22 October 2005

Sérgio Conceição riding high in Belgium

Standard Liège 1-0 Charleroi

Former Lazio and Porto star Sérgio Conceição fired the winning goal last night as Standard Liège reinforced their position at the top of the Belgian league.

Conceição was controversially axed from Portugal’s national side shortly before Euro 2004 by Luiz Filipe Scolari, never to be recalled by the Brazilian.

The 31-year-old’s transfer to Standard Liège pushed him further out of the spotlight, but Conceição has refused to let his career peter out meekly.

Since arriving at Liège, the Portuguese winger has made a huge impact, helping turn round the fortunes of the club.

This year he has been made captain and is thriving on the added responsibility.

Conceição struck in the 61st minute to guarantee three points in the local derby against Charleroi, and extend his side’s lead at the top of the table to four points, at least until the rest of the weekend programme is played.

It was Conceição’s fourth goal of the campaign.