Day 3, Match 3
NEWS FLASH: LUIS FIGO IS STILL GOOD, REAL GOOD
PORTUGAL 1 ANGOLA 0
The Lowdown: Some people(Nigeria's players, ha) predicted that Angola would be embarrassed at this World Cup and exactly 26 seconds into this game that nearly happened as Pauleta's shot just missed the far corner of the goal. However, they proved themselves a fairly decent team, though not good enough to hang with an attacking Portugal squad that should have scored at least two more goals.
Match Rating: 4 out of 5. This would have been higher with another goal or two and less fouls from ultra-physical Angola.
Man of the Match: Portugal winger Luis Figo. This man, who recently unretired from international competition, was once named FIFA World Player of the Year, and today he showed he's still got it. Made his defender look downright silly in setting up Pauleta's first goal and was stellar throughout. Nike, get this man a Joga Bonita spot. Or Adidas, put him in that Jose + 10 ad. Wait, I think he might already be in there. Honorable mention goes to Angola forward Akwa who twice attempted to bicycle kick incoming crosses to the delight of everybody. He actually connected on one but it sailed over the crossbar. Dude, you are the man for trying that.
Disappointment of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo played fairly well but he missed a couple of golden chances, one header hitting the crossbar and another long-range shot spectacularly saved by Angola's keeper. He looked extremely frustrated on being substituted. Honorable mention: With the clock winding down and needing a goal, Angola twice sloppily passed the ball out of bounds in the space of one precious minute.
Huh? One of Angola's favored defensive tactics is to run over the ball, whether or not anybody has the ball. Lost track of how many times Portuguese players ended up getting plowed. Portugal are known for fake diving. Today they didn't have to.
The Fallout: Portugal will be happy with this point but aren't in the clear yet, though they have a great opportunity to clinch qualification by beating Iran next. Angola are up shit creek with Mexico on the horizon.
Extra: Memo to all opponents of Portugal. Figo and Ronaldo like to simply kick the ball through the legs or around defenders and then run around to get it. Sounds simple but they actually make it work most of the time. To avoid looking silly, you could use the patented Angola technique, which is to body slam them as they pass by.
posted by Journo Blog at 9:30 PM
2 Comments:
Por-tu-ga-la-lay, Por-tu-ga-la-lay!!!
They need to play better if they are to advance deep. Angola was a good first test though, as the refs so far have shown no inclination to call fouls. Playing a physical Angola team will allow them to not have to adjust when they play more difficult (and physical) competition.
That being said, 1-0?! Portugal needs to step it up if they are to advance. 1-0 against a weak Angola shows that there are holes to this team. Moreover, Ronaldo needs to bring his A game. He was dominant at times in the EuroCup 2 years ago, and needs to play decisively if Portugal is to win it all.
Portugal-Mexico should be a very exciting match. Unfortunately for both these capable teams, they have to cross with the group of death winners in the knockout stages, which likely means Argentina and Holland. I really can't see Portugal or Mexico beating Argentina or Holland in any circumstances, though I would love to see Holland-Portugal for the battle of sublime wingers: Robben, Figo, Ronaldo.
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