Braga v. Sporting: Match Preview

September 1, 2008

It’s Labor Day here in the Estados Unidos and I feel a special obligation to my handful of faithful readers to actually wake up before I do anything and write a quick preview of today’s match against Braga. Don’t you feel loved?

Braga v. Sporitng
September 1, 2008 @ 21:15 Local (RTP1)
Estadio Municipal de Braga

Preview
Porto are off a mediocre 1-1 draw in the Classico with Benfica. Quaresma is gone to Inter Milan but Pele has come over as part of the compensation, so they aren’t THAT bad off without Ricky Q. Benfica look like a mid table team at best so far. See where I’m going with this? It’s match two of the season and our two biggest rivals are in flux and looking like they’re just trying to tread water. We have to take this opportunity against a very good team in Braga to pull out a win and get an early foothold on the top of the table.

Probable (albeit, very tough to pick at this stage of the season) Sporting Starting XI

Yannick Djaló – Hélder Postiga
Izmailov – João Moutinho – Romagnoli – Rochemback
Grimi – Caneira – Tonel – Abel
Rui Patrício

I’ve resigned to sticking Postiga in as a starter until Bento does it in a real match situation. Derlei will probably get the nod over Postiga but he’s done bunk in the past few matches so I don’t see how Bento wouldn’t be justified in giving Postiga a full blown run out. Yannick’s recent performances have earned him a spot on Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal squad for the first two World Cup 2010 qualifiers. He’ll hopefully continue his awesome form and should figure prominently in the Sporting attack today. Veloso’s lack of playing time makes me think there’s a more serious offer on the table in the transfer market than what we’re aware of. His match status has been sketchy at best recently and I think Rochemback has earned the right to start as the holding mid here.

Key Player
João Moutinho, Midfielder – Ever since he told a packed press conference that he wants to leave the club, his play in matches has been somewhat shaky. He hasn’t been the clear cut captain that he was last year. Since it appears as though he’s not going anywhere at this point, he needs to change his diaper and get out on the field focused and ready to be the player he was when we were all tapping him as the next Deco.

Tactics
It’s Labor Day and the beers are getting cold so I’m not going into a thorough tactical examination of this match. I’ll simply say Sporting need to score more goals than Braga and they’ll win. How’s that for some insightful tactical wisdom?

Prediction
I predict that I’ll be elbow deep in ribs and a few beers deep when the game comes on, so DVR will probably be my best friend tonight. Besides, where I’m going for today’s outdoor activities doesn’t have Portuguese TV for me to watch Yannick and Postiga combine on a 2-1 win at Braga. Keep an eye on Braga menace Roland Linz, he’s who I think will manage to squeak one by and make a match of it. Enjoy your Labor Day (if you’re in America and actually have the day off). Be safe.

Viva O Sporting!!!

Goto Source

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Tags: portugal

Sporting Lisbon held by PSV Eindhoven in friendly

August 7, 2008

LISBON (SW) – Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven held each other to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match played on Saturday.

At the José Alvalade stadium of Portugal’s capital city, the home side didn’t need long to take the lead as Vukcevic struck past goalkeeper Cássio Ramos from a considerable distance.

Sporting seemed to be heading for a narrow win over their guests, but the Dutch champions eventually came back to earn a 1-1 draw.

The equaliser was scored in the 88th minute by Wuytens, who converted a free kick from Väyrynen and beat keeper Rui Patrício.

Written by: Jonathan Roorda

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