The Silver Coast Raises Funds for Madeira

Here on the Silver Coast this weekend there has been much talk and lament about the awful situation in Madeira.

The weather around the world seems to be changing and the torrential rain combined with the hilly landscape in Madeira has resulted in disaster for some.

So many people here in Portugal have family in Madeira due to the close association. Madeira was discovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of 15th century when two young captains under the command of the famous Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator were blown off course in a storm.

These days Madeira has its own government and legislative assembly, but the government in Portugal has pledged help for the victims of the flooding and voluntary fundraising is already beginning in earnest here on the Silver Coast and throughout Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson

Lisbon vs. Madeira

It was the battle of Lisbon vs. Madeira this weekend in Portugal’s Premier Football league. For such a small island it is an incredible achievement that Madeira has consistently produced to teams that always finish in the top half of Liga Sagres. This weekend both Madeiran teams squared up against Lisbon giants Sporting and Benfica.

The first game of the weekend saw Nacional travel to Estadio Alvalade in to face my beloved Sporting Lisbon, usually I make the short hour trip from São Martinho do Porto to watch them play but unfortunately due to work commitments I was unable to make the trip, I did however get to watch from a local pub in Nazare, and what a game it was. Sporting winning comfortably 3-1 with goals from Miguel Veloso and a brace from Liedson.

Then on Sunday Benfica travelled to the island to take on Maritimo, again it was a comfortable victory for a Lisbon team with Benfica winning 5-0, goals from Saviola, Luisão, Pereira, Cardoza and an own goal from Roberto Sousa contributed to a miserable evening for Maritimo.

So the weekend ended heavily in favor of Lisbon. Lisbon 8 Madeira 1. Benfica remain in second, behind Braga only on goal difference and Sporting Lisbon moved up to 4th.

By Dylan Herholdt