.

The second half brought some more of the first half balance, but with Benfica's control much more pronounced, at least in the initial 10-15 minutes, but Sporting seemed to want to turn the tide in their favor, as Miguel Veloso and Moutinho both threatened from the outside following 2 corners. Veloso saw his perfect picture shot denied by Quim, and what was perhaps one of the best saves i've watch Quim make throughout his years at Benfica. It was Sporting's best period which prompted JJ to make his first change at the 68th minute, bringing in Amorim for Aimar, and moving back Ramires to the right.
Off course the constant in and out Javi Garcia was submitted to, as a result of an open wound in his head, following a head clash with Matias Fernandez, didn't help much, i counted at least 3 seperate times in which the Spaniard had to leave the game to be cleaned and bandaged.
JJ's first change seemed to bring more balance to Benfica's game, and it wasn't too long before Benfica was back in control of the game. In the 78th minute Sidnei suffered an injury and had to be brough out, Miguel Vitor took his place.
A few chances graced Benfica, but neither, DiMaria, nor Ramirez, nor Cardozo were able to put the finishing touch. JJ burned his last sub in the 68th minute, bringing in Coentrao for Saviola, but the result looked to be on the way into the books.

There's two ways to look at this result, for one it can be a favorable result, being that it was an away game in a traditionally difficult pitch, not too mention the conditions of the pitch, of which both JJ and David Luiz complained about.
The loss of two points ends up being not that critical in relation to our most direct adversaries. On the other hand, tying against an 8th place team, and a team who is clearly at a very accessible level, can be seen as something negative, not so much because of the points we lost, but because 4 of 6 teams ahead of Sporting into this game, we can easily beat.

Whichever way you want to look at it, i can't help but to think how Sporting was applauded by their fans at the end of the game for tying the game against their arch-rival.
A tie that is the 6th in 11 games for the Liga Sagres. Funny how mediocrity seems to all of the sudden be accepted by a fan base who hasn't seen their team win for the league since the 21st of September, when they beat last place Olhanense. In that aspect i think the result ends up being a negative one for Benfica.

It's too early to tell what ramifications this result will have in May, but the truth is that the tie ends up hurting Sporting's aspirations more than ours to the title.
JJ called a spade, a spade, and stated that with this result Sporting is virtually out of the race for the the title.
For Benfica, it's the possibility of going two points down to Braga, and seeing our lead over porto reduced to 3 points with a head to head coming up in the middle of December.

Next up is a trip to Belarus where 1 point can clinch us a spot in next round's Europa league.
Despite the loss to Guimaraes and the tie to Sporting, there are no signs of any type of breakdown by the team, as a matter of fact the team exhibits the same level of confidence they have had to this point.

# Photo Credit - Getty/AFP/Francisco Leong

Seen through the eyes of Benfica TV

2009-11-12T00:06:00.002-05:00

How much longer until we can see it on our TV sets in North America?

I'd cancel my Portuguese Pack on Dish the next day.

END

Type rest of the post here

R.I.P. Robert Enke

2009-11-10T21:26:00.002-05:00

END

Everton - Benfica Game Preview

2009-11-04T23:36:00.003-05:00

Two weeks after the convincing 5-0 win over Everton in Lisbon, it is now Benfica's turn to be the away team at Everton's Goodison Park. Both teams come into this game with the same amount of points, but Benfica holds the advantage on goal differential. Everton is riding an impressive 9 home game unbeaten streak, while Benfica has failed to get a win in their last 7 away games in European competition.

For the trip to England, JJ called on 20 players:

Keepers: Quim, Moreira and Júlio César;

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Sidnei, David Luiz, Luisão and Shaffer;

Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Ramires, Ruben Amorim, Fábio Coentrão, Di María, Felipe Menezes and Pablo Aimar;

Forwards: Nuno Gomes, Weldon, Saviola, Cardozo and Keirrison.

2 players will watch the game from the stands, one of them obviously being one of the goalies.

Julio Cesar should keep his starting job in Europe, while the rest of the team will most likely undergo a couple changes.
In defense, Maxi will be at right back while David Luiz should most likely drift over to the left back position, giving Sidnei his spot next to Luisao.
In the midfield, Javi Garcia, DiMaria and Ramires should also start while Aimar will most likely be given a rest according to media reports. Coentrao should be the fill in, while the central midfield position will most likely go to Ramires.
Up front, Cardozo and Saviola will complete the starting 11. This is the starting 11 the media has been projecting.

While a loss would not compromise any chances to advance into the second round, a win would virtually open up the door into the next stage of the competition. Nevertheless, Benfica needs to have a serious approach to this game and can not play submissive to an Everton who will be looking for some redemption after the 5-0 humiliating defeat at Estadio da Luz 2 weeks ago.

I believe a win is very much at our reach, and it'd prevent us from going into Belarus with the need of coming away with points.
A tie would not be a bad result either, but when you come to England looking for a tie, you run the risk of ending up on the losing end of the stick.
A win would not only put us with a foot into the next round, it would also prove that the result of 2 weeks ago was not a mere coincidence, a lucky performance where everything went our way.
A win would solidify our this team's value and project us as a serious candidate to go far into this competition.

I don't believe JJ will let the team approach the game with a lax attitude, we need this win, and there's no way we should go into Goodison Park with anything but the winning mentality we have had all season.

Braga 2 - Benfica 0 - Small Bump on the Road

2009-11-01T11:41:00.003-05:00

In the most important game of this early season for Benfica, a game that matched up the two top teams of the Liga Sagres, it was Benfica that came out on the losing end and despite the loss costing us first place, it's a loss that's as insignificant as the chances Braga has to ever being league champions this season.
The truth is that our team wasn't really at the level they have accustomed us to, but for that we also have to look at certain variables that conditioned the game in general, certainly coming out of the locker room without Cardozo after another supposed tunnel fracas, didn't help much. But this is not the time to find excuses for our first loss of the season, but a time to realize that are plenty of games ahead and that there's still lot of work to be done to reach the top.

JJ fielded his strongest 11. With Peixoto injured, Shaffer coming from injury, and a successful Coentrao start at left back the week before, it was Coentrao along with David Luiz, Luisao and Maxi that started ahead of Quim. In the midfield, the usual suspects, Garcia,Aimar, Ramires and DiMaria. Up Front Saviola and Cardozo.

