Portugal round-up: Boavista crash
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Article summary
Mixed fortunes for the Porto clubs as Boavista FC fall to Varzim SC and FC Porto coast to victory.
Article body
Penalty winner
The reigning champions were undone by a 21st-minute penalty from the Brazilian Vinicius, who beat substitute William Andem after goalkeeper Ricardo had been sent off for a foul on Marco Freitas.
Early setback
Vinicius had silenced the Bessa stadium with the opening goal on four minutes. And while Boavista responded to this setback with a 12th-minute equaliser from Serginho, they could not find their way back into the match for a second time.
Sporting on the brink
The result means leaders Sporting Clube de Portugal can clinch the title with victory over SL Benfica in tomorrow's Lisbon derby.
Porto go third
A Benfica win would lift them above FC Porto who moved into third place with a 4-0 success at SC Braga. South African international Benni McCarthy hit a hat-trick at the Primeiro de Maio stadium before Hélder Postiga iced the cake in time added on.
