By Anna Italia


A bad debut of Cagliari in the Braga City Tournament.   I was checking on goalkeeper Federico Marchetti and I might say that he did well.  In the 25th minute Braga takes the lead after converting a penalty by Aquiar thanks to a foul committed by Canini on Meijong. 
Sporting Braga 1 - 0 Cagliari

Click the video to watch part of the first half of Sporting Braga - Cagliari


After the penalty, Marchetti did not allow any more goals which gives me hope that he can do well during this season. 

Cagliari coach Allegri used Marchetti only in the first half.  In the second half, right in the 46th minute,  goalkeeper Aresti substituted Marchetti. Also, Ragatzu started only in the second half. I was expecting goals from Ragatzu.

Point is that Cagliari did not have many opportunities to score because Braga did not allow space.  

The only clear chance to equalize the score was in the 75th minute when Lazzari sends an assist to Matri, who unbelievable alone in front of the goalkeeper hesitated and Braga's defense immediately blocked Mari.  That was really a wasted chance!  What was Matri thinking?   He was alone and could have blasted Braga goalkeeper Zischek.

In the 84th minute Braga Jorginho crashed Cagliari's dream and blasted the net of goalkeeper Aresti. 
Sporting Braga 2 - 0 Cagliari

So, the regular match ends in favor of Braga.  Interesting that despite winning, the tournament included a penalty shoot outs.  Thanks God Cagliari did not miss any of the penalties and goalkeeper Aresti even saved one! That was excellent.

My concern right now is to see the condition of the goalkeepers because I don't want Cagliari to struggle again for salvation.  Too bad Cagliari Savior goalkeeper Marco Storari is no longer with Cagliari.  Oh well, that's life.  Forza Cagliari and let's be optimistic for Sunday's match against Porto.  That match, my friends, will be really a crucial test for Cagliari.


Just to encourage our guys, let's do a a "cheerleading dance"
Go Cagliari, Go Cagliari, Go Cagliari, Go Cagliari, Go Cagliari, Go Caglia
Forza Cagliari, dai.


LINEUPS
Braga Tournament
Sporting Braga 2 - 0 Cagliari
Friday, August 1, 2008
Braga, Portugal

SPORTING BRAGA: Zischek (46' Eduardo); Joao Pereira (46' Filipe Oliveira), Rodriguez (46' Massoreau), Evaldo (46' Edimar); Stelvio (25' Frechaut), Vandinho, Aguiar (46' Cesar Peixoto), Vender (46' Alan), Andrè (46' Andrès Madrid), Meijong (60' Orlando Sà), Linz (60' Jorginho).

CAGLIARI: Marchetti (46' Aresti); Ferri (60' Pisano), Bianco (64' Burrai), Canini (46' Lopez), Agostini (46' Magliocchetti); Biondini (46' Fini), Conti (46' Astori), Parola (74' Del Grosso); Cossu (46' Lazzari), Jeda (46' Ragatzu), Larrivey (46' Matri).

GOALS: 25' Aguiar su rigore, 84' Jorginho.

Penalties shoot outs: Burrai (gol), Mossoreau (gol); Fini (gol), Jorginho (gol); Ragatzu (gol), Alan (gol); Lazzari (gol), Andrès Madrid (saved); Matri (gol).

Jolly Hotel Cagliari Jolly Hotel Cagliari > CAG > Circonvallazione Nuova Pirri 6 > CAGLIARI > > 9134>3>From Cagliari Elmas International Airport: Approximate driving time is 20 minutes and distance is 6 miles. Taxis are available from airport to hotel. Estimated Cost: Euro 15 (one way).

What do you think of Cagliari's debut against Sporting Braga?