EWC Scotland v. Braga 1st Dec 2010

UEFA REGIONS CUP 2010
EWC Scotland 1 v 3 Braga (Portugal)

Braga started the match at a high tempo and before Scotland had a chance to settle took the lead when a long ball into the box was allowed to bounce and was hammered home from close range.
 

One down in 5 minutes Scotland were reeling as Braga pushed forward to extend their lead. Nisbet saved well at the near post to keep Scotland in the game.
 

In the 15th minute Scotland forced their first corner and Walker rose well to head just over. Minutes later Nisbet again looked lively and held a header after a Braga corner.
 

Scotland settled into a pattern and started to be more composed on the ball. In the wide area’s McClure and Murray worked hard to get in the game, Clark was the more composed in midfield and captain Mulvay continued to rally the troops.
 

Braga, however, continued to prove dangerous opponents and extended their lead in the 32nd minute when Nobre, their centre forward, volleyed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Minutes later Braga were awarded a corner, Scotland turned defence into attack when Nisbet punched the ball clear to Smith who sent Murray of on a run. Murrays shot rebounded to Paterson who drove the ball into the box to the unmarked Clarke who slotted home from close range right on the half time whistle.
 

At the interval Scotland introduced Donaldson as they reshaped the formation to a more attacking style in an attempt to get back into the game.
 

This change gave Scotland the upper hand in the second half. A Paterson free kick from the edge of the box shaved the bar, McClure forced a corner on the right and Walker header came close as the visitors pressed for an equaliser.
 

Grant was introduced in the 77th minute as Scotland continued to dominate the match without finding the break through their play deserved.
 

Broadfoot flashed a shot past the post, the Braga keeper made a brilliant save low down to deny Mulvay and Walker smashed the rebound into the side net.
 

The sucker blow came in the 89th minute when, with Scotland well on top pushing to level the scores Braga were awarded a penalty from which, despite a gallant effort from Nisbet, they scored.
 

A slow start had cost Scotland dearly.

Team: Nisbet, Monaghan, Mulvay, Walker, Paterson, McClure, McKendry, Smith, Clarke, Murray, Broadfoot.
 

Subs: D Paterson, Shanta, Grant, Marshall, Donaldson, K Murray, Gardiner.