Sporting’s faith in its academy graduates is beginning to pay off, with Os Leões hitting form just in time for this weekend’s derby with Benfica.
After being held for more than an hour, Portugal capitalised on assuming a numerical advantage to beat Azerbaijan 2-0, with Bruno Alves and Hugo Almeida getting the goals.
Reigning champions Spain are through to the UEFA EURO 2012 final, where they will meet either Germany or Italy, after beating Portugal on penalties following a goalless draw in Donetsk.
Poland and Portugal created plenty of chances during their international friendly but had to settle for a goalless draw as goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and Rui Patricio kept their opponents at bay.
Dutchmen Stijn Schaars and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have been fundamental in putting Sporting back in contention for the Portuguese league and bringing a smile back to the Alvalade faithful.
The theme of FIFA.com's latest statistical review is time, while a stunning comeback by Maccabi Haifa and Jeff Cunningham's scoring exploits also figure.
