On Wednesday evening, 11 February 2009, Portugal played Finland in an international friendly at the Algarve Stadium, Faro. The match was the last opportunity for the national football team to get some match practice in and for manager, Carlos Queiroz, to try out some new players in defence, before the crucial game in Porto next month against Sweden; a game that Portugal must win to make it into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The match managed to attract nearly 20,000 spectators, and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It was our first trip to the fantastic Algarve Stadium (which has a 30,000 capacity) and our 20€ tickets, for the central stand, were worth every penny! (We even got a free brochure and Cristiano Ronaldo poster!). Tickets started from only 5€ for children, with 10€, 15€ and 20€ tickets available, so it meant the whole family could turn out to support their team. Having been in the Algarve for Euro 2004, we know how much Portuguese people love their football and what gracious fans they are too, and this match was no different – the crowds cheered and chanted from the minute the team came through the tunnel, danced in their seats to the music and showed their enjoyment with a series of Mexican waves! One little boy in front of was intent on keeping our section chanting with his repetitions of “Por-tu-gal”, and we couldn’t help but join in!
Before the match kicked off, fans were treated to a unique tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo and award from the Portuguese Federation to recognise his achievement in winning the FIFA World Player of the Year 2008. After the lit celebration banner had gone out and the smoke had disappeared the match was underway. Portugal got off to a great start, with a series of chances starting with Ronaldo, and majority of possession, but the Finns did not let up with a strong defence, despite posing little attacking threat. Portugal demonstrated some exquisite football with a great sequence between Nani, Ronaldo and Deco and Ronaldo’s footwork continually impressed (it’s even more impressive from the sideline!).
Second half was still as exciting, favouring the Portugal front line again, but we had to wait until the 79th minute to see a goal! Ronaldo scored a penalty after Sami Hyypia fouled substitute striker Danny. It was what all the fans had been waiting for, and we were all relieved when time was called and we’d held on to our win!
Having read several articles reporting on the match since, the general view seems to be that Portugal finished poorly or failed to impress, but we would have to disagree; and so would Ronaldo! Ronaldo declared himself "very satisfied" with Portugal's 1-0 victory over Finland (source: goal.com) and while we’re no football experts, Portugal created more than 20 chances, but it showed how good the Finnish defence was and that we also didn’t let up. On a more important note, sharing in the atmosphere was priceless! We couldn’t believe that at the end of the match we were walking out of the stadium with 20,000 other fans at 11pm, and there wasn’t any pushing or shoving and there wasn’t an aggressive tone to be heard – a real accolade to all the fans!
Click here to see our Portugal Vs Finland video!