The way in which a friendly Lithuanian excursion group was received in the Algarve generates contradictory feelings in me. If, on the one hand, it represented a good night for the National Team and a good chat for the fan, on the other hand, it calls into question the region's good name as a safe tourist destination for those visiting from abroad.
And if, looking at the Lithuanian fans, I couldn't help but try a flashback supportive, caused by the post-traumatic stress of what it's like to go to the Algarve Stadium and leave with a rout, was quickly overtaken by that heat in the heart, which makes you think: “so this is the feeling of winning!”. Praise to the brave who allowed such therapy.
Rui Patrício
Nightmare night for Dona Beliza, mother of Rui Patrício (and no one tries to convince me that this name did not influence her son's positional choice in the field…).
Seeing her son standing there in the middle of an almost polar coldness, for more than 90 minutes, without a wool sweater, a sweater, nothing… he could only hope that his boy had taken the Oscillococcinum before entering the field.
Ricardo Pereira
It was a kind of one-person Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, attaching, inside its pocket, the entire left runner of the Baltic defense. It is true that it benefited from a kind of glasnost football that Lithuania promoted globally, but still, a great game by the full-back, tireless and with an intensity to all the competition, from the kick-off to the end of the game.
Rúben Days
So much interesting for a 22-year-old to do on a Thursday night in the Algarve, and the central having to lose 90 minutes of his life that he will never recover…
José Fonte
At the age of 36, José Fonte's situation is quite different from that of Rúben Dias. Another maturity, another serenity, other interests. He seemed frankly grateful for the opportunity to follow that hour and a half of the grass growing at the Estádio Algarve.
Mario Rui
Playing without having to think about finding a horse's head in the bed is a relief that was noticed in the Napoli player.
Ruben Neves
Today Rúben Neves was that work colleague we all have: he always walks around to look busy, but in truth we all know he has nothing to do. But also, playing with a set against this Lithuania was just a courtesy of Fernando Santos to the opponent.
Bruno Fernandes
He looked like a kid in a candy store, fascinated by the fact that he was on the field in a team that has other players besides him, and who actually know how to play. However, he resented this same reality, as well as the experience that is easily gained, even seeming like something lost at intervals, with no one to shout at.
Laces
He found it strange to start playing in a European competition, but quickly overcame the shock, taking off for a solid performance, in which he took the opportunity to exercise in moderation and score a goal with great effect.
Bernardo Silva
Quinito, a charismatic Portuguese coach, said one day about Pedro Barbosa, a mythical and virtuoso midfielder who still cries in Alvalade: “I bought Pedro just to play in the backyard”.
Well, if someday a party is organized in this backyard, Bernardo Silva is the man to call. Today it reminded me of a festivities coordinator, very busy, from one side to the other, composing the decoration, choosing the band's repertoire, tasting the food, setting the seats, ensuring that the party is beautiful and everyone has fun.
And more than just giving orders, Bernardo shows how to do it, with finesse, refinement, as well demonstrated in the goal scored. The class is beautiful to see.
Cristiano Ronaldo
In Lithuanian mythology there is a creature, Baubas, who is invoked by parents when they want children to behave well or to eat soup. When they see the hat trick Ronaldo, several opposing players were left wondering what they would have done wrong to deserve this appearance. Ask Capello.
Gonçalo Patience
I don't know what Gonçalo Paciência did to Setkus, but it sure was serious. This is the only way to explain the defenses that no one believed the Lithuanian goalkeeper was capable of making – but he did – to so many shots.
When the striker finally managed to score a goal, after so much effort and difficulties, the emotion shared in the stadium was equivalent to the moment when Marco dos Apeninos is reunited with his mother. A mixture of joy and relief to see that ordeal come to an end, therefore.
Bruma
How I understand Bruma. It's just that from the bench it also seemed easy to do everything that the players on the field did...
João Moutinho
A classic of football populism, albeit well intentioned. Put an indigenous person to please the population in the stands, even if he doesn't add anything. But the fact is, it worked.
Mainly with my aunt, who went to see the game with me, and who had asked me several times if he was playing. He always loved little kids…
Diogo Jota
Nobody forgets the first time. In the Algarve then, it becomes more memorable. It was just a pity, because that was how Éder did not enter.
Note: see here what it is kugelis
Comments