Portugal round-up: Winning start for Porto
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Article summary
FC Porto began their title defence with victory against SC Braga, while SL Benfica drew with Boavista FC.
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Porto prevail
South African Benni McCarthy put Porto ahead in the 22nd minute, scoring from close range after Braga keeper Quim Silva had parried a Nuno Valente free-kick. The UEFA Cup holders sealed the points with eight minutes remaining when McCarthy's Brazilian strike partner Derlei converted an Edgaras Jankauskas pass.
Bruising encounter
Meanwhile, Boavista and Benfica both missed chances in a scrappy game in which eight yellow cards were shown. Benfica's Brazilian defender Cristiano Rocha came closest to breaking the deadlock when his 73rd-minute effort hit the crossbar.
Sporting success
In Saturday's match, Sporting Clube de Portugal came from behind to win 2-1 at AA Coimbra. The deciding goal came two minutes into injury time when Sporting captain Beto Severo struck from close range. The visitors had trailed to Filipe Alvim's 53rd-minute goal but equalised through Luís Lourenço shortly after.
Home and away
Elsewhere, CS Marítimo and Moreirense FC enjoyed 1-0 home wins against SC Beira-Mar and Rio Ave FC respectively. CD Nacional beat FC Paços de Ferreira 2-0 at home, while FC Alverca won 1-0 at Gil Vicente FC.