The Leo team naturally reached an advantage that they had the opportunity to expand in situations of numerical advantage. After Daniel Bragança left, the team lost its lucidity, and was forced to lower the field. But he never lacked organization…
Best of the match – Gyokeres (grade 8)
Night of great brilliance from the Swedish international, who even started by missing what seemed easy, in the move that made it 0-1, by Nuno Santos, who took advantage of Gyokeres’ ‘fresh air’. Afterwards, it was a festival, in several acts: attacking was a colossus, who was stacked until the end, and took advantage of an excellent pass from Debast to make an authoritative play, which made it 0-2; the defender never turned his face to the fight, in moments of greatest Austrian harassment he was very useful in the aerial game, working for the team, without hesitating. It’s true that he fumbled the ball in the 48th minute, when Nuno Santos was in a good position to score, and he could have scored twice again in the 88th minute, following a pass from Trincão, but the shot went a little wide. But none of this takes away from the brilliance of an eye-popping display.
FRANK ISRAEL (6) – The Uruguayan goalkeeper made the first intervention in the 28th minute, stopping a header from Jatta (who was offside). Then, he had a difficult defense on a shot from Boving (29′), and in the second half he always got the better of a private fight with Gazibegovic, who shot squarely at 79′, 82′ and 90+5′. Just one however, a hesitation in a ball with Inácio, which gave the lions a chill.
RICARDO ESGAIO (6) – Called up to the defender position on the right side, he also played on the wing whenever Nuno Santos closed down the left and ‘pushed’ Inácio and Debast into the middle. Always concerned about playing simple, he made an important cut, in the 45th minute, preventing Boving from isolating himself.
DEBATE (8) – Luxurious display from the Belgian central defender, both in anticipation, in the aerial game, and also in the quick way in which he launched his colleagues with vertical passes. Adapting to Sporting, he showed enough personality to become the boss of the defense, succeeding Coates. He had his greatest moment in the trivela pass, along the sideline, to Gyokeres for the second Leonine goal, only within the reach of a great footballer.
GONÇALO INÁCIO (7) – A display from minus to plus. He found himself beaten by Biereth after just six minutes and, in the initial phase, he proved to be erratic in his passing. But in the 29th minute, when, giving his chest to the bullets, he took the bread out of Biereth’s mouth, who was going to tie the game after Israel’s save from Boving’s shot, it was decisive for Sporting. From then on he grew in confidence and was a mainstay of the Leonine defense when, after Debast’s departure, he moved to the center of the defense, between St. Juste and Mateus Reis.
CATAMO (7) – Projected on the right wing for almost the entire match, he was a puzzle for Lavalée and he delivered the cross for the Lions’ first goal. Always pressing well, he had an individual initiative that resulted in a penalty, which was later reversed by the VAR. In the 84th minute, he changed flanks, taking the magic of his left foot to the left.
DANIEL BRAGANÇA (7) – How this player has grown, after a season that could have atrophied his qualities. Always good in defense, he gave movement and nexus to Sporting’s game, with precise and tense passes, and, at the same time, he never stood still, always offering passing lines to his teammates. In the 52nd minute, in a ‘pass with eyes’ for Nuno Santos, he showed the talent that makes him one of the great midfielders in Portuguese football.
MORTEN HJULMAND (7) – The Danish international made a great partnership with Bragança – he had more difficulties with Morita, who took a while to get into the game – in his style of never giving anything away. He revealed tactical maturity by closing the spaces that Boving and Jatta were looking for between the lines, and incorporating himself into the defense, whenever Sturm Graz opted for aerial play.
NUNO SANTOS (7) – A goal that was difficult to execute, some passes well combined with Maxi Araujo, some centers that could have done better, and a lot of defensive concentration, while he had lungs. He left visibly exhausted in the 84th minute.
CRACK (8) – Strum Graz was unlucky, because they came across the best version of Trincão, an eel, like Paulo Futre, always trying to break lines, a player who always gave himself up to recovering the ball, who only lacked the goal he was looking for so much and who came so close to scoring, with a half-time shot in the 80th minute.
MAXI ARAÚJO (6) – It started very well, showing race and art at the same time and making Gazibegovic’s beard water. Appearing from the game time he disappeared, being replaced well in the 70th minute.
MATHEUS REIS (5) – He entered well on the left of the defense and made two opportune cuts, in the 72nd and 76th minutes.
PEDRO GONÇALVES (5) – Twenty minutes on the field closing the left half and giving fluidity to Sporting’s game. Great assist for Trincão in the 84th minute.
ST. FAIR (5) – In the 74th minute he avoided Zvonarek’s dangerous play and always looked very comfortable on the field.
