15 December 2006, by Tom Kundert & Marco Pereira

Joao Pinto rewrites Braga history

Braga 2-0 Grasshoppers

Braga beat Grasshoppers 2-0 at home yesterday to move into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Second-half goals from experienced campaigners Joao Pinto and Castanheira sparked wild celebrations as the Arsenalistas took another step towards cementing their standing as Portugal’s fourth largest club.

Braga took to the pitch knowing that victory would guarantee their passage to the next round.

The weight of expectation seemed to hamper the Portuguese outfit in a poor first half, with shots from outside the box by Ze Carlos and Vandinho the only efforts of note in a poor first 45 minutes.

Braga came out for the second half with far more determination and gradually increased the pressure on a Grasshoppers defence that had conceded 13 goals in its previous three group matches.

Just after the hour mark the home fans exploded in delight as Joao Pinto latched onto a clever corner kick hit low into the centre of the box by Wender to hit a cracking shot into the top corner.

But the Swiss side almost struck a shock equaliser soon after when their Portuguese winger Pinto raced through on goal, only to hit a weak effort wide.

In the closing stages Castanheira doubled the lead, converting a cross from Luis Filipe to make sure of the win.

Rogerio Goncalves, Braga coach:

“In the first half we did not approach the game the right way. We tried to rush too much towards the Grasshoppers goal. In the second half we corrected some situations and played better.”

“It’s an important accomplishment in the club’s history and at this moment I would like to remember people who are not here but contributed to this journey. I am especially speaking of the former coaching staff led by Carlos Carvalhal.”

“It is the high point of my career. Now whoever comes our way, we want to continue in the UEFA Cup, but we know it will be difficult.”

Joao Pinto, Braga forward:

“It was not easy. Grasshoppers have good players and they created plenty of difficulties for us, especially in the first half. In the second half we calmed ourselves down a little and managed a goal which gave us some tranquillity.”

Castanheira, Braga midfielder:

“This group feels immensely proud. This is a huge moment for us and for the fans, which we have worked for every day. We will remain in the club’s history. My goal was an important goal because it killed the game. The team worked so hard to attain this victory.”

“We are in a phase where the teams are strong, whoever we are drawn against. I would like to draw a colossus of a team.”

Robert Pinto, Grasshoppers winger:

“We arrived in Braga to have a good game and to say goodbye to our fans in the best way possible, and we created some difficulties. Off course, I preferred that Braga went through instead of Liberec. I hope to see them advance to another round because Portuguese football will be the winner with this.”

“For me it was a bit difficult. In the first half Jorge Costa and the coach were always saying ‘Pinto calm down’ to put pressure on me. But I am Portuguese and it is always good when a Portuguese team moves ahead, so I am happy.”

Braga:
Paulo Santos, Luis Filipe, Paulo Jorge, Nem, Carlos Fernandes, Vandinho, Joao Pinto, Ricardo Chaves, Maciel (Castanheira, 82), Ze Carlos (Marcel, 88), Wender (Cesinha, 77)
Yellow Cards: Nem (50)

Grasshoppers:
Fabio Coltorti, Sutter, Denicola, Wellington, Jaggy, Voser, Salatic (Renggli, 69), Roberto Pinto, Diego Leon (Blumer, 69), Dos Santos (Fletscher, 85), Ristic
Yellow Cards: Salatic (40), Jaggy (60)

Goals:
[1-0] Joao Pinto, 61
[2-0] Castanheira, 90