The game started as expected, with Braga being pushed by the home fans, it was the home team that started the game on top, with Benfica holding their lines well. Braga's goal came early, after a inexperienced foul by Coentrao on the side of the box, Quim followed the free kick's trajectory into his opposite angle. 7 minutes in and Benfica found themselves in an unfamiliar position, down by 1 and clearly on the bottom of the game's domination. But the goal seemed to spur Benfica into action as the team took over the game and imposed their game on the home side. Benfica pushed Braga into their own half and had a couple opportunities, one even finding the back of the net, but the referee called a phantom foul on a Luisao goal. But it was the lack of accuracy in the final third prevented Benfica from going into the the half tied.
The half closed out with some confusion at the entrance of the tunnel, as some of the Braga players and staff came after DiMaria after Dimaria had kicked the ball into the Braga bench following the whistle for the half. Players from both teams joined the confusion, but they eventually ended up all in their dressing rooms.

The beginning of the second half brought news that both Cardozo and player from Braga had been red carded in the tunnel, and both teams came out with only 10 players. Granted that Cardozo hadn't had a stellar first half, but Cardozo is an important player in Benfica's offensive scheme. Without Cardozo, Benfica had to change their game plan and was definitely the team more punished with the send off. Benfica came out strong and once again took control of the game, Braga limited themselves to defend and explore the quick transitions into the attack. Javi Garcia was the player sacrificed, as JJ put Keirrison into the game at the 55th minute mark. Benfica continued to dominate, but could not find solutions to penetrate, Aimar, without Garcia behind him, was not able to dominate the midfield and Benfica was limited to what DiMaria and Saviola could do. DiMaria who was not that much of a factor in the first half, did all he could, but couldn't find his targets in the box. Benfica's lines pushed up and that left plenty of room for Braga to explore on the transition. It was on one of those transitions that Braga got their insurance goal in the 78th minute, following a give away by DiMaria. JJ still launched Weldon and Amorim for Saviola and Aimar, but to no avail.

So we came out of Braga in second place, the domination was there but the same efficiency we had seen in previous weeks was not. I remember reading the stats put up by SportTV and the number of attacks by Benfica dwarfed Braga's. If you ask me the score is perhaps not an indicator of what went on. I don't want to take away any of Braga's merit, but a tie would have been the just result. Nonetheless this loss should not have any effect on our team.

Little is know about what happened in the tunnel, but the truth is that Cardozo suffered a double attack by two Braga players, as you can see in the picture below. Benfica's annulled goal also raises some questions as to what the referee really saw, as the replay images, show no apparent foul.

Keirrison continues to disappoint, and his adaptation grace period is quickly running out. A player that cost 14 million has to, at one point or another, prove his worth, and at this point Keirrison has done nothing to prove his worth. Perhaps I am being to harsh on the young Brazilian, perhaps he needs more time to adapt to the European style, and he may even become one of the best players, but at this point he has laid a big fat egg. With Cardozo most likely out for the next league game, i'll be curious to see if JJ goes to Keirrison again next weekend.

This loss is really not a big deal, the league is only 9 rounds in and there's many games yet to be played. Let this loss be a humbling experience for the team, and for all of those that think every game would be a multiple goal win. I still think this team has the potential to do a lot, and that a lot comes right up this Thursday with a trip to Liverpool and Goodison Park to face Everton.

Below is a picture and a video that will show you the deliberate aggresion on Cardozo, you draw you own conclusions. Oh and notice the proximity of the assistant referee to Cardozo, and let me just finish by saying that neither of the players that punched Cardozo saw any type of card from what they did.

Photos# Getty and SportTV

braguinha x Benfica: Agressões a Cardozo e a Ramires impunes
by nsalta

Benfica 6 - Nacional 1 - Six Finger Beating

2009-10-27T00:23:00.006-04:00

game download

1st half http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5V5PKCIA
2nd half http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7YP7MQP7

Via serbenfiquista.com

# Photo Credit - Getty

Benfica - Nacional Preview

2009-10-26T00:29:00.003-04:00

It's back to domestic play for Benfica, this time hosting 4th place Nacional. Both teams are coming off Europa League games, both with opposite results. Nacional traveled to Spain to meet Atl Bilbao, where they lost 2-1. Domestically Nacional has done ok, with 3 wins, 2 ties and 2 losses, and despite being in 4th place the difference to the top team is a distant 11 points.
Benfica can go ahead and take first place from Braga, as the northern side dropped 2 points this past Sunday. After the 5-0 defeat of Everton, it's important to approach this game with a degree of grounding in order to end the day at the top.

For this game JJ called on the following players:

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César;

Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Sidnei, David Luiz and César Peixoto;

Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Ramires, Rúben Amorim, Carlos Martins, Fábio Coentrão, Felipe Menezes, Pablo Aimar and Di María;

Forwards: Nuno Gomes, Weldon, Saviola, Cardozo and Keirrison

20 players in all, of which only 18 will be able to suit up.
Keirrison makes his return to the game roster after being sidelined by an injury he picked up in practice.

JJ's 11 shouldn't be to far from the following - Quim in goal. Maxi, Luisao , David Luiz and Peixoto. Javi Garcia, DiMaria, Ramires and Aimar. Saviola and Cardozo up front.

Nacional has not given up goals at Estadio da Luz in the past two seasons, Benfica will look to end that streak in a night when the new Estadio da Luz commemorates 6 years of existence.

Very important game for Benfica, a pivotal one if you ask me. Not only can Benfica take over the lead, but they will also take the momentum into Braga in the next round. Working on three days rest, it'll be important to get on the board early as the final 25 minutes of the second half will prove to be a battle of fitness for both teams. Expect another good crowd at Estadio da Luz, who will not only try to push the team to first place, but also to sing happy birthday.

Benfica 5 - Everton 0 - A Night to Remember

2009-10-25T19:33:00.004-04:00

What was perhaps one of the most difficult games of the group stages for Benfica, turned out to be a game that will be remembered by many for a long time. It's not every game you score 5 goals, scratch that,(not most games at least), but to score 5 against a team, that has a respectable status in the English Premiership, is something that has to be filed in every Benfiquista's memory.
Skeptics,"lagartos" and "porcos" may say that this Everton was a depleted Everton, missing a couple of key elements, but when our team shows itself at this level, game in and game out, not even a selection of all the best Everton players of the past three seasons would have been able to stop our team, and we will once again prove the 5-0 was no fluke, when we meet Everton again in Liverpool in a little bit over a week.

The starting 11 wasn't too far from we are used to seeing, Julio Cesar got the start, as he has up to this point in the Europa league, and Amorim got the start ahead of Maxi.

