Diego on show in Tokyo
Friday 10 December 2004
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By Nuno Tavares
It is fitting that a Brazilian starlet will be on Europe's side in the final European/South American Cup as this continent's champions FC Porto take on their South American counterparts CD Once Caldas.
Samba stars
South American stars have long starred for Europe's top clubs in the competition with Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos among the goals in recent seasons. Now, in the final year of the competition which is to be replaced by the FIFA World Club Championship, one of South America's brightest youngsters will be centre stage for Porto.
Debut season
Idolised at the Vila Belmiro, where his memory still haunts Santos FC fans, Diego is experiencing a difficult first season at the Estádio do Dragão. The same breathtaking moves which have earned him plaudits have also made him the main target of Porto's opponents. The 19-year-old has already endured several injuries due to some close attention, but he is hoping to win his first Porto silverware in Yokohama.
The insider
"I'm looking forward to playing in Japan," he told uefa.com. "The team is improving with every game and I strongly believe that we can beat Once Caldas." The Colombians are virtually unknown in Europe, but Diego is well aware of the perils that lie ahead of Porto, having faced the Manizales outfit last May, when Santos were beaten in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. "Luck had nothing to do with their victory. They are hard to play against and tactically very strong," he warned.
No favourites
Since Once Caldas's stunning triumph, several key players have left the team, with attacking midfield player Arnulfo Valentierra leading the way. But Diego remains wary. "It is true they have lost some important players but that doesn't necessarily mean our job is going to be easier," he said. "I'm sure they are still going to be very solid defensively and quick on the counterattack. We can't really talk of favourites in this kind of competition."
Bouncing back
Porto have enjoyed two years of incredible success, but they have looked more vulnerable this season. However, after scoring with a terrific volley on Tuesday to help his side win 2-1 against Chelsea FC and reach the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, Diego believes that things are on the up. "I'm still not at the top of my game, but I'm getting closer," he said.
Under pressure
"I think the turbulent period we faced at the start of this season is pretty normal, because you have to remember that there has been a lot of changes in the team. Everybody expects us to achieve great results, especially after last season's Champions League triumph. We have to deal with that pressure and I think the response of the team on the field speaks for itself."
Pelé praise
Diego knows all about the burden of such expectations, as Pelé once said that his young compatriot could turn out to be a better player than him. But for now his focus remains on Porto. "It's wonderful to be here. I'm in a great club and I have to be thankful for that. I just have to work hard everyday in order to help the team," Diego explained.
Playing to win
And the Brazilian means business. Forget all about the wonder boy that embodied football's soul at the empty lots of Ribeirão Preto. Never mind the electrifying teenager capable of elevating the game to the realms of magic. Playing for pure pleasure is no longer an option. There's a new Diego in town.
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