By CHRIS WRIGHT
A very wet Wembley hosted the cream of Portugal and England’s young talent on Saturday.
The important European Under-21 Championship qualifier was enjoyed by a sell-out crowd of 30,000 including SC Olhanense fans Brian Evans, Pete Tye and a number of Portuguese friends.
Their adventure started at Faro Airport where they met international star Samuel Eto’o on his way to Morocco, where his goal helped to secure Cameroon a place in the World Cup finals in South Africa next June.
The group arrived at Wembley, with their flags and banners, and were invited into the hospitality area at the mecca of world football.
Olhanense keeper Ventura and winger Ukra made the starting line-up whilst Castro entered the fray as a second-half substitute.
Ukra continued his impressive season with a solid display that will have impressed the scouts from numerous clubs, including Newcastle United.
Danny Rose, the Tottenham winger currently on loan at Peterborough United, scored five minutes from half-time to secure an England win.
Brian Evans said: “Despite the atrocious weather, it didn’t stop raining all weekend, we had a tremendous time. After the game, we travelled to SW London and watched Portugal play Bosnia-Hertzogovina at a café in ‘Little Portugal’.”
Olhanense drought continues with 1-0 defeat
This Carlsberg League Cup tie was Olhanense’s ninth game without a win. Fellow Liga Sagres team Paços de Ferreira needed to win by three clear goals to qualify for the next phase but for the home side it was a non-event.
Having lost their first match 2-0 at Estoril, in the three team group, there was no way they could qualify.
Olhanense, with nine players missing through international calls, injury and suspension, did well to contain a full strength Ferreira side although a single goal from Leonel Olimpio was sufficient for victory.
Substitute Toy was in fine form and nearly snatched a late equaliser for the home side. This cup competition needs to be revamped if it is to maintain the interest of the public as the meagre crowd of 679 demonstrated.
Olhanense have no game this weekend but entertain V.Guimarães at home on Friday, November 27, kick-off 8.15pm.
For further information, please contact Emily Richardson at [email protected] (tel. 939 486870) or Chris Wright at [email protected] (tel. 916 504 903)
