1. |
|
Fabregas, Cesc |
2. |
|
Handanovic, Samir |
3. |
|
Messi, Lionel |
4. |
|
Baptista, Julio |
5. |
|
Robben, Arjen |
6. |
|
Walcott, Theo |
7. |
|
Gourcuff, Yoann |
8. |
|
Crespo, Hernan |
9. |
|
Gallas, William |
10. |
|
Higuain, Gonzalo |
* By clicking on the arrows next to a player's name, you can vote for or against him. Voting is possible only if you are registered. You can do this for any of the thousands of players in our database by browsing through the countries, leagues and teams in the menu.
American youngster Freddy Adu was solid in his European debut against Copenhagen and drew cheers when he entered the match as a first-half substitute.
The 18-year old American entered the match 10 minutes before halftime, after Danish champions FC Copenhagen equalized in a third round Champions League qualifying match in Lisbon. Adu missed all of Benfica's preseason games, while coach Fernando Santos had said that he intended to ease Adu gently into the team.
Adu began in his usual forward midfield role before alternating between the wings during the second half. He shied away from dribbling runs at the defense and mostly favored quick, short passes.
Early in the second half he set up Paraguyan Oscar Cardozo whose header was kept out by the goalie's fingertips. With 10 minutes to play, Adu tried a bicycle kick, but the shot went far wide of the goal.
Benfica won the first leg again the Danish champions with two goals by veteran midfielder Rui Costa.