Benfica was just too strong for Everton from start to finish, despite Everton showing some life halfway through the first half. The early goal at the 14th minute was more than deserved as Benfica had already threatened Tim Howard's goal a couple of times. Saviola met a a millimetric DiMaria cross with a volley that bounced over Howard and into the back of the net.
It was the start Benfica worked for, and Everton didn't have any answers for Benfica's initial charge. After the first goa,l Everton got their bearings back but much because of Benfica's slowing of play, Benfica was now taking less risks and playing a more calculated and predictable style, which allowed Everton to sort out their positioning, and even out a game. Still, both DiMaria, and Saviola proved to be complete headaches for the Everton defense as all of the danger seemed to go through their feet.
Benfica went into the locker room with good momentum, but the score seemed short, and not at all one that we could rest on.

JJ's pep talk at the half seemed to work, as Benfica came out firing on all cylinders and 7 minutes into the second half we were up 4-0. Cardozo scored on the 47th and 48th, and Luisao would deliver the knockout punch in the 52nd minute.
It was that quick and merciless, no time to breathe for the English has Howard must have felt he was in practice, as his ball fetching from inside the net, came quick and frequent. To his credit, none of the goals can be put on him, as Cardozo tapped in his first, headed his second uncontested, and Luisao was also given a free header off a corner.
Everton still looked for their honor goal, but DiMaria, Saviola, Aimar and company proved to be too much for the English side. Saviola closed out the scoreboard in the 83rd minute, and the night that will soon not be forgotten by Benfiquistas.

With the win and the amount of goals scored, Benfica ascended to first place of the group, and is now in complete control of their qualification to the next round as Borisov beat AEK. Next is a trip to England to prove the 5-0 result was not a flash in the pan, surely things will not be as easy at Goodison park, but Benfica has as much of an answer to give Everton as the home side does to Benfica. A win at Goodison could seal a trip into the next round.

Time after time, this team has showed that it's real, the quality and the results are there, game after game. I know that there's a perhaps unhealthy euphoric state around this team, but what this team has shown us, is nothing compared to any type of promise shown in the past 10 years.
Screw the statistics, they might say this team this, and this team that, by comparison to past years, but the biggest difference, and the reason why fans are joining the wave in droves, is in the way the team plays, and not statistics.
Fans believe in this team, they believe in its quality, their players, and their coach, and when you believe in those things, it's easy to be a believer. I am a believer, are YOU?

Benfica' 11 for tonight

2009-10-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

Julio Cesar. Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto.
Garcia, Ramires, DiMaria and Aimar. Cardozo and Saviola up front.
Menezes will watch the game from the stands as the 19th man.

here's the game for download

1st Half --> http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NKNYT9ES
2nd Half --> http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RUCJYR3V

Benfica - Everton - Matchday 3 Preview

2009-10-21T23:39:00.005-04:00

After the predictable shellacking of a far inferior Monsanto for the Portuguese Cup, Benfica gets back to European business as they face group leaders Everton this thursday.
It is the clash of the two favorites to come out of the group, in a game where Benfica needs the win to stay in a comfortable position in the group, and Everton hopes to get some kind of points, in what they have billed as their hardest game of this stage.
Everton stands atop Group I, with 6 points from 2 wins, having only conceded 1 goal while scoring 6.
Benfica is currently 2nd with 3 points, the same ones from AEK. With AEK visiting winless Bate, Benfica will need to get the win, or they may fall behind.

For this game JJ called on the following 19 players:

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César.

Defenders: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, David Luiz, César Peixoto and Sidnei.

Midfielder: Amorim, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Carlos Martins, Fábio Coentrão, Di María, Menezes and Aimar.

Forwards: Weldon, Nuno Gomes, Saviola and Cardozo.

JJ should field the following side - Julio Cesar, Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto in the defense. Javi Garcia, Ramires, DiMaria and Aimar in the midfield. Cardozo and Saviola up front.

Cesar should get the start in goal, if JJ follows the rotation method he has used up until this point. Quim- Sagres, Julio Cesar - Europa, Moreira - Portuguese Cup.

No surprises, this is our strongest 10, despite JJ saying Benfica doesn't really have a set 11.
You can expect a packed stadium, and an Everton that won't necessarily be in a defensive posture. Everton has nothing to lose, and the best way to combat Benfica's intent to dominate, is not to play the entire game behind the ball.
With that being said, an open game is expected, and that will favor Benfica's style of play. I'm not saying that Everton will just let Benfica play, but if Benfica plays with speed, the game will open up for Benfica.

This game starts an important phase of the season that can very well dictate the rest of the season. A trip to Braga for what it will most likely be the league lead, a trip to London to face Everton in another crucial matchday, and an away game against arch rival Sporting, closes out this 6 game cycle.

Surely a bad result will not be determinant in our European campaign, a win will keep the machine going, and will help it gathering strength to steamroll right into December.

P Ferreira 1 - Benfica 3 - The Early Bird Gets the Worm

2009-10-05T23:26:00.004-04:00

It wasn't going to be easy, but Benfica showed once again that this team is for real, by coming out of a traditionally difficult field with the 3 points.
After the slip up in Athens, the game against P.Ferreira was awaited with great anticipation, not only by the vultures that circled above, but above all, by Benfica fans, myself included, that wanted to see how the team was going to react.
Well, if it was a reaction that we wanted, then it was a reaction that we got, as Benfica only needed an impressive first half to secure the 3 points, throwing the remaining of the game into cruise control, and coasting to the win.

With Maxi, Aimar and DiMaria unavailable due to National team duty, JJ was forced to change the team, and fielded the following 11: Quim in goal, Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Shaffer in the back. Javi Garcia, Ramires, Coentrao and Martins in the midfield. Saviola and Cardozo were up front.

As usual Benfica started very strong, having had only 3 days of rest, it was imperative that the team come out strong, and put the game away early, and that was the message that JJ passed along to his pupils. After all, the team would have difficulty imposing the same pressure game throughout the 90 minutes, and as the time ticked down, the Mata Real pitch would shrink even more than its usual small size and make things even more difficult.
Early was the word, and early was when Benfica got on the scoreboard. Just inside the 3 minute mark, David Luiz re-directed a corner into the back of the net, a play reminiscent of what Katsouranis used to do so many times in past years.
It's not the first time David Luiz shows up at the first post, as a matter fact, his runs are all to the first post.
With an early goal, the game always opens up, and that plays into Benfica's favor. P Ferreira tried to answer but Benfica continued to dominate. Saviola and Carodo both shared chances, but it was Martins who was on target with a long range bomb that tailed away from the keeper.
22 minutes gone by, and all of the sudden you get the feeling that this might be another 4, 5 maybe 6 goal game, as Benfica showed themselves aggressive and dangerous.
The third goal came right before the half, as Cardozo executed a picture perfect free kick. Just within his range, Cardozo put it in the top shelf, with the ball still hitting the cross bar.
Benfica couldn't have asked for more going into the locker room, although 4-0 wouldn't be too far fetched either.

