You may start being forgiven for thinking deja vu was occurring with all the TFC teams that have been playing against us of late, but you can relax as this was a different TFC team in the shape of TFC Benfica.. I think.
With having played so many, there was a certain style about the TFC sides that were looking to build from the back and try and push numbers forward. Porto on the back of a gritty draw on Thursday night against the Chivas, were in no mood for pleasantry's and were quick to stamp their authority on the game as early as the 2nd minute when Ryan managed to make a block just outside the box and then Cole muscled his way through to notch the opener. As the half progressed, TFC were not showing signs of being the bottom of the table side that many would have them believe as there was much to admire and TFC could have got back on level terms mid half when a quick counter saw a four on two, but the finish just lacked any conviction. Porto were now looking to use their attacks to counter attack themselves and through the midfield, the speed of play was unlocking our strikers to get into good positions to test the Benfica back line. With both sides trading punches throughout the half, no further goals were scored. HT 1-0
At the half, Coach was quick to praise the strength being shown and also the ability to put into practice all that had been discussed pre game and during. Players were starting to find their strengths at just the right time and players that had been supporting characters for much the season, now were starting to step up and take charge.
The second half was a near mirror of the first when great play from Porto could have and should have put the game out of reach of Benfica reach, but some fine saves and some unlucky efforts going wide kept Benfica in the game. For most of the half, Dani was a spectator in the Porto goal, but as all good goalkeepers show, he was more than alert when needed as Benfica had two or three good chances to level the game from set pieces and breakaways. Porto now though was getting a firm understanding of their opponents and were using their numbers in attack to break quickly and cause Benfica problems. The breathing space came 15 minutes into the half when near similar to the first goal, Cole won the ball on the edge of the box and David was on hand to drill home. Porto were able to calm the game down for the remainder of the half, but could have extended their lead through Kevin, Max, Owen and David. FT 2-0
MVP
This goes to a player who I felt looked every bit at home in his right striking position. When asked to time his runs, be on hand for the through balls and also to get on the end of crosses, Owen was there and showed great smarts when needing to calm the play down and bring others in. This was by far Owen’s best game I have seen him play and again a player stepping up to the plate at just the right time!! Well Done Owen!!
