By CHRIS WRIGHT
The pitch at the São Luis Stadium, Faro, which resembled a cross between a beach and a potato field, was no place for cultured football when Olhanense played Farense last week.
The result, 0-0, was immaterial and both teams will have been relieved to escape without injuries. It was, therefore, no wonder that the Algarve Football Association Tournament, due to take place at the same venue, was rescheduled for the Municipal Stadium at Albufeira.
The first semi-final between local Premier League rivals Olhanense and new boys Portimonense was a lively affair. There were five yellow cards shown, with both teams looking a little unsettled particularly at the back.
The Olhão team started with nine new signings, as regulars Djalmir, Anselmo, Delson, Rui Duarte and Toy were rested.
Centre-backs Mexer (ex-Sporting) and the dominant Mauricio (ex-Feirense) snuffed out many of the Portimonense attacks but Mauricio’s distribution needs to improve.
Keeper Ricardo Batista (ex-Sporting) almost gifted the Portimão side a goal with a sloppy clearance.
Then the deadlock was nearly broken just before half-time when Ismaily’s (ex-Estoril) rasping shot was pushed away to safety by the Portimonense keeper.
In the second period both teams seemed more settled and Clécio (ex-AIK, Greece) made an impressive debut for Olhanense, with several decisive runs.
One jinxing run and interplay with Vinicius (ex-Aves) was the best move of the game and only a stunning save by the keeper kept the scoreline at 0-0.
Portimonense were denied a goal when second-half substitute keeper Bruno Verissimo dashed from his line to make a
vital clearance.
Following the 0-0 draw, Olhanense edged through to the final winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2.
In the other semi-final, Louletano (Loulé) beat Farense 1-0. The following day Louletano beat Olhanense 2-1 after being 1-0 down to a Clécio goal.
Joshua Silva, on loan from Olhanense, scored the winning goal for the Loulé team.
Daúto Faquirá is hoping to bring in another midfield player and an attacker before the season gets underway against V.Guimarães on Monday, August 16.
FOUR ALGARVE PLAYERS IN UNDER 21 SQUAD
André Pinto, Candeias and Ventura (Portimonense) and João Gonçalves (Olhanense) are in the squad to face Lithuania on August 11. Castro and Ukra (FC Porto), on loan at Olhanense for the past two seasons, are also joined by João Silva (Everton) and Miguel Vítor (Leicester City) for the European 2011 Under21 qualifier.
Greece head the group on 16 points from seven games, followed by England (11pts – 6 games), Portugal (7pts – 5 games), Lithuania (5pts – 6 games) and Macedonia (2 pts – 6 games).
Portugal play their crucial home game against England at the City Stadium, Bercelos on Friday, September 3.
