Today's Porto-Arsenal match up was a heated affair contested at a frenetic pace, and was a great showcase of all soccer has to offer. Even the most casual of fans would have thoroughly enjoyed it. There was something for everyone; bone crushing tackles, end to end action, fluid ball movement, mazy dribbles, and a whole lot of controversy.
The Swedish referee, Martin Hansson, who is no stranger to the spotlight - it was under his watch that France dispelled Ireland with a certain hand ball you may have heard about - again put in a questionable performance. He simply allowed the players to get away with too much. This all boiled over during Porto's goal. Hansson correctly whistled down Fabianski's infringement when he picked up a back pass from Sol Campbell; however, his allowance of Porto's astute free kick, though technically correct, was a bit dubious in my opinion. Kudos to Ruben Micael and Falcao's quick wit, but I know that had it played out differently, with the tables turned, I would have been furious Porto suffered such a defeat. Either way, I'm extremely satisfied with Porto's victory tonight, and hope they go very far in this tournament, as they are great representatives of the Portuguese league.
What are your thoughts on Hansson's decision? Do you agree with the way that goal was scored?
P.S. Silvestre Varela scored his 11th goal in all competitions, and put in a Man of the Match performance according to UEFA. The national team awaits...
P.P.S. I wish Hulk was Portuguese, what a sensational player!
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Here's another appearance of 'luck'. You're right, the decision to allow the quick free kick while the team was compromised was technically correct, but not every referee would have allowed it.
ReplyDeleteIt is referees discretion, and while I also would've been pissed off if the tables had been turned, I subscribe to the notion that bitching after every call will get you in trouble. Here it had the worst of consequences.
When the referee puts his hand up to reward a free kick, you prepare, don't go on bitching...
Hopefully Porto makes it far in the champions league. The further a portuguese team goes in a tourney, the higher Portugal as a soccer super power will rise !
ReplyDeleteI really hate Porto but I would have to agree with Nene! I have a feeling Hulk wont be selected for Brasil's National team. We could of used him lol... I hate having non portuguese players playing for our country but we sure couldve used him. Solid!
ReplyDeleteThe second goal was hilarious!!!!! What a way to win.
ReplyDeleteZhine is right, bitching doesn't get you anywhere and this time Arsenal paid the ultimate price.
VIVA PORTO!