Portuguese Cup: Sporting use their heads to reach quarter-finals

Sporting 2-1 Maritimo

Two well-executed headed goals in the first half from Tonel and Liedson, sandwiching a Van der Linden strike, saw Sporting overcome Maritimo and reach the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup.

After recent inconsistent performances and displays Paulo Bento selected a much changed line-up with left-back Grimi, striker Tiui and midfielder Celsinho all handed their first starts in a Sporting shirt, while youngster Adrien Silva was selected ahead of Miguel Veloso.

The hosts got off to a perfect start as Vukcevic’s inswinging corner was met by Tonel who powered a header past Marcos and into the back of the net.

Liedson almost scored a carbon copy minutes later but his effort shaved the outside of the post. The unlucky Adrien Silva then picked up an injury and was replaced by Veloso.

Grimi impresses

Maritimo were passing the ball around well but looked toothless in attack, where they clearly missed the recently sold Makukula. Sporting were again disjointed, although some encouraging play by the new faces, especially Grimi, would have pleased the Sporting faithful worried about a lack of squad depth.

On 38 minutes Maritimo stunned Sporting by scoring an equaliser out of the blue. The excellent Mossoro made progress down the left flank and his cross was headed onto the post by Andre Pinto with Van der Linden tucking away the rebound.

Moments later the visitors missed a golden opportunity to take the lead as a crass Polga mistake allowed a three-against-one break, but a poor touch by Pinto enabled goalkeeper Patricio to snuff out the danger.

Maritimo were made to pay immediately as a pinpoint Grimi cross was immaculately headed into the corner of the net by Liedson from 15 metres out.

The second half was something of a none-event, with Sporting happy to let Maritimo pass the ball around in midfield and defend in numbers. Mossoro came closest to threatening a second equaliser when he worked himself some space on the edge of the box and fired a shot just wide.

But Sporting defended well and in the closing minutes Moutinho and Romagnoli were close to extending their lead with fine shots from distance.

The win will boost the Lions’ confidence ahead of their midweek Uefa Cup match against Basel, but Sporting know only an improved performance is likely to earn them a first-leg advantage over the Swiss championship leaders.

Sporting:
Rui Patricio, Abel, Tonel, Polga, Grimi, Adrien (Miguel Veloso, 32), Joao Moutinho, Vukcevic, Celsinho (Pereirinha, 60), Tiui (Romagnoli, 80), Liedson
Yellow Cards: Liedson, Vukcevic

Maritimo:
Marcos, Ricardo Esteves (Briguel, 48), Edigle, Van der Linden, Evaldo, Joao Luiz, Bruno, Mossoro, Marcinho, Fabio Felicio (Djalma, 46), Andre Pinto (Anderson, 70)
Yellow Cards: Andre Pinto, Mossoro, Anderson, Van der Linden

Goals:
[1-0] Tonel, 5
[1-1] Van der Linden, 38
[2-1] Liedson, 43