Champions League
Porto brush Dinamo aside
2012-11-22 09:04
Porto - Midfielder Joao Moutinho pulled Porto's strings by scoring and
setting up another two in a 3-0 drubbing of hapless Dinamo Zagreb that
kept the Portuguese in command of Champions League Group A on Wednesday.
Portugal international Moutinho was in inspired form for Porto, who were already assured of a last 16 place.
He found Argentine playmaker Lucho Gonzalez for the opener on 20 minutes
through some textbook passing play, blasted the second himself from a
free kick in the second half and finished with a wonderful backheel to
set up Silvestre Varela's third.
Porto, unbeaten in all competitions this season, will win the group if
they take a point from their final game next month away to second-placed
Paris St Germain.
"It was another good match. We have been consistent and aggressive. I am
pleased but we still want to finish top of the group and do so playing
good football," said Porto coach Vitor Pereira.
The hosts commanded possession from the start but the visitors almost
caught them by surprise when Brazilian-born forward Sammir blasted a
diagonal shot against the post from a quick counter attack.
Dinamo, still looking for their first goal of the group stage, were then
caught out when Porto pierced their frail defence with a quick
first-touch exchange between Moutinho and Colombian striker Jackson
Martinez that ended with Gonzalez firing into the net with his left foot
from just inside the box.
Fatos Beqiraj almost poked in an equaliser in for the Croatian champions after a corner but Varela cleared off the line.
Porto strolled through the second half and extended their lead when
Moutinho swerved in a sweet free kick that left keeper Ivan Kelava
rooted to the spot.
He rounded off his man-of-the-match performance with a backheel to set up Varela's third five minutes from time.
Porto top Group A with 13 points, ahead of PSG on 12, Dynamo Kiev with four and Dinamo yet to get off the mark.