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Braga edge towards Uefa Cup qualification

Sporting Braga 1-0 Zrinjski Mostar

A controversial goal from Austrian striker Roland Linz midway through the second half pushed Braga a step closer to this season’s Uefa Cup competition.

The 1-0 first-leg victory in the final qualifying round against Zrinjski Mostar puts the Arsenalistas in poll position to make the competition for the fourth consecutive year.

The little known Bosnian outfit were not expected to prove much of an obstacle for Jorge Jesus’ team, but Zrinjski showed tenacious defensive organisation throughout as Braga found it difficult to create chances.

The forward firepower provided by Linz, Meyong and Alan, backed up by Mossoro and Luis Aguiar, were constantly frustrated by the ultra-defensive visitors, who constantly put ten men behind the ball.

Even so, it required an excellent save from Melher to prevent Meyong from opening the scoring in the 7th minute, with the striker hitting a Joao Pereira cross sweetly, only to be denied by the visiting goalkeeper.

Lone striker Matij Matko was close to giving Zrinjski a shock lead shortly before the interval, but Eduardo, no doubt buzzing from his first call-up into the national squad, made a brave save at the striker’s feet.

Matheus impact

Matheus came on for Mossoro at the interval and immediately set up Meyong, who spurned the chance with the goal gaping. Another fine piece of skill from Matheus then led to a Linz chance, but the Austrian could not beat Melher.

Braga at last broke the deadlock when Linz pounced inside the six-yard box to round the keeper and knock the ball into the net from a tight angle. However, TV replays showed the forward had clearly knocked the ball out the goalkeeper’s reach with his hand, but the referee missed the offence.

In spite of their best efforts Braga failed to add to the scoring, but Jorge Jesus will be confident his team can finish the job in a fortnight to join Benfica, Setubal, and Maritimo in this season’s Uefa Cup.

Braga:
Eduardo, Joao Pereira, Rodriguez, Moises, Evaldo, Frechaut, Alan (Vandinho, 83), Luis Aguiar, Mossoro (Matheus, 45), Meyong (Wender, 79), Linz
Yellow Cards: Frechaut, Matheus

Zrinjski Mostar:
Melher, Zurzinov, Sunjic, Ivankovic, Anicic (Susic, 47), Djuric, Serdarusic, Zizovic, Selimovic, Stojanovic (Kordic, 81), Matko
Yellow Cards: Anicic, Selimovic, Ivankovic

Goals:
[1-0] Linz, 67