Manchester United 2 - 1 Sporting Lisbon

Please Click Here to Visit my Website
Sporting Prove Abel Opponents


Fernando Abel put his side ahead after 22 minutes, although United had most of the possession, and until that point seemed to be in charge. Abel hit the ball goalwards from about 35 yards out, close to the touchline. There was some discussion over whether it was a cross or a shot, but no matter, it beat United's No2 keeper Kusczak, and finished up in the back of the net. Sir Alex described it in his half time interview, as a freak goal. It was certainly unlikely, but perhaps United's keeper should have saved it!


The surprise goal seemed to instil new confidence into the Sporting side, and four minutes later Liedson bagged a second. The player was deemed to be offside, and the goal was disallowed, but it was very close, and United were lucky to be only one goal down at the interval.


Sir Alex was determined to stop the rot, and immediately after the interval he substituted Fletcher and Nani, for Giggs and Tevez. That seemed to make all the difference and Tevez got the equaliser in the 61st minute. It was something of a scrappy affair, but they all count, and United were equal and deservedly so, as they were now exerting all the pressure.


Ronaldo was voted the man of the match, and as usual was a joy to watch. He is a rare talent, and right up there with the best in the world. However, after 90 minutes the game was still drawn but four minutes extra time were allocated. They proved to be crucial, because Ronaldo was brought down after 92 minutes and decided to take the free kick himself. There was an air of expectancy all round the stadium, as he calmed himself to take the kick. It was an absolute beauty and rocketed and curled into the top corner, giving Sporting's 19-year-old able keeper no chance.


Interviewed after the game, Ronaldo was obviously pleased but modest with it, claiming to be only doing his job. Well, he does his job at least as well as anybody in the world, and so United won the match. They are now top of their group and sure to play in the knockout stages of the European Championship.


Tags:
Man Utd Vs Sporting Lisbon
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Sporting Lisbon