While the rest of the Portimonense team are enjoying what manager António Folha has called a “very welcome” three-week international and Cup break – the next official match is on November 30 at home against Famalicão – four players have been in action for their respective countries.
Both Anzai and Gonda featured for Japan in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Kyrgyzstan but remained on the bench during a subsequent 4-1 ‘friendly’ defeat to Venezuela. Meanwhile, Lucas Fernandes and Rodrigo contributed to a 1-0 Brazil U-23 success over the USA in Tenerife but lost out by the same margin to Argentina.
In other news, Portimonense’s latest opponents, Marítimo, parted company with manager Nuno Manta following the disappointing 1-1 draw in Madeira, replacing the 49-year-old with ex-Reading boss José Gomes. Marítimo became the sixth top division club to take such a measure this season following previous changes at Paços de Ferreira, Sporting Lisbon, Belenenses, Aves and Vitória de Setúbal.
Folha, whose position has also been questioned, is still in charge in Portimão and is planning to overhaul his squad in January after several summer signings have failed to live up to expectations.
By SKIP BANDELE
