 "Sturm Graz-Sporting, 0-2 Sporting highlights: Geukeris scores and saves; Trincao “the twin” of the future")
Naturally, when Leo's team reached an advantage they had the opportunity to expand into instances of numerical advantage. After the departure of Daniel Bragança, the team lost its clarity and had to fall to the ground. But he never lacked organization…
Best of the Match – Jeuqueris (8th Grade)
A great night of brilliance from the Swedish international, which began with what looked easy, in the move that made the score 0-1, by Nuno Santos, who took advantage of the “fresh air” of Giocris. After that, it was a celebration, in several moves: the attack was a giant, which remained stacked until the end, taking advantage of an excellent pass from Debast to make a reliable play, making it 0-2; The defender never turned his face to the fight, in moments of major Austrian harassment he was very useful in the aerial game, working with the team without hesitation. It is true that he fumbled the ball in the 48th minute, when Nuno Santos was in a good position to score, and he could have scored two goals in the 88th minute, following a pass from Trincao, but the shot went slightly wide of the goal. But none of this detracts from the attractive presentation.
Franco Israel (6) – The Uruguayan goalkeeper made the first intervention in the 28th minute, blocking a header from Gata (who was… Infiltration). After that, he faced a difficult defense in front of Boveng's shot (29), and in the second half he was always the better in a special battle with Gazibegovic, who fired into the goal in the 79th, 82nd and 90th + 5 minutes. . Only one flaw, which was the reluctance to play with Inacio, gave the Lions goosebumps.
Ricardo Esgayo (6) – He was called up to the centre-back position on the right side, and also played on the wing when Nuno Santos approached from the left flank and 'pushed' Inacio and Debast into the centre. He was always keen to play simple, and made an important cut, in the 45th minute, preventing Boving from isolation.
Debast (8) – A luxurious display from the Belgian centre-back, whether in anticipation, in the aerial play, or in the quick way he launched his teammates with vertical passes. Adapting to Sporting, he showed enough character to become captain of the defence, succeeding Coates. His greatest moment came in Trevella's pass, along the sideline, to Gjokeris for Leonen's second goal, just within reach of a great footballer.
Gonalo Inacio (7) – Display from minus to plus. He found himself outplayed by Perez after just six minutes, and in the first phase, he proved erratic with his passing. But in the 29th minute, when he gave his chest to the bullets, taking the bread out of the mouth of Berez, who would have leveled the game after Israel blocked a Boving shot, it was decisive for Sporting. Since then his confidence has grown and he was a mainstay of Leonen's defense when, after Debast's departure, he moved to centre-back between Saint-Just and Matthews Reis.
Katamu (7) – Featured on the right wing for almost the entire match, he was an enigma for Lavallee and provided the cross for the Lions' first goal. Always good at pressing, he had a one-on-one initiative that led to a penalty, which was later reversed by VAR. In the 84th minute, he switched wings, shifting the magic of his left foot to the left.
Daniel Bragancha (7) – How did this player develop, after a season that could have led to the atrophy of his qualities? He was always skilled in defence, giving movement and connection to Sporting's game, with precise and tense passes, and at the same time, he was never stopped, always providing passing lines for his teammates. In the 52nd minute, in an “eye pass” to Nuno Santos, he showed a talent that makes him one of the greatest midfielders in Portuguese football.
Morten Hjulmand (7) – The Denmark international struck up a brilliant partnership with Bragança – having more difficulties with Moreta, who took some time to get into the game – with his never-go-anything style. He revealed a tactical maturity by closing down the spaces that Boving and Gatta were looking for between the lines, and integrating himself into the defence, whenever Sturm Graz opted for aerial play.
Nuno Santos (7) – A difficult goal to take, a few well-coordinated passes with Maxi Araujo, some positions that could have played better, a lot of defensive focus, while still being strong. He looked tired in the 84th minute.
Crack (8) – Strom Graz was not lucky, because they found the best version of Trincao, an eel who, like Paolo Futre, always tries to break the lines, a player who always gives in to win the ball back, who only lacks the goal he was looking for so much and who was so close to scoring with a shot. Half twisted in the 80th minute.
Maxi Araujo (6) – It started off very well, showing sweat and artistry at the same time and making water for Gazibegovic's beard. He appeared and disappeared during the match and was replaced well in the 70th minute.
Matthews Reis (5) – He entered well to the left of the defense and had two tackles in the 72nd and 76th minutes.
Pedro Goncalves (5) – Twenty minutes on the pitch closes down the left half and gives a flow to the Sporting match. Great assist for Trincao in the 84th minute.
street. Justice (5) – In the 74th minute, he avoided Zvonarek's dangerous play and always looked very comfortable on the pitch.
Murrieta (4) – It took some time to find his best position on the field of play. He came in when Graz was looking for a direct match and was not at Bragança's level.
Quinda (-) – And he still has time for a successful shot (87).
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