21 September 2007, by Joao Pedro

Braga surprised in Sweden

Hammarby 2-1 Sporting Braga

Sporting Braga, who reached the last sixteen of last season’s Uefa Cup, fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat in Stockholm last night despite dominating the match.

Two goals from Peter Anderson were sandwiched by a fine Linz strike to give the Swedes a narrow lead to defend in Portugal in a fortnight’s time.

Without putting in a dynamic performance, Braga took control of proceedings in the first half, with Frechaut and Linz both going close, the latter hitting the post, while Zengin had Hammarby’s single effort on goal in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half seemed to be following a similar pattern until Peter Anderson went on a mazy run, beat three Braga defenders and hit a firm shot past Dani Mallo to the delight of the home supporters.

Linz strikes

Braga bounced back immediately with another excellent individual goal. Austrian striker Linz brought down a cross from Joao Pereira, turned sharply past his marker and struck a well-place shot into the corner of the net.

However, five minutes later and Hammarby were back in front as Peter Anderson hit a powerful free-kick into the net, with the help of a deflection off the wall.

Braga were unable to muster a second equaliser and will feel they could have done far better in the Swedish capital. Nevertheless, Jorge Costa will still be confident his side can put things right in the second leg in Braga in two weeks’ time.

Hammarby:
Hellstrom, Jose Monteiro, Sleyman Traore, Johansson, Chanko; Zengin, Laitinen (Nhelko, 90), Castro-Tello (Kleber, 72), Paulinho Guara, Peter Anderson

Braga:
Dani, Joao Pereira, Frechaut, Paulo Jorge, Carlos Fernandes, Jorginho, Madrid, Vandinho (Jailson, 87), Lenny (Joao Pinto, 61), Linz, Wender (Hussain, 82)

Goals:
[1-0] Peter Anderson, 49
[1-1] Linz, 59
[2-1] Peter Anderson, 65