Pedigree no comfort for Porto in Kiev

Yuri Semin may disagree but Jesualdo Ferreira knows FC Porto's glorious past will count for nothing in their must-win game at FC Dynamo Kyiv, saying: "Who cares now that Porto won the Champions League a few years ago?"

Business as usual
With the Ukrainian pacesetters second in Group G on five points, a home victory against the Portuguese champions would take Dynamo five points clear of Ferreira's men – and closer to their first last-16 place in a decade. However, Semin is reluctant to get too excited until a top-two finish is secured. "We will just stick to our usual method – giving full attention to our next fixture and to our own game," the 61-year-old said. "If we play well, we will get points. If we play badly, we won't and we won't qualify for anything."

Selection quandary
Semin's circumspection may have something to do with selection headaches. Holding midfielder Ayila Yussuf is a long-time absentee with a serious thigh injury while centre-back Malkhaz Asatiani and midfielder Miloš Ninković are both doubtful. However, the trainer's main problem is whether to field an attacking lineup against Porto with two strikers or opt for a pair of defensive midfielders. "There are questions before any match," he said, adding diplomatically: "Everyone is in good spirits, everyone is ready to play and determined to fight."

Relative inexperience
The Russian has Dynamo purring this season. They top their Premier League table and have adapted well to European competition too. "The lads have grown in confidence," said the former FC Lokomotiv Moskva and Russia coach. "They have top-class match experience now. We have several players who had never played in the Champions League before." Of the opposition, he added: "One of Porto's strongest points is their experience. They won the [2003/04] Champions League and [2002/03] UEFA Cup and they are always champions of their country, but if we use our trumps wisely and play at our best, we will be able to expose their weak spots."

'History means nothing'
Recent results in Portugal have left Ferreira with a less rosy view of Porto's pedigree than his opposite number has. Having lost three successive competitive fixtures for the first time since May 2005, Ferreira is eager to make a break with the past. "History means nothing in football," he said. "Who cares now that Porto won the Champions League a few years ago? All that matters is what happens here. We came here with a clear understanding that we have no other choice but to win this game, and I believe we have the ability to do that." His charges are down in sixth place in the Liga, while lying third in Group G.

'Not shaken'
Ferreira will be deprived of goalkeeper Helton and defender Nelson Benítez yet argues that adversity can make his side stronger. "It often happens that negative factors compel players to perform above their normal level," he said. "We were unlucky to lose three games in a row and that is why I hope the team will be totally committed. My players deserve my trust. Those defeats have not shaken me and nothing will be able to unsettle my team."