Pompey's Euro Tour up and running
Pompey looked liked they’d been playing European football for years.
But then most of their players have.
Ironically, in the team’s Euro debut they had too much experience and know-how for their opponents Guimaraes.
Not that it was straight forward.
Overall, it could have been better - Jermain Defoe missed a penalty and Armand Traore was denied by a stunning save.
But crucially it could have been worse - James produced a lucky save and they also missed from 12 yards.
Basically, we’ll take 2-0. Let’s not be greedy.
The occasion was terrific and the fans lapped up their moment in history.
The supporters were determined to make their mark on Europe and they did just that.
Our back page today (Friday) sees Harry Redknapp dedicating the win to the crowd.
Traore also talks up the atmosphere as they best he’s ever played in.
Pompey - staff, fans, players, the city - were in this together.
On the pitch two players caught my eye.
Nadir Belhadj was excellent. His partnership down the left with Traore is quick and dynamic.
They both look hungry.
Belhadj looks like he’s loving it at Fratton and the crowd have responded immediately - they love him.
His cross for Defoe’s goal was as perfect as they come.
Diarra is from another level. He knows it, Harry knows and the fans know it.
Refreshingly, the supporters also acknowldege the Frenchmen will leave at some point but are intent on enjoying him while he’s here.
It’s a rare dose of realism amid the hyperbole of professional football.
Instead of feeling bitter betrayal when he does depart for Real Madrid or the like, the majority will feel a sense of pride that the classy Frenchmen pulled on a Pompey shirt.
My hope is he gives us the rest of the season at least. That will be a fair return and there’s no doubt regular football at Fratton is making him a better player.
In the first-half, especially, Diarra was too much for Guimaraes who, nevertheless, looked an accomplished side.
When they stepped it up in the second half, it posed Pompey problems.
That was a taste of things to come in Portugal.
Two-nil alone will not be enough, but I do think Pompey have more than enough to get on the scoresheet and wrap up the tie.
AC Milan then awaits. Now that really would be mind-blowing.
But then most of their players have.
Ironically, in the team’s Euro debut they had too much experience and know-how for their opponents Guimaraes.
Not that it was straight forward.
Overall, it could have been better - Jermain Defoe missed a penalty and Armand Traore was denied by a stunning save.
But crucially it could have been worse - James produced a lucky save and they also missed from 12 yards.
Basically, we’ll take 2-0. Let’s not be greedy.
The occasion was terrific and the fans lapped up their moment in history.
The supporters were determined to make their mark on Europe and they did just that.
Our back page today (Friday) sees Harry Redknapp dedicating the win to the crowd.
Traore also talks up the atmosphere as they best he’s ever played in.
Pompey - staff, fans, players, the city - were in this together.
On the pitch two players caught my eye.
Nadir Belhadj was excellent. His partnership down the left with Traore is quick and dynamic.
They both look hungry.
Belhadj looks like he’s loving it at Fratton and the crowd have responded immediately - they love him.
His cross for Defoe’s goal was as perfect as they come.
Diarra is from another level. He knows it, Harry knows and the fans know it.
Refreshingly, the supporters also acknowldege the Frenchmen will leave at some point but are intent on enjoying him while he’s here.
It’s a rare dose of realism amid the hyperbole of professional football.
Instead of feeling bitter betrayal when he does depart for Real Madrid or the like, the majority will feel a sense of pride that the classy Frenchmen pulled on a Pompey shirt.
My hope is he gives us the rest of the season at least. That will be a fair return and there’s no doubt regular football at Fratton is making him a better player.
In the first-half, especially, Diarra was too much for Guimaraes who, nevertheless, looked an accomplished side.
When they stepped it up in the second half, it posed Pompey problems.
That was a taste of things to come in Portugal.
Two-nil alone will not be enough, but I do think Pompey have more than enough to get on the scoresheet and wrap up the tie.
AC Milan then awaits. Now that really would be mind-blowing.
Labels: AC Milan, Armand Defoe, Harry Redknapp, Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra, Nadir Belhadj, Vitoria Guimaraes
