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| Saturday, 24 July 2010 10:34 |
Classy Sporting brush aside
Djalo hits brace, Costinha euphoric, Sergio shows who’s boss
 Sporting made an impressive start to the New York Football Challenge, outclassing big-spending Sporting are gradually showing signs of putting together a competitive team for 2010/11. Facing one of the new powers in world football, albeit with several stars missing, the Lions gave a polished performance to run out comfortable winners.
Coach Paulo Sergio said before the
Carrico comeback
With Tiago in goal, the back four consisted of Joao Pereira, Carrico, Polga and Evaldo. Vuckevic, Pedro Mendes, Maniche and Yannick lined up in midfield, with Postiga and Saleiro the front two.
After a couple of early scares for Sporting, the Portuguese team began to pass the ball around at speed and with precision and were rewarded midway through the first half. Vukcevic sent over a peach of a cross from the right which Yannick Djalo headed powerfully into the net. The young Although only a friendly match, there was a real zip to Sporting’s play in the first 45 minutes, which will have given great encouragement to the
In the post-match interviews Costinha expressed his delight at the way the American tour was going so far. “What’s left me euphoric is seeing the team working on a daily basis with joy, with character and with a huge ambition to make sure we do well in the first game when it matters, on the 29th, when a qualification is at stake.” Liedson reproach
The only sour note on a positive night for Sporting was the fact that coach Paulo Sergio deemed it necessary to reprimand Liedson. The striker was only brought on late in the match and evidently did not enjoy watching on from the bench, refusing to thank the fans with the rest of his team-mates at the end of the match.
“Internal matters will be discussed in-house. Liedson or any other player will play the time that I decide, not the time that they want,” said Sergio.
by Tom Kundert
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Not sold on Polga or Djalo, but Saleiro and Valdes may fill the void upfront.
What ever happen to Mexer? Lots of hype, but he's been missing in action.
Postiga has more than impressed. I only wonder if he'll be able to hold up a whole season. I also thought that Mendes is working the backline very well, moving the ball to all the right places.
The player that has impressed me the most is J. Perreira going forward. i didn't think he would have been as effective as he's been. Sporting need to utilize him more in that manner.
I know that Djalo scored two goals in this one, but he really looked bad vs Celtic, and still doesn't impress me. Remember that his second came off a beautiful touch from Saleiro. Yes, it was a nice run. I just think that Djalo in unable to take on defenders, even with his speed. he just tries to barrel through, especially when there's two defenders, and gets knocked off the ball.
I was unaware of Liedson complaining on the bench, but if Sporting is counting on him upfront, they need to give him the minutes. Is Saleiro better?
The biggest worry has to be the center backs. Maniches shot also doesn't seem to have the same force it used to.
I'm a Benfica fan, but I like that Sporting can come back to contention. It will be nice to see them compete for third along with Braga and Guimaraes.