Three Portuguese teams have made the final four of the Europa League, setting up a potential all-Portugal final. The team with the chance to spoil the party is Villarreal, who face red-hot Porto.
Porto Vs. Villarreal, 2011 UEFA Europa League: Cani Goal Gives Yellow Submarine Halftime Lead
Hulk has been Porto’s most dangerous player, just as he has been all season. He’s narrowly missed a couple of powerful shots, but he hasn’t forced Diego Lopez into any stunning saves. Though Porto have looked dangerous, they probably should have challenged the goalkeeper much more than they have. Their finishing, thus far, has not been up to par.
Porto are playing a high defensive line to help them keep possession, and that strategy backfired on the 45th minute goal by Villarreal. Nilmar, drifting out to the right hand side, created some space for himself to whip in a cross to the near post. Attacking midfielder Cani beat his marker well and ran onto the ball, winning it in the air and flicking it towards the far post into the back of the net, beating Helton.
Read Article >UEFA Europa League 2011, Semifinals: Preview
