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| Wednesday, 24 March 2010 08:56 |
Chaves keep Portuguese Cup dream aliveDesportivo de Chaves 1-0 NavalA
 last minute goal from Ricardo Rocha (pictured) gave ten-man Chaves a crucial advantage against Naval after the first leg of the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal.
The goal has given the side motivation, hope and belief that they can reach their first cup final in the club’s 61-year history.
It was an intense and tough battle at the Estadio Municipal de Chaves. Naval dominated the entire first half and were unlucky not to get a goal or two.
The underdogs’ confidence increased in the second half. Although Samson was sent off on the 81st minute after receiving two yellows, it did not stop them from going forward.
ControversyBut the Liga Vitalis club also enjoyed a huge slice of luck as the match was decided by a highly controversial goal. A minute before the goal, Diego Angelo netted at the other end, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside by the officials, incorrectly as shown by TV replays.
Seconds later Chaves hit their opponents on the counter attack and earned a corner. Centre-back Ricardo Rocha managed to get his head on the end of Castanheira’s cross, and 2500 fans wildly celebrated the goal.
The second leg will be played on 13 April and Chaves will have to work hard to hold on to their advantage. The Cup Final will bring the curtain down on the Portuguese season in May at the historical Estadio Nacional on the outskirts of
by Dominic Vieira
Chaves:
Rui Rego, Danilo, Lameirao, Ricardo Rocha, Eduardo, Bamba, Bruno Magalhaes, Castanheira, Carlos Pinto (Samson 58), Clemente (Vítor Silva 67), Diop (Joao Fernandes 86)
Naval:
Peiser; Carlitos, Gomis, Diego Angelo, Daniel Cruz (Michel Simplicio 86), Bruno Lazaroni, Godemech (Davide 88), Alex Hauw,
Goals:
[1-0] Ricardo Rocha 94
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FORCA CHAVES
FORCA CHAVES