Europa League: A Matter of Nacional Importance

By: Jamie | December 3rd, 2009

   

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Thomas Schaaf is fully aware that Nacional will be playing to win tonight’s Europa League match at the Weser-Stadion. The Portuguese side need to win tonight and hope Austria Vienna defeat Athletic Bilbao in order to keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive. Werder want to win to grab top spot in the group.

In squad news, Tim Wiese has an infection and may sit out the match. Vander looks to still be injured, which would mean 20-year-old Mielitz might have a chance in goal. Bargfrede is definitely out. Some reports claim Naldo will also rest due to a groin stain. Pizarro is still out.

Finally, I want to join Thomas Schaaf in extending my well-wishes to Nacional coach Machado. Portuguese media claim that he underwent an operation recently, but due to complications has lapsed into a coma. It will certainly be difficult for the Nacional players with their coach’s health on their minds.

Category: Europa League, Team News

   

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« Mertesacker Got Air | Home | A Gamble Pays Off: Werder 4 – 1 Nacional »

Comments  

• Jan |  December 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am

  
  
  

  I’m not expecting much as I expect Schaaf to rest some key players. Ideally the second string is really motivated to prove their first team potential and then we could still see an entertaining match.

  

• Jamie |  December 3rd, 2009 at 10:28 am

  
  
  

  I would really like to see Moreno get a start. He looks promising from what I’ve seen of him, but he usually only plays about half a match at most. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ozil and perhaps Hunt rested as well.

  

• Jamie |  December 3rd, 2009 at 10:39 am

  
  
  

  I should have checked the Europa League website before I responded to you, Jan –

  Lineup: Mielitz, Pasanen, Fritz, Rosenberg, Hunt, Prodl, Jensen, Frings, Niemeyer, Mertesacker, Moreno.

  

