CLOSER LOOK AT FC PORTO Like Deportivo, FC Porto has surprised Europe when they defeated Manchester United with attractive football. The Portuguese ‘brothers’ made no mistake in their last two games against a dangerous Lyon. Reason enough not to underestimate them and to take a closer look at the team. FC Porto’s starting line up against Deportivo in the semi-final of the Champions League will not differ much from the team that played against Lyon in the quarterfinals (2-2). With Nuno (ex–Deportivo) on the bench, the goal will be defended by veteran Vitor Baia, who has found his second youth at his age of 34; in front of him we see a line of four men in which especially the two central defenders, Jorge Costa and Ricardo Carvalho are performing very well. Both are very solid in the air and have important international experience. At the flanks of the back two young promising players like Paulo Ferreira and Nuno Valente give the team attacking impulses. The fullbacks are free to go forward to help the offensive game of FC Porto. In the centre of the midfield, Costinha stands out as only defensive midfielder, who surprises the enemy with his headers, corners and free kicks. With Alenichev and Maniche playing wide in midfield, Porto’s play is focused on the two attacking midfielders. Deco and Alberto Costa are the two ‘mediapuntas’ of the team and are responsible for the creativity, just as Valeron is for Deportivo. Normally Derlei is the first choice striker of the ‘Dragoes’, but the also lethal Benni McCarthy has been a worthy replacement of the injured striker. Successful coach Mourinho has formed his team playing with short passes. Most of this passes search for their star player Deco, who has been a hot item in Europe since last season. The media was also full of praise to their other attacking midfielder, Carlos Alberto, who had some good performances against Manchester United. The biggest mistake Deportivo could make is to underestimate the in form Uefa cup holders, but it is not probable Irureta’s men will make the same mistake as Juventus and Milan did against.......Depor. C --

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