MORITA (4) – It took him a while to find his best position on the playing field. He came on when Graz were looking for a direct game and was not up to Bragança’s level.
TURN (–) – He still had time for a successful shot (87).
What’s the Deal? Sporting vs. Sturm Graz Match Analysis
So, the Leo team was having a bit of a party and realized they could RSVP for expansion when they had more chums than the other lot. But then, unceremoniously, Daniel Bragança decided to take an unexpected exit, and the clarity left the venue faster than a bad punchline.
Highlight of the Match
Best of the Match – Gyokeres (Grade 8)
Ah, what a night for Gyokeres! The Swedish man was like a kid in a candy store, until he tripped over his own shoelaces for the first goal. But don’t let that fool you – after that, he was a relentless force! He was like a colossus on the attack, stacking up points like pancakes at a Sunday brunch. You’ve got to appreciate a player who sees the pitch as a buffet and knows exactly where to dive in. However, folks, let’s not ignore the moments when he fumbled the ball like it was a hot potato at a family gathering. But ultimately, his excellent display overshadowed those mishaps.
Player Ratings
Frank Israel (6)
Well, the Uruguayan goalkeeper made his mark, kind of like the one friend at a party who shows up late but brings snacks. He started slow but managed to save a few dubious challenges, almost creating his own highlight reel in the process. However, one little hiccup with Inácio had us all gasping like we were watching a horror film. Welcome to the nail-biting league, Frank!
Ricardo Esgaio (6)
Standing masterfully on the right side, Esgaio was like a dependable taxi driver – never flashy, but got the job done without too many detours. He made some important cuts but let’s be honest; he didn’t leap off the page like a Mark Zuckerberg meme.
Debast (8)
Our Belgian central defender? Oh, he was beaming with personality, making the defense look like a well-oiled machine. Talk about anticipation! He strutted across the field like a proud peacock showing off its feathers, especially when delivering that delightful trivela pass to Gyokeres for the second goal. You’d think he was auditioning for a football movie – and he nailed it!
Gonçalo Inácio (7)
From an early wobble to a stunner of a performance, Gonçalo must have had a chat with himself at half-time. He went from being the one whose name you can’t spell to the backbone of the defense. Cheers to growth spurts, ladies and gentlemen!
Catamo (7)
The right-wing wizard turned on the charm and had everyone guessing what he’d do next, like a magician pulling rabbits from hats. His cross for the first goal was the pièce de résistance, and he briefly toyed with the referee’s heart before VAR reminded him it wasn’t the time for theatrics!
Daniel Bragança (7)
Ah, the midfield maestro! He showed us all what could have been if he hadn’t slipped into the football Bermuda Triangle last season. Always dynamic, he was the one buzzing around, creating chaos for the opposition. A joy to watch!
Morten Hjulmand (7)
Not one to give an inch, this Danish sensation married tactical prowess with elegance. He was like the best kind of doorman at a club – always knowing when to let people in and when to keep them out. Quite the asset indeed!
Nuno Santos (7)
Having scored a goal that looked easier than Sunday morning, Santos also threw in a delightful mix of creativity and defensive duties. He left the pitch gasping like he’d just finished a marathon. Good on him!
Trincão (8)
Our very own Portuguese whizz showed up in style, weaving through defenders like he was auditioning for Willy Wonka’s factory. He gave it his all, and while he was close to finding the back of the net, we’ll forgive him for now. Just do us a favor next time, would you?!
Maxi Araujo (6)
This one started with a bang but fizzled out like a soda left open for too long. We all have those nights, don’t we? He was substituted at about the right time – just as players tend to disappear when the pizza gets cold.
Matheus Reis (5)
He did his job right when introduced but didn’t exactly set the field alight. Getting a few cuts in isn’t bad, but we were hoping for fireworks. Maybe next time, eh?
Pedro Gonçalves (5)
Twenty minutes of game time, and he made them count by giving a sweet assist for Trincão later on. Kudos, but we need you more in these glory minutes!
St. Fair (5)
He made an entrance, put on a decent show, and then faded out quietly, like that awkward friend at the party who doesn’t know whether to engage or scoot off home.
Morita (4)
It’s hard to score when you’re still figuring out your place in the universe. The lad struggled to find his rhythm and didn’t quite match Bragança’s magic. Let’s hope next time he packs his A-game!
Turn (–)
Lastly, our Jackie Chan of substitutes had to squeeze in some sneaky moves. He managed a successful shot, proving that time can sometimes be your best friend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it was a rollercoaster of a game with moments that could make a grown man cry – laughter, tears, and a dash of drama. Who knew football was like a soap opera? Remember to keep your posh hats on while critiquing performances; professional football is certainly a mosaic of artistic sportiness!
