Sporting CP - Autumn Roundup

24th September 

The international break finally underway and the first lion up was Maxi Araújo who scored Uruguay's only goal in a 3-1 loss to Japan. New boss Diego Forlán started him left of a midfield four. His goal came from an initial deflected shot which went behind him on the edge of the six yard box, Maxi turns and falls back as he strikes the ball which lifts above the keeper and into the far corner of the net for 1-1. Ironically it was probably the loss of balance meaning he was leaning back that enabled him to score from such a tight angle. Zalazar came on as substitute for the remaining 22 minutes. 

In Serbia, Vagiannidis started for Greece and played the full 90. Ioaniddis came on a substitute with 62 minutes gone as Greece came from a goal down to win 2-1 late into additional time. 

In Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales Rui Silva used his arse to warm the bench. Fuck knows where Inácio was, perhaps he missed the team coach.

25th September

Geny Catamo started, playing the full 90 for Mozambique and scored in their 1-1 draw with Senegal. The goal coming a minute into additional time at the end of the 45, 22 yards from goal. It wasn't pretty it's fair to say going through a crowded box but importantly it did nestle into the bottom left hand corner.

Over in Australia, Nestory Irankunda started and scored their only goal in a 1-1 draw with Brazil. What a goal it was too coming from a 24 yard free kick that left the keeper flat footed and if that wasn't impressive enough the backflip goal celebration was next level. I think we might have an idea who'll be on free kick duty for the lions. Special note for the pitch - I'll stop moaning about the current quality of the José Alvalade after seeing that. Their groundstaff are going to be replacing divots for the next fortnight. 

Jesse Derry opened the scoring for England U20s against Italy in Spain scoring from 8 yards into the bottom left hand corner after a long run into the box. He also added an assist in the lions 3-1 win turning his marker inside out before cutting the ball back inside the box. Interestingly both goal and assist came from the right flank and not the left. 

Rafael Nel played the last 17 minutes in Portugal U21s loss to Bulgaria away. Flávio Gonçalves an unused substitute. No sign of Felicíssimo in the matchday squad however.

Issa Doumbia made his Italy debut in the 2-0 home loss to Belgium coming on with ten minutes to go and I might be biased but to me he looked every inch an international player. Plenty of industry, ball carries and good link up play. You imagine new boss Roberto Mancini would be happy with his performance.