With a 3 goal advantage, and the with the fatigue meter filling up, Benfica decided to adopt a different type of game, a game that wasn't as dominating as the one from the first half but a game that allowed the team to be in control of the game.
Felipe Menezes came in for Martins(who had a very good half) at the half, and the team backed down on the pressure and opted to play a more contained possession game.
P.Ferreira on the other hand, were taking advantage of the low pressure to build their game but besides 2 or 3 chances to which Quim responded well to, not much else came from the P. Ferreira men, as Benfica kept the possession and compact lines.
P. Ferreira would eventually get their goal in the 67th, as a slip by Amorim allowed a freebie to the Ferreira forward.
The goal seemed to give a bit of fresh air to the home team, but Benfica's domination of the midfield and the entrance of Weldon to pressure the P Ferreira back line seemed to put a stop to any further plans the home team had.

As i have said, an easy win, in a typically hard field, but that easy win comes in virtue of the team's work rate in the first half.
The early goal opened up the game, the second goal provided security, and the third goal got us the win. It was that easy, a win in the first half, and then a very respectable style of play to put the game to sleep in the second half. There will be times where the team will need to slow down their game, while still playing a good cohesive defensive game in order to neutralize their opponents, and that's what happened in this game.
Not only did Benfica manage their win, but they were also able to manage their levels of fatigue, which was something that could have been a very important factor in this game.

All the pundits and false disgrace prophets can go back into exile, as this team is here to stay, there are no comparisons that can be made to last years team, absolutely none.

2 weeks to recuperate the team, and to get ready for the start of the Portuguese Cup campaign, in the meantime, let's hope that our "Internationals" come back healthy.

Photo Credit Paulo Duarte/ AP

AEK 1 - Benfica 0 - Greek Woes Continue

2009-10-03T21:36:00.005-04:00

Benfica's bad streak in Greece continued, as the team could not beat AEK. In a game that turned out to be more of a bad read by the team and staff than anything else. Benfica walked into a game expecting one thing, and got something else instead, costing them a whole first half, and ultimately the game.

The starting 11 were just as i had projected on my preview, with Julio Cesar in goal, Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto in the defensive. Garcia, Aimar, Ramires and DiMaria in the midfield, Cardozo and Saviola up front.

It was the first time this season i saw Benfica start the game in such a complacent fashion. While up until this point, we had seen an all out Benfica from the starting whistle, in Greece it was as if the team waited to see what AEK was going to do.
On the other hand, AEK started compact, waiting for the team who had been dominating their opponents all season to come to them. As the first 10 minutes of the game elapsed, AEK realized that Benfica had stepped on the field in bashful fashion, and realized that they could very well impose their game, and they did.
DiMaria did hit the upright, but other than that Benfica's chances were far between in the first half.
AEK progressively took control of the game, and went into the locker room with a just 1-0 lead.

The second half brought a more recognizable Benfica, but with having to chase the equalizer, as the clock ticked down, the team slowly changed from their automatism's to more of a rushed game as expected. Benfica created several chances, but the inspired AEK keeper managed to save them every each way he could.

Along with what believe was the wrong approach to the game, I have to say that some of the players were well below their level, Aimar being one of them. Surely his call up to the national team as to be something on his mind. But I wouldn't accuse Aimar of saving himself, or being hesitant to go all out to save himself for the national team, that would be not only unfair, but speculation on my part, but his performance does leave some doubts.
Off course, I can't blame the loss solely on Aimar, as I have said that several players were well below their normal level.
Certainly with the right approach Benfica could have easily won the this game still in the first half, but they didn't, which sets up an important matchday 3 against group leaders Everton, and a sense of urgency to get the points to leave us in good standing in the group.

As for ramifications, I don't believe this result will have any influence on the team, but we will have to wait until Monday to see what kind of response the team will have.

# - Photo Via abola.pt

AEK - Benfica Europa League MD2 Preview

2009-09-30T22:54:00.004-04:00

Benfica's Europa League campaign will continue this Thursday when Benfica faces AEK in Athens. AEK will be looking for their first win of the competition, after allowing Everton to drop a 4 spot on them in match day 1. Domestically, AEK is not doing so great, registering 2 wins, 1 tie, and 2 defeats thus far, a record that has them sitting in 7th place well below of where they usually perch.
Benfica on the other hand, comes into this game hoping to get three valuable points which can put us in the driver seat of the competition. But it's perhaps in games like these, Benfica will find the most difficulty in. AEK might be down on their luck, but they are in a position where they are looking to get their season back on track, and a win in European competition will server to make some amends with their fan base, who seems to have turned their back on this team.

The following players made the trip to Greece:

Keepers: Moreira, Júlio César and Quim.

Defenders: Miguel Vítor, Luisão, David Luiz, César Peixoto, Maxi Pereira and Sidnei

Midfielders: Rúben Amorim, Javi García, Aimar Ramires, Fábio Coentrão, Di María, Felipe Menezes and Carlos Martins

Forwards: Cardozo, Keirrison, Weldon, Nuno Gomes and Saviola.

22 in all, 4 of them will not dress, one of them off course, being one of the keepers.

There's been much speculation on whether or not JJ will play some of the players who are not regular starters, starting with the goalkeeper position, I don't believe we will see many changes but perhaps 1 or 2 to the usual 11.
Here's what the line up should look like:
Julio Cesar in goal. Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto from right to left in the back. Javi Garcia, Aimar, Ramires and DiMaria in the midfield. Cardozo and Saviola up front. There's a big possibility Weldon might start in place of Saviola up front, but JJ did not confirm, nor deny the inclusion of less used players in the starting line up. With Aimar, DiMaria and Maxi not being able to play this upcoming Monday(leaving for international duty) it's almost certain that all three will play.

