IMORTAL FOOTBALL CLUB ALBUFEIRA

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Imortal Albufeira 1 - 1 Juventude Évora

A highly frustrating game, for both teams and for different reasons. Imortal had trouble scoring last season and that hasn't changed! They badly need someone in midfield who can think quickly and pass accurately. So many times the build up was far too slow, allowing Évora to get organised. And far too many times the ball was given away, prompting groans from most of those present.

Évora would surely have won had they not been reduced to ten men a minute after half time, when Matsimbe was dismissed after a second yellow card.

The afternoon was bright and sunny, but rather windy. The pitch was hard in some areas, making control a little difficult. But some parts had been watered and that was probably the cause of an early scare for Imortal when Torres slipped in front of goal and lost the ball. Luckily the ensuing effort was both weak and wide. Évora pressed, crosses came in but new goalkeeper Lucas Texeira showed a safe pair of hands.

Imortal gradually got back into the game. Elvis Odukporo had a great run down the left wing thwarted by a loss of control. Midfielder Leandro Cortez, another new face, was busy but earned himself a booking. A great chance fell their way midway through the half. The Évora 'keeper fumbled a cross, Torres and Duarte got in each others way trying to get the rebound, a half clearance was lashed over the bar.

Évora responded. Imortal gave the ball away, Tomas Lima sped towards goal, beat the defenders and his low hard shot into the far corner gave Teixeira no chance.

Play became scrappy. Tidjane Baldé was booked after what the referee saw as a poor challenge and probably for dissent.

Just before the break, Évora should have gone two up. Some neat footwork and a bit of ball juggling enabled Vieira to outwit two defenders, but his shot went across the goal and out to safety. There was time for Tidjane Baldé to hammer a shot wide from distance.

Imortal were winning the free kicks conceded count 11 - 5 at half time. It got worse! The second half was a start stop affair of petty fouls and the usual hysterical play acting at any contact.

No doubt words were said in the home changing room at half time. Imortal made a double change, taking off Cortez and Bruno Pereira, replacing them with Cruz annd Fadigas.

Within a minute of the restart, Évora were down to ten. Matsimba flattened Fadigas, earned a second yellow and off he went. Matters became rather heated. A clash right in front of the Évora bench earned Duarte a yellow, as did one of the visitors coaching staff, who proceeded to stamp up and down complaining about the injustice of it all.

Imortal equalised on 15 minutes, given as an own goal. A corner taken by Fadigas floated towards the far post, the 'keeper called and missed, possibly the wind took it a little. Forwards and defenders rose, someone headed it gently into the net. André Farinha of Évora was held responsible.

Tidjane Baldé continued to be a threatening presence for Imortal. Determined play down the right wing earned a free kick. A well worked routine ended with captain Pedro Rodrigues blasting a shot just over the bar. Minutes later, Duarte (aka Marocas) headed wide from five metres out, a free header from a great cross by Fábio Santos.

Imortal bossed the game in terms of possession for the final twenty minutes, but to no gain. They were too slow, concentrating on not losing the ball (in which they failed) rather than doing something constructive with it. Évora were content to sit back and play for the point. There was just one half chance for Imortal, but Torres failed to finish.

Next weekend, Imortal travel to Lisbon to play Oriental, currently 4th. Imortal are 12th of 14 teams, with just the one point.

Match Statistics

Free kicks conceded : Imortal 22, Évora 15
Offside : Imortal 3, Évora 0
Shots on target : Imortal 1, Évora 3
Shots off target : Imortal 6, Évora 4
Shots blocked : Imortal 3, Évora 2
Corners : Imortal 3, Évora 2
Yellow cards : Imortal 5, Évora 4
Red cards : Évora 1 (two yellows).