Benfica's Moreira raring to go
Monday, March 20, 2006
Article summary
SL Benfica goalkeeper José Moreira will hope to make a return to the UEFA Champions League after playing his first game in five months.
Article body
SL Benfica goalkeeper José Moreira could be in contention for a FIFA World Cup place with Portugal after playing his first game in five months.
Arthritic knee
The goalkeeper, who celebrates his 24th birthday today, recovered from surgery to correct an arthritic knee problem to feature yesterday as Benfica's reserve team earned a 0-0 draw against Louletano DC. "It's a moment of great joy for me," Moreira said. "I want to enjoy this moment. It's not for me to decide whether I get back into the first team but I promise to work hard in order to do so."
World Cup hope
Moreira's chances of returning to the Benfica side in time for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final meetings with FC Barcelona look slim but a place on the plane to Germany this summer remains a possibility. "In football you'll never know what tomorrow will bring," said Moreira.