Guadiana Tournament
The traditional four team invitation preseason competition opened with a convincing win by Portuguese Cup winners Vitoria de Setúbal over Spanish equivalent Betis Seville in Ayamonte. Ricardo Chaves and Nandinho opened up an early 2-0 lead, which Betis were never able to peg back. Juanito did get on the scoresheet for the Spaniards with 10 minutes remaining, but that was it.
Middlesbrough, who have great Premiership aspirations, arrived in Portimão with star names such as Mendietta, Parlour, Downing, Hasselbainck and Yakubo in their starting line-up. Opponents Sporting were not impressed. Schwartzer, in the ‘Boro goal, could do little to prevent Rochemback from powering home a shot in the 18th minute to give the Lions the lead. Things got worse. Boateng received his marching orders just before the interval and Deivid doubled the advantage on his debut 20 minutes into the second half. Manoel made it 3-0 two minutes later and Rochemback again rounded a comprehensive win off with a penalty.
Setúbal and Sporting played out the final at the Algarve Stadium last Saturday night. João Moutinho turned in an impressive display breaking the deadlock six minutes into the second half before Varela assured victory with a close range finish in the 86th minute.
PORTIMONENSE
After sifting through a plethora of affordable Brazilian players, midfielder Luis Marques completed coach Diamantino Miranda’s restructured team for the coming season, which kicks off in two weeks time. The 24-year-old from Gama has a powerful shot and has signed on for one season initially with Portimão holding a further option. He joins fellow reinforcements Ricardo Pessoa (V. Setúbal), Filipe (Beira-Mar), Marco Abreu (Olhanense), Vitor Silva (Santa Clara), João Paulo (Casa Pia) and Schuster (D. Sandinenses) in a squad that has been put together in relative tranquillity for the first time in three years. Of the old guard, the three goalkeepers led by Nuno Ricardo remain, as does central defender Duka. Diamantino Miranda is also content to continue to rely on his prolific forward line-up of Mateus, Piojo, Serjão and Cavaco. Of course, integrating so many new faces will take some time as the first two preseason friendlies have demonstrated. Twenty-one players were used in a 2-0 defeat by Odivelas, whereas second half substitutions allowed Casa Pia to come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. Further test matches will take place during this weekend’s Algarve Tournament and against Silves on the 10th of this month. It is hoped that Portimonense can attack the promotion places from a secure middle of the table position in this playing period.
Home highlights
September 18: v Barreirense
November 20: v Beira-Mar
January 15: v Estoril
March 19: v Olhanense
OLHANENSE
Central defender Évora from Santa Clara and midfielder Helder Costa, lately active for Excelsior in Holland, completed manager Paulo Sérgio’s preseason activity on the transfer market. They join Faria (U. Leiria) and Ernesto (Gondomar) in a team that has largely retained its successful formation of last season. The first serious test of the season ended in a 0-0 draw against Vitória de Setúbal. Further games will follow this weekend after Silves were despatched 3-1 last Saturday.
Home highlights
October 23: v Barreirense
November 6: v Portimonense
December 18: v Beira-Mar
February 12: v Estoril
FOOTBALL SHORTS
• Algarve United owner Corrado Correggi has confirmed that Paul Gascoigne has agreed to manage the District League side, at a meeting in an Aljezur restaurant. Gazza will be assisted by former Scottish international William Kirkwood and Portuguese Marco Sousa. Already active, Gascoigne is currently observing the Algarve U20.
• Former SuperLiga side Farense will be forced to start the new season by fielding a junior 11 for the third year in succession. Outstanding debts prevent the board from signing contracts with senior players.
• West Bromwich Albion took on Sporting in Albufeira’s municipal stadium; manager Bryan Robson putting out an ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation in an effort to prevent a similar 5-0 hammering suffered at the hands of Benfica. Sporting still won 3-1 finishing the game with no less than six players aged 20 or under.
• Plans for this weekend’s Algarve Tournament have been finalised. Today (August 5), an Algarve XI will play Silves at 7.30pm in Portimão, followed by Silves v Portimonense at 8.30pm and Portimonense v Algarve XI an hour later. On the same evening, at the same times, Louletano v Imortal, Olhanense v Louletano and Imortal v Olhanense will play in Albufeira. The final will take place on Sunday at Loulé’s municipal stadium.
• Praia da Rocha will host the final round of the beach football Mini World Championships between August 9 and 14. Games between teams representing Portugal, Uruguay, Holland, France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Ukraine will commence at 2pm each day. Admission is free. Beach football has now gained official FIFA recognition.
