"The England-Portugal tussle - and it was one - was fascinating, if hardly a soccer classic.
These were two teams deeply aware of each other with club teammates across both teams. England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has twice coached Benfica of Portugal and lives there when not in England, was in his final match for this job. On the other side, "Big Phil" - Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari - was riding a record 12-game World Cup winning streak. Just a month ago, he turned down the English FA's invitation to become Eriksson's successor. He said he was unable to accept such a job while there was still one to complete. As it turned out, the task was against the English.
For little Portugal, the planets are perfectly aligned and all is right in its universe. For the first time in 40 years, it has reached the World Cup semifinals. According to Portuguese goalkeeper Alexandre Ricardo, God must have willed it."
For Marcos' full report go to the Tampa Tribune >>
About Me
- USL
- The largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the grassroots level in every community. The USL First Division and Second Division (North American men’s professional soccer), the USL Premier Development League (U23 North American men’s amateur), the USL W-League (North American women’s amateur), the USL Super-20 League (U20 North American men’s and women’s amateur) and the USL Super Y-League (North American boy’s and girl’s elite youth amateur) have provided a platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams since 1986. This vision and commitment to develop a soccer nation by fans, investors, administrators, coaches, and players has created the foundation for the growth of the sport, while presenting affordable, exciting family entertainment in over 100 cities and towns on the continent.