Lively Brazilian attackers Duda and Whelliton have led the line well, veteran Bolivian playmaker Erwin Sanchez has been showing the verve and imagination that earned him the tag of 'the South American Platini' early in his career, and his supporting cast in midfield are no ham actors either . But it is in defence that Boavista have most impressed. The spirit at Boavista is apparently made of the same resistant material as their defence. The gospel according to the coach is that neither referees, football authorities nor media want his club to prevail, and he has been mining this psychological seam for all he is worth. The ref let everything go.
Referees are less prejudiced against teams that are regarded as the top ones.
Double standards do operate. Some football commentators are against Boavista too. Some try to strip us of our strengths, to make light of our achievements. What we are fighting for is a championship won by fair means, decided out on the pitch. Much more than you all think.