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| Thursday, 15 December 2011 22:09 |
Ten-man Braga held in BelgiumClub Brugge 1-1 Braga Braga, hindered by Elderson's sending off in the 15th minute, came from behind to draw 1-1 at Club Brugge tonight. Vleminckx put the hosts ahead shortly after the break, but Ewerton equalised on 64 minutes. A valiant effort from Leonardo Jardim's ten men failed to yield the goal they needed to finish top of Group H, as Braga qualified as runners-up.
The Arsenalistas started the match knowing only a victory would give them first place in the section, and theoretically at least a better chance of landing an easier opponent in tomorrow's draw. Jardim chose a suitably attacking line-up with plenty of firepower in the shape of Nuno Gomes, Lima, Helder Barbosa and Alan. The visitors suffered an early setback, however, as last man Elderson hauled down Odjidja leaving the referee with no option but to brandish the red card. Braga were faced with playing 75 minutes at a numerical disadvantage. At the start of the second half Brugge turned up the pressure and for a 15-minute spell at last made their extra man and home advantage tell. The excellent Zimling shot just wide on 47 minutes but Vleminckx made no mistake moments later, shooting firmly past Quim. Odjida then hit the post. Paulo Cesar's introduction for Nuno Gomes bolstered Braga's midfield and steadied the ship. The indefatigable Salino forced a great save out of Kujovic with a brilliant long-range strike on 63 minutes, but one minute later Braga were level. Hugo Viana's crisp shot was cleverly back-heeled into the net by Ewerton. Braga summoned up extra reserves of energy and Viana was not far away with a long-range effort, while Carlao's stoppage time effort was desperately deflected away for a corner - which the referee did not allow to be taken as he blew his whistle for the last time. Braga will now anxiously wait to see who they shall be paired against in the last 32, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Valencia among their possible adversaries. Braga: Quim, Douglao, Ewerton, Elderson, Djamal, Salino, Hugo Viana (Mossoro, 85), Lima, Helder Barbosa (Carlao, 77), Alan, Nuno Gomes (Paulo Cesar, 59) Goals: [1-0] Vleminckx, 49 [1-1] Ewerton, 64 by Tom Kundert |
Braga made money off last seasons runs in Europe and Liga.
They went ahead and let their manager leave, even before the season was over, with a lot left to fight for.
They sold players for profit in the transfer window.
They even loaned out promising young Portuguese player, to a bigger club.
After all that they brought in nobody. I'm sorry, but Nuno Gomes is no longer a full time player. And I happen to highly respect him.
So for some reason its Jardims fault and not the presidents.
Braga fans have grown spoiled after only two seasons. How quickly they forget.
Be happy that you're still in Europa, and challenging for a CL spot in league play.
-_-
Braga has been able to keep their 2 most creative players, Alan and Mossoro, but they have lost some very important players in midfield and defense. Artur, Silvio, Moises, Rodriguez, Paulao, Miguel Garcia, and Vandinho were all extremely important players for Braga last season, and their replacements this season are not that great.
Elderson and Baiano are not at the same level as Silvio and even Garcia. Ewerton and especially Vinicius have done well against decent teams, but they have struggled against quality opposition. Rodriguez, Moises, and Paulao were brilliant over the past two years. The center back partnership was the backbone to Paciencia's brilliant defense.
This season they look a little better going forward, but they are not as solid defensively. Hopefully, they can bring back Pizzi and maybe buy some good players.
Leandro Jardim had really tough shoes to fill after Paciencia and some key players left last season, but I think he is doing a great job with the resources he has.
5 years ago no one in Europe (outside of Portugal and Portuguese expats) even knew who Braga were. Now they are much more widely known and (to a degree) respected because of their European exploits last year and their near victory in the Liga 2 years ago.
To see how far they have come as a club and an organization is really impressive. Although I support SCP, I like Braga in that they serve as a model of how with good coaching and good players (along with some luck) a formerly mid-table Portuguese team can progress, compete for the title, and make an impression in Europe.
Sporting vs. Braga Europa League final too much to hope for? Alright, I know its a long shot, but I am glad that there will be 3 serious Portuguese contenders in the competition
Força!!!