Benfica - Vitoria Guimaraes

[Timmy]

Anybody see this? I didn't.

All I know is that they took the full points, Assis had another good showing, Miguel played, and by scanning Marco's old forum- Portistas are starting to get antsy.

It's been too long since accusations of bribery, Al-Queda moles, and Death Ray guns have been lobbed at Benfica. But apparently that was all in play in turning a sure 17-0 defeat to a 2-1 victory.

[Tinto]

I heard the game. Sounded like it was a great effort by both sides, with only the questionable red marring the reffing.

What exactly is Miguel's injury, and why does Trap keep bringing him back before he's fully healed?

[Timmy]

It's a leg muscle.

Those injuries are tricky. You can clear a guy, then he goes out and pulls something again. It's easy to second guess. It's not like Trapp himself is clearing him to practice and play, there are trainers who are part of the process (I assume).

I have had more problem with the Benfica medical staff in the past. Miguel's injury seems to me to be the kind that is normal in a long season. He went from last season to Euro '04 to this season with little break.

[RedEagle]

Tremendous 1st half by Benfica and in particular Giovanni, who had the best 45 minutes of his entire Benfica career.

Benfica dictated play in the first half and the quick combo's between Assis, Giovanni and Nuno worked to perfection in both goals.

However after the half, Guimaraes quickly got one back on a bad break down by Miguel, (he's still not in game shape), and Benfica as per Trap's usual coaching was content on defending the result. It almost cost us, but it was a solid win, with Quim making a good save to keep the score as it was.

Thought the ref was actually pretty good, considering the ref of the Porto-Belenenses game, who completely ripped off Belenenses a number of times, but not as grievously as the penalty that should have been given on Ricardo for his clear foul of Lourenco inside the box.

Let's just hope Giovanni brings another 45 minutes like that this Thursday against CSKA!

[Pila]

Red pretty much echoed my thoughts, so I'll just put a few more random thoughts to cyber paper here.

Surprisingly, it has been Giovani the last few months who has been having some good games. He needs to keep that up.

Nuno Gomes plays well with his back to the goal (both assists were brilliant one-twos), too bad he isn't as good when he's actually facing the goal. Good game, though.

Simao is tired.

Miguel didn't know Cesar Peixoto on at his back. Not an excuse, he should have known.

Finally, a legitimate save by Quim. Can't remember the last time he saved a goal where a goalie had no business saving.

Fyssas still sucks.

That is all.

[Timmy]

Does Moreira get any run before the end of the year?

The league race is tight.

UEFA is playoff mode, and that could end next game.

Taca?

I hope he doesn't pull a T.O. and arrange a move somewhere else.

[Pila]

.....He who?

[Flo]

Red pretty much echoed my thoughts, so I'll just put a few more random thoughts to cyber paper here.

Surprisingly, it has been Giovani the last few months who has been having some good games. He needs to keep that up.

Nuno Gomes plays well with his back to the goal (both assists were brilliant one-twos), too bad he isn't as good when he's actually facing the goal. Good game, though.

Simao is tired.

Miguel didn't know Cesar Peixoto on at his back. Not an excuse, he should have known.

Finally, a legitimate save by Quim. Can't remember the last time he saved a goal where a goalie had no business saving.

Fyssas still sucks.

That is all.

With all this being said, Pila just echoed my thoughts. And I'm traveling on business right now in sunny San Diego....So for you east coasters wanting to visit a west coast destination, skip San Fran and go straight to San Diego...This place still mystifies me and I'm trying to talk Mrs. Flo into moving down here and us doing a little investing. ;)

[RedEagle]

With all this being said, Pila just echoed my thoughts. And I'm traveling on business right now in sunny San Diego....So for you east coasters wanting to visit a west coast destination, skip San Fran and go straight to San Diego...This place still mystifies me and I'm trying to talk Mrs. Flo into moving down here and us doing a little investing. ;)

My favorite Cali destination is San Diego and the burbs there. Love that little city. Ya got Tijuana within walking distance, access to Baja, and southern cali beaches, as well as La Jolla. If I could convince the Mrs to move, that would be one of the final destinations. Northern Cali, has its virtues, saw Sideways the other day, although the movie takes place in the wine country of northern LA, it's just not enough to convince me though.

[Razor]

With all this being said, Pila just echoed my thoughts. And I'm traveling on business right now in sunny San Diego....So for you east coasters wanting to visit a west coast destination, skip San Fran and go straight to San Diego...This place still mystifies me and I'm trying to talk Mrs. Flo into moving down here and us doing a little investing. ;)

If I had to live anywhere besides New England, it would be SD, hands down. Granted, I'm a guy who could live on nothing but Mexican food but SD has it all; clime, talent, lifestyle. All good! La Jolla's top notch, but I have a softspot for PB still. SD also boasts the biggest Boston ex-pat population of any metropolitan area.

Flo - it's not die-hard authentic Mexican, but its prime for taking the missus: Pico de Gallo at the Old Town heritage park. Nice outdoor area, shops she'll dig. It'll give you some points before you sneak out to TJ after she nods off ;).