I recently read a column in one of the Portuguese dailies, O Jogo, (pro porto)that recalled last years' trip to Greece, and subsequent defeat to Olympiacos for the UEFA Cup, as the turning point to Benfica's season. The article went on to say that, up until that time, Quique had enjoyed a successful beginning of season and the support of the fans.
In a failed attempt to find the similarities in this year's team and last year's, it's very clear that the vultures are out there waiting for the bottom to fall out. Yes Benfica did play in Greece, and yes it was for the former UEFA Cup, but that's where the similarities end.
Despite having a successful beginning of season, by previous season's standards, last year's team can't even be compared to this year's. The quality and the results are nowhere near each other, and anyone who thinks there are similarities between the two teams is either an idiot or a disgrace prophet wannabe.

It'll be a hard game for Benfica but nothing the team hasn't already faced this year. For one, I very much doubt AEK will play for a tie at home, this alone will help Benfica's style.
There will plenty of fouls and the midfield will be incredibly populated, but Benfica has the players and the experience to overcome anything AEK throws at us. The win will not come easy, but i believe we will return to Lisbon with 3 points.

Game roster for AEK

2009-09-29T16:10:00.001-04:00

Keepers: Moreira, Júlio César and Quim.

Defenders: Miguel Vítor, Luisão, David Luiz, César Peixoto, Maxi Pereira and Sidnei

Midfielders: Rúben Amorim, Javi García, Aimar Ramires, Fábio Coentrão, Di María, Felipe Menezes and Carlos Martins

Forwards: Cardozo, Keirrison, Weldon, Nuno Gomes and Saviola.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program

2009-09-28T20:01:00.003-04:00

My apologies once again for not keeping the blog current, but personal and professional commitments sometimes speak louder.
With that out of the way i got a little bit of catching up to do. Last time i posted was on the eve of Benfica's Europa League debut, since then, not only did Benfica start their European campaign in the best way possible way, but they have also added two wins in their quest for domestic glory.

Let's take in parts.....

Europa League
There were many that thought that the group that Benfica was drawn into could have been a little easier. I, on the other hand, thought and still think, that the group couldn't have been better. I am of the opinion that if you are drawn into a group with mediocre teams you end up stooping down to their level.
With that into consideration, Benfica's group couldn't have been better. Everton, AEK and Bate aren't necessarily your powerhouses but they are also at a respectable level that will provide Benfica plenty of challenging matches.
Benfica opened up against Bate, in a game where JJ decided to give Aimar and Quim the night off.
The big surprises in the starting 11 were Julio Cesar, Nuno Gomes and Felipe Menezes. Menezes took over the 10 position while Gomes relegated Saviola to the bench, Julio Cesar was once again picked ahead of Moreira,.
Benfica won the game comfortably, as they should have, with a 2-0 result built in the first half by Cardozo and Nuno Gomes.
With the win Benfica, confirmed their favoritism on paper and avoided starting the group stages in compromising fashion...
Next Up, a difficult trip to Greece to play AEK.

Away Game vs Leiria
With only a few days of rest Benfica traveled to Leiria in a game that featured the best attack and the best defense of the early stages of the league. This time Keirrison got the start ahead of Cardozo along side Saviola. In a stadium that registered their biggest attendance in 5 years(22,676), mostly Benfiquistas, Benfica started well and at the 4 minute mark were already up 1-0 courtesy of Saviola. What seemed like turning out to be an easy game became more complicated as David Luiz gave the home team the tying goal. Leiria defended well, and Benfica fought long and hard to find holes in the well organized defensive lines. Benfica's go ahead goal ended up coming in the 78th minute following a penalty on Aimar. A penalty that was contested by the home team, but that in my opinion was a clear foul.
Benfica struggled to win the game but never gave up looking for the win, and fought hard to come away with the win, which in the end was the just result.
On the Keirrison watch, nothing new, the young Brazilian continues to fail to make a real impression, even though there is a visible evolution in his adaptation to Benfica's game.

Home Game vs Leixoes.
This past Saturday, Benfica returned home to face Leixoes, in a weekend where porto and Sporting faced each other, Benfica had the perfect opportunity to gain points, provided off course, they could beat Leixoes. With that though in mind, perhaps it's no surprise that JJ fielded his best 11. Ramires and Javi Garcia who had been reported as doubtful for the game, made the game roster and started along with Quim, Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz, Peixoto, Aimar, DiMaria, Cardozo and Saviola.
Set in defending and stopping Benfica, Leixoes came out playing hard and fouling as the best way to stop Benfica. In the first half, the Leixoes men managed to pick up 5 yellow cards, one of them a double yellow, that left Benfica in numerical advantage after the 27th minute. Fouling, simulated injuries, and decision arguing ultimately rewarded Benfica with 5 minutes of extra time, and it was in those 5 minutes that Benfica got the opening goal.

Coming out of the locker room up 1 goal and against 10 men, the second half looked to be a lot different as the Leixoes men would now have to open up and look to come out of their own half despite being a man down. benfica came out strong again and quickly pushed Leixoes into their half. The second goal came from a penalty after Aimar was brought down in the box following a good combination play. The player that commited the foul picked up the a red, as Aimar was going to be 1 on 1 with the keeper. Cardozo converted and everything became much easier for Benfica, who would get goals in the 75th(Ramires),82nd(Maxi),89th(Cardozo), to obtain their 6th win in 7 matches for the Liga Sagres.

Leixoes can't complain about the referee and their fate in this game, as the aggressive behavior of their players was visible since the dtart of the game.
I find comical that the visitors coach commented on the referee's attitude towards his team, stating that the referee should have been a bit more of an adviser and shown some more leniency towards his players, being that they are inexperienced. The referee's warnings were visible, and there were quite a few plays where more cards could have come out. The fact that Leixoes is the team that fouls the most in the Liga Sagres is no coincidence.

The current wave of enthusiasm felt by the fans, is visible as 42,000 plus were once again in attendance, and how can they not be excited about this team? The team plays an attractive style of futebol, they score, and the fans leave the stadium feeling good about what they saw.

Next up is the second game of the Europa League with a difficult trip to Greece, a win is very much an attainable result, and the fans expect no less than this team.

Back Soon

2009-09-28T13:24:00.001-04:00

My apologies for not keeping the blog current. I will resume regular posting very soon.
Thank you for your patience

Game Roster for Bate Borisov

2009-09-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

Keepers: Júlio César and Moreira

Defenders: Luisão, Sidnei, David Luiz, Shaffer and Max Pereira

Midfielders: Felipe Menezes, Rúben Amorim, Javi Garcia Ramires, Fábio Coentrão, Di María and César Peixoto

Forwards: Cardozo, Keirrison, Nuno Gomes and Saviola

Belenenses 0 - Benfica 4 - (Steam)Rolling Along

2009-09-15T21:17:00.003-04:00

After the 8 goal victory over Setubal, Benfica repeated their generosity by leaving 4 goals in Belenenses' nets.
In a game where Benfica wasn't as dominating as the game against Setubal, it was still an impressive display of what the team is capable of.
With JJ making 1 change to the team that played against Setubal, the team was once again at the level they have shown this early in the season, and when the team plays at this level, it's very hard to stop them.

JJ line up the following 11:
Quim in goal. Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto from right to left in the back. Javi Garcia, DiMaria, Ramires and Aimar in the midfield. Saviola and Cardozo up front.
Cesar Peixoto was the only change to the team, as he replaced Shaffer on the left side of the defense.

Benfica started the game well, but it was Belenenses that threatened first, perhaps their 1 of 2 threats all game. After that it was all Benfica, with Saviola opening up the scoreboard with a goal for the highlight reel. Saviola receives the ball in Benfica's midfield circle and takes it all the way to goal. Saviola benefited from some passiveness by the Beleneses defense, still, all merit goes to Saviola as he was able to able to finish the play strong after a 60 yard sprint with the ball at his feet, and at a time where 3 defenders + the keeper were defending against him.
Following the goal Benfica continued to dominate, but lacked some of the accuracy in the final pass, which prevented Benfica to go into the half with a more comfortable lead. Yet, with the level of play, and with the domination Benfica was having, there were very little doubts as to would emerge as the victors at the end of the game.

The second half, was more of a continuation of the first, but with goals to show. Cardozo got his 4th of the season at the 58th minute, following a nice combination play between Amorim and Saviola, with the Argentine serving Cardozo for the easy tap in.
Cardozo who hadn't been having a good game until that point, proved that sometimes you just need to be in the right spot, at the right time, that is what center forwards do. He would eventually come out at the 63rd minute mark, giving his spot to Keirrison. Coentrao followed Keirrison into the game, at the 67th minute mark, coming in for the exhausted DiMaria. Benfica continued their domination and would get their 3rd in the 73rd minute, following a free kick by Aimar, which found Javi Garcia for an unopposed shealder(mix of shoulder and head). It was the second goal in as many games for the young Spaniard who has been reported as being under observation by Spanish national team coach, Del Bosque. The Spaniard would give his spot 6 minutes laster to the newly returned Maxi, who got valuable minutes at right back, as Amorim slid into the defensive midfielder spot.
The fourth goal came in the 88th minute as Ramires had another easy tap in following an assist by Coentrao. The Brazilian has now scored in every game in the Liga Sagres Benfica has played.

Total domination by Benfica, who could have come out of Belem with more than 4. As i mentioned, there were some deficiencies in the final pass chapter, but i believe that was due to the two week stoppage and some competitive rustiness.
It's impressive how much the high quick pressure benefits the team. The large amount of turnovers it causes, and subsequent quick counters it initiates, are one of Benfica's biggest traits this year.

If JJ stated he would have Benfica playing double of what they played last year, well he has done it. Regardless of the quality of our opponents, the differences are very visible and everyone can see. The team plays attractive effective and entertaining futebol, it's no wonder that wherever the team goes, the fans follow with anticipation. This past Sunday it was the biggest home attendance for belenenses in 20 years, and just like Belem, i suspect we will see this wave of support for the team throughout the country.

Belenenses - Benfica Preview

2009-09-13T09:29:00.002-04:00

Two weeks after the 8-1 dismantling of Setubal, Benfica returns to action this Sunday against Belenenses. Belenenses is currently in 8th, having experienced all 3 possible results in the first 3 rounds of the Liga Sagres.
Benfica on the other hand will look to jump to 2 place equaling porto in points, but having the advantage in goal average.
It should be an interesting game to watch, not only because of the expectations the fans have for Benfica, following the 8-1 result from two weeks ago, but also because of the secondary story line involving Fellipe Bastos and Freddy Adu who will be on the other side of the field.

As you may know, both Bastos and Adu were sent to Belenenses after not figuring in JJ's plans for the season, the two will be looking to prove JJ wrong if they get a chance.
Bastos, who after sitting the first couple games, emerged as a starter in the last game for the Belem side, but is yet to be a staple on the starting 11.
As for Adu, he will complete is second week with the team, and is still on the outside looking in. Both are on the game roster, and will most likely be used in one capacity or another as the extra motivation will certainly be a factor.

As for Benfica's game roster here it is...

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César.

Defenders: Shaffer, Luisão, David Luiz, Sidnei, Maxi Pereira and César Peixoto.

Midfielders: Ruben Amorim, Fábio Coentrão, Di Maria, Felipe Menezes, Pablo Aimar, Ramires and Javi Garcia.

Forwards: Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Keirrison and Saviola.

19 player list with a few eye grabbers.

Moreira who had been Benfica's #2 keeper, seems to have lost that status to Julio Cesar who emerges as the second goal keeper for this game.
In the defense, the return of Maxi who has recuperated from his injury earlier than expected. In the midfield, Felipe Menezes makes his game roster debut.
Up front, JJ called on the same four as a week ago, leaving the now recuperated Weldon out.

There are a few doubts as to the starting 11 JJ will field, both Luisao and Cardozo returned from South America on Friday, got in a recuperating session on Friday, and a full training session during Saturday, their inclusion in the starting 11 will be a game day choice.
Maxi, who returns after a 4 week injury period, might not yet have the competitive rhythm necessary and will need to be worked into the line up.

Here's what today's line up should look like:
Quim in goal. Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Shaffer. Javi Garcia, Ramires, DiMaria and Aimar. Cardozo and Saviola.
In the even that Maxi starts, Amorim will most be relegated to the bench. Keirrison should be JJ's choice in the event that Cardozo will be given the rest. But it's unlikely as Cardozo, barely played for Paraguay. Sidnei would be Luisao's natural replacement.
In either case, JJ has stated that he has full confidence in all of the members of this team and will use them based on how he will need them.

Tough game for Benfica who has not won at Belem the past couple of seasons. It'll be interesting to see the team after a two week lay off, and how the time off affected the team. The 8-1 result needs to be forgotten and not be used a comfort zone factor, the team needs to keep working, with the same motivation and the same focus they have shown this early in the season.

Benfica - Celtic. Fan pictures

2009-09-03T09:20:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Steve S from Toronto for sending these in.

