Ricardo guarding Boavista hopes

Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo has been a major factor in Boavista FC's superb UEFA Cup campaign that has left them on the brink of reaching their first European final.

Confident side
After a 1-1 draw with Celtic FC in the semi-final first leg in Glasgow, and with a home return to come this evening, the Boavista captain told uefa.com that the team were more than confident of reaching the final in Seville on Wednesday 21 May. The shot-stopper, who has not missed a single game at home and in Europe all season, has been in outstanding form. This was typified by the superb penalty save from Henrik Larsson at Celtic Park which left his side knowing a goalless draw tonight would send them through.

Luck needed
The 27-year-old claimed to have no magic formula for saving spot-kicks, despite that Larsson save and his heroics in the quarter-final when he helped his side to a 4-1 victory on penalties against Málaga CF. Ricardo said: "There are no special secrets. It is a defining and unique moment and it is just a matter of reflexes, instincts, concentration and a little bit of luck."

Taker too
His ability under pressure was also underlined by his willingness to step up and take the first penalty in that shoot-out. He said: "I am ready to take them, but, preferably, to stop them and yes, I am again the first option to take them." Whether from open play or the spot, he will need to be at his best to deal with a possible onslaught from the Celtic forwards. "Their striking duo in John Hartson and Henrik Larsson is very, very good. Larsson is quicker and more skilful, while Hartson is stronger."

Auxerre defeat
Boavista's run to the semi-finals is particularly remarkable as they only entered the competition after elimination in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round by AJ Auxerre and are not going well in the Super Liga. Ricardo puts his side's subsequent success down to team spirit but "cannot find any plausible justification" for why the team are just five points from the relegation zone in Portugal. "It is very difficult for all of us here to answer that question," he said.

Still going strong
Ricardo has been blameless for Boavista, and has impressed also for Portugal, playing in all seven of their matches since last summer's FIFA World Cup. It has been a tough schedule but he is not complaining. "This is a very, very long season," he said. "Actually, it has been two seasons, as I did not have a holiday, due to Portugal's campaign at the World Cup. But I don't mind the fatigue. I am sure that every player would like to have a situation like this, playing for both club and country and I think I could handle ten seasons like this one."

Hero status
Ricardo has been central to Boavista's fortunes but he is reluctant to accept the 'hero' tag given him by fans of both club and country. "Hero is a very strong word, because without my team-mates' help, that would not be possible," he said. "We work very hard to reach our goals, but this is just a bonus. But the fine words I hear from the people who talk to me on the streets are a boost to work even harder and better in the future."