Sporting beats Porto in penalty shootout to win Portuguese Cup

Sporting Portugal won the Portuguese League Cup after defeating Porto in a penalty shootout in the final match.

Porto on Saturday took the lead in the 79th minute thanks to a goal by Brazilian striker Fernando Andrade, one of the latest additions to the white-and-blue squad, just signed in January from Santa Clara's Portuguese squad, reports Efe news.

The goal came after a mistake by Sporting's Brazilian goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro, who blocked a shot from outside the area by Mexico's Hector Herrera. The ball was still and Andrade only had to push it over the line.

When it looked like Porto would win their first League Cup, Spain's Oliver Torres, who had an excellent match, committed an injury-time penalty which was converted by Sporting's Dutch striker Bas Dost.

With the ensuing draw, the outcome had to be resolved in a penalty shootout. Sporting proved much more effective from the eleven meter spot and not even their fifth shot was necessary, as Porto, with Vana Alves in the goal of and Iker Casillas on the bench, missed three of their first four shots, while Sporting had already scored three.

With Saturday's win, Sporting can concentrate on the rest of the season.

Porto has an extended lead in the league while the Lisbon team occupy fourth place.

--IANS

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