Benfica 3 - Celtic 1 - Fifth Trophy of the Season

2009-09-02T21:30:00.006-04:00

Benfica won their fifth trophy of this young season by beating Celtic in the inaugural CNE Cup in Toronto. Benfica who, like Celtic, fielded a team of mostly second stringers and some cantera players, played well enough to deserve the win.Both the artificial turf and Benfica's second line conditioned the quality of the game, but Benfica were better than Celtic for the majority of the game.
With JJ worried about the artificial turf and the dangers to Benfica's regular starters, Celtic ended up being the real danger, as Ruben Amorim suffered a late game injury, and needed to be substituted after a hard challenge by a Celtic player, and that can be the real loss from tonight.

JJ Lined up the following 11:

Julio Cesar in goal. Luis Felipe, Sidnei, Roderick and Shaffer. Javi Garcia, Ruben Pinto, DiMaria and Cesar Peixoto were in the midfield. Up Front, it was Keirrison and Nelson Oliveira.

8 non-starters, two of them juniors. DiMaria was given the captain's armband, and was without a doubt the best player on the field.

Benfica started well and at the 2 minute mark were already up on the scoreboard. After a good play on the touchline by Nelson Oliveira, the ball hit the post and cleared to the top of the box where Kerrison picked up the rebound, to put Benfica ahead. Benfica showed themselves stronger and more dominating, with the already traditional high pressure this team his known for, but Celtic started playing their game, and leveled things off midway through the first half. Off course with the fears expressed by JJ about the turf, Luis Felipe was brought out of the game at the 20th minute after what seemed like a muscular injury.
The last 15 minutes of the first half were clearly Celtic's, and Benfica's only bright spot was DiMaria who delighted all of the fans in attendace. It was right at the end of the half that Celtic got the equalizer, after a 1-2 left the Celtic player one one with Julio Cesar who was able to stop a close range shot, on the rebound, Celtic found an open net.

In the second half, Celtic continued in the same way they ended the first half, faster, more concise and more dangerous. Benfica's defense held Celtic, and Benfica would end up putting an end to Celtic's domination, the best way possible. After a turn over, all caused by Benfica's high pressure, Di Maria "pulls" two players to himself and finds junior Ruben Pinto in the heart of the box by himself, the junior put Benfica ahead. The goal woke up Benfica, stop Celtic's domination, and Benfica would dominate the rest of the way.
Saviola got the third, after another excellent DiMaria play and shot, to which "El Conejo" put the final touch on, after picking up the rebound from the save.
It was all Benfica after the second goal, and Benfica could have very well scored more. Keirrison had a good chance after DiMaria and Saviola combined in the box, and found the Brazilian in a privileged position, the Brazilian took the defender out of the way with a subtle touch, but could not finish.
At the end of the game, Amorim had to be substituted as he was a victim of a hard tackle by a Celtic man. Amorim limped over the touch line and quickly signaled to Benfica's physio. Benfica's Physio signaled the bench as Amorim seemed to not be able to come back into the game. Let's hope it's nothing serious. Luis Felipe is out, Amorim is out, Maxi is out, we could be seeing Miguel Vitor at right back.

A couple ending thoughts, The refereeing was very poor, the amount of fouls not called against Celtic were a joke, while Benfica was called for every little thing. Although state of the art, and FIFA Approved, the artificial turf provides for quite a different game. With both teams not used to the playing surface i think the turf was a big factor to some of the poor quality of futebol played. A lot of missed passes and overplayed balls.

Good game for JJ to give players time. Julio Cesar made a couple of good saves but had very little work. Roderick is talented, and can be one of the best center backs Benfica has ever had. He still shows some inexperience but his quality is indisputable. Ruben Pinto played well, and showed himself confident, also a player to watch. Keirrison, has yet to have a performance that is convincing of the money the Barca has paid for him, but there's a noticeable evolution.

Oh yeah, did i mention DiMaria played well?
I hope i'm wrong, but this can very well be the last year we see DiMaria wearing the Sacred Mantle, if he keeps playing the way he's playing, it'll be very hard for Benfica to keep the young Argentinean.

#Photo Credit - AP

Freddy Adu on loan to Beleneses.

2009-08-31T23:14:00.004-04:00

As twitted earlier, Freddy Adu is on the way to Belenenses on a 1 year loan deal.
For those of you that don't know Belenenses all that well, Belenenses is the less known Lisbon team.
They are currently 7th with a win, a tie and a loss. Last year they finished in the relegation zone, but because of Estrela da Amadora's financial problems, which caused them to be relegated to Portugal's third flight, Belenenses remained in the Liga Sagres.

With Benfica not being able to find a team that would pick up Freddy's high wages, the team opted to leave Freddy close to home to follow his development, rather thean sending him somewhere else, for another period of adaptation. Staying at Belenenses, will not only give a chance for Freddy to adapt to the Portuguese league, but it'll also provide him with a chnace to play more, how much he plays it's really up to him, as he can definitely be an important player for this team.

Belenenses is a fairly young team with an age average of 22. There are a lot of young players with considerable talent but they lack maturity to fight a place in Europe, but with the right coach, it's very possible that they have a good campaign and do better that the 15th place of last year. Benfica's budding young midfielder, Fellipe Bastos is also on loan at Belenenses, and looks to become a fixture in the team from Belem.

Benfica In Toronto

2009-08-31T22:12:00.004-04:00

Benfica will play Celtic this Wednesday in Toronto for the Inaugural CNE Cup.
Here's the list of players that will be traveling this Tuesday to Toronto

Keepers:Moreira, Quim, Júlio César

Defenders:Shaffer,Ruben Amorim ,David Luiz, Luís Filipe, Sidnei, Roderick, and Diogo Figueiras.

Midfielders: Javi García,Di María, César Peixoto, Rúben Pinto and Tiago Ramos

Forwards: Saviola, Nélson Oliveira, Keirrison.

Felipe Menezes does not have a visa, and will not be able to travel to Canada. Coentrao, Miguel Vitor are with Portugal's U-21 squad, as well as Nuno Gomes, Luisao, Ramires and Oscar Cardozo who will all be with their National teams.

Big Shout Out to all the Benfiquistas in Toronto, enjoy the game!

-END-

Benfica 8 - Setubal 1 - Old School

2009-08-31T21:29:00.007-04:00

8-1, something you don't see everyday, as a matter of fact last time Benfica won by an identical score it was back in the 82/83 season. Not a rarity but also not very common for professional top flight teams to play to such a lop sided game.
The game was just that lop sided, and don't let the "1" mislead you, the truth is that Benfica dominated the whole game, and could have very well have scored more.

