soccer-europe.com

26 May 2004

MONACO 0-3 PORTO

Morientes made the final but Giuly went off injured mid-way through an awful first half with Prso coming on in his place. I'm not sure why Deschamps threw on another striker as without Giuly Rothen was the only creative outlet and he failed to deliver a decent cross all night. Porto didn't have that problem and it was a cross by Mendes' which helped give them the lead. Carlos Alberto tried to meet the ball on the turn but scuffed his shot, Zikos made a hash of clearing and the 19 year old hit a stunning volley over Roma.

Deco broke from his own half as Monaco waited for the ref to blow for a foul on Morientes, he passed wide to Alenichev, Alenichev passed back and with three defenders standing off him he lifted the ball into the bottom corner. Deco stole the ball off Ibarra and launched it downfield, Derlei headed it back to Alenitchev, the Russian looked to play a one-two and as he continued his run into the box Derlei tried his luck with a speculative effort, the ball cannoned off a defender, dropped into the path of the onrushing Alenichev and he sent a right foot volley rasping into the net. For some reason Baia took it upon himself to roll around on the floor and waste time and Evra missed the chance of a consolation goal.

This match wasn't much of a spectacle because Porto shut down Monaco's attacks, and I use the term lightly, with ridiculous ease although the French were screwed by three offside decisions. The match was also hurt by a lack of atmosphere inside the stadium. Porto have won more European Cups than Barca and the same number as the likes of Inter and Juventus. Some ammunition for their supporters ahead of the inevitable break-up of their team who are worthy Champions of Europe. Porto become the first team to win the UEFA Cup and European Cup in successive seasons since Liverpool in the 70s and Mourinho really is the best coach in the World. Hopefully next years finalists will produce a five goal thriller.

Assist : Alenichev