JJ repeated Guimaraes' starting 11 with, Quim in goal, Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Shaffer in the back. Javi Garcia, DiMaria, Ramires and Aimar, Saviola and Cardozo up front.

Aimar who was doubtful for this game, started and seemed unaffected by any type of injury that had kept him out of training.

About the game, I'm not going to go into my usual write up on the game instead i will summarize it as this:
The game started, Benfica attacked, they scored, attacked, scored, attacked, scored, attacked, scored, attacked, scored, Half time.
The teams started the second half, Benfica attacked, scored, attacked, scored, attacked scored, and attacked some more, final whistle.

5 goals in the first half, 3 goals in the second, in what was a night to remember. Everything went well for the team, and we seemed to hit high gear. In the familiar style we have seen in pre-season, the team played a quick one touch game, and when we play like that it's very easy to not win.
Cardozo got on the successful PK track. Garcia got his first goal with a Benfica jersey and assisted Cardozo for his second. Aimar scored on a master piece, and Ramires showed why Benfica payed 7.5 million for him, he is truly a warrior, never stopping, never giving up the fight.

Notable how even after being ahead by 6 the team never toned down their pace and looked for the goal with every chance they got until the final whistle. Off course when you have a manager on the technical box, constantly giving the team directions and correcting positioning, it's easy to remain focused.
It's very easy to look at Setubal and conclude that this team is a young team lacking some maturity, and experience, hence dismissing the blow out. But the truth is that on the opposite end, Benfica looked like a fine tuned machine, and neither Setubal nor any other team could bring this team to a hault.

Memorable game, let's hope the team can continue showing and evolving from what they have shown us so far... I won't take anymore of your time below, is one for the ages.

Enjoy.
Goals
1-0 - Garcia - 16
2-0 - Luisao - 21
3-0 - Cardozo - 29
4-0 - Aimar - 35
5-0 - Ramires - 37
6-0 - Cardozo - 65
7-0 - Cardozo - 75
8-0 - Nuno Gomes - 85

Benfica - Setubal Preview

2009-08-30T20:08:00.004-04:00

The second home game of the season brings Vitoria de Setubal to Estadio da Luz this Monday, as Benfica will close out the 3rd round of the Liga Sagres. Benfica is still looking for their first home win and will need to get a win to keep pace with Braga and porto who are the early leaders so far. Setubal comes into the game also looking for their first win of the season, as they tied and lost in the first two rounds.

For this game JJ called 19 players:

Keepers: Moreira and Quim.

Defenders: Shaffer, Luisão, Luís Filipe, David Luiz, Sidnei and Miguel Vítor;

Midfielders: Rúben Amorim, Javi García, Ramires, Aimar, Fábio Coentrão, Di María and César Peixoto.

Forwards: Cardozo, Keirrison, Nuno Gomes e Saviola.

Aimar who had been in doubt for this game, was called by JJ, but his start will depend on a last minute decision based on a pre-game evaluation.

The line up shouldn't be too far from the following - Moreira in goal. Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Shaffer. Javi Garcia, DiMaria, Ramires and Aimar, if Aimar is able to go. In the event Aimar doesn't start we can very well see Cesar Peixoto in the 10 slot, but i still think that Ramires would do a much better job in the 10 slot, opening up the right to Coentrao. Up front, Saviola and Cardozo will continue to be the first choices of JJ.

With the loss in the Ukraine a distant memory, the team will now need to be back to focusing on the league. It's not going to be an easy game, as Setubal will adopt the same type of tactics we saw from our opponents in the first two games.
Setubal's coach has stated that his team will not present themselves in an ultra defensive posture, and that Benfica may be playing well, but does not intimidate his team.
Benfica should be able to win this game, but we will need to get on the board early, so that the game doesn't get complicated.

With a 2 week lay off on the horizon in domestic competition, Benfica needs to go into this period on a positive note. The two weeks ahead, despite some of the players being away on national team duty, will serve to assimilate some more of JJ's methods, especially for some of the newer players.
Felipe Menezes, who will be officially introduced this Monday, will have plenty of time to get acclimated with the team and JJ.

Poltava 2 - Benfica 1 - A Waste

2009-08-28T21:00:00.004-04:00

In a game where Benfica had little at stake, fruit of the 4-0 lead from the first leg, Benfica limited themselves to show up for this game. I write "show up", because playing, there was very little of it.
In a game that brought us Benfica's first official loss of the new season, and equally the worst performance of the season, Benfica failed to uphold any type of global reputation they had in the Ukraine. Regardless of the 7 changes from the team that lined up against Guimaraes, the team had the responsibility to do a lot better in this game.

JJ had announced that he would give some players a rest, here's the starting 11 he fielded:
Moreira in goal, Luis Felipe, Luisao, Sidnei and David Luiz. Javi Garcia, Coentrao, Ramires and Cesar Peixoto in the midfield. Nuno Gomes and Keirrison up front.

7 changes in all, 7 players who have seen limited action this season, some of them making their official season debuts. With 7 changes, it was only natural that the team would show themselves at a lower level, that is understandable. What is not understandable is the lack of attitude by the team as a whole.
I will not bore you with a recap of the game, part because i have very little desire to replay it back in my head, but also because i'd like to forget it as soon as possible.

I'm surprised that even the players who had an opportunity to show themselves to JJ, did very little to make a case for a starting spot. There were a couple of bright spots, but generally speaking, the performance was poor and lackadaisical.
Certainly the lack of desire and fighting spirit wasn't what JJ asked of the team, and I'm sure he didn't ask for the team to only go through the motions either, but I'm sure that regardless of the team getting a free pass by many fans, JJ took notes.

Benfica's lone goal was scored by Saviola who cam in for Nuno Gomes at the half. Also getting minutes were Amorim and DiMaria who came in for Ramires and Coentrao respectively.

In closing this ugly game, it's a shame Miguel Vitor couldn't have gotten an opportunity. It's also a shame that a team like Benfica presents themselves in such a poor light.
Quoting another blog i read:

"Fans forgive players for everything, from bad luck to bad playing, all is forgiven, as long as the fans see that the players have the will, and honor to wear Benfica's jersey, which personafies the example of giving it all, willingness, altruism and sacrifice"

I think that says it all... Let's just leave it at that....
Horrible performance, poor showing, and wasted chances from some of the players who got a unique chance to make an impression.

With this playoff behind us, it is now time to start thinking about the group stages, which paired us in one of the most difficult in the Europa League, with Everton, AEK and Bate.

#Photo Credit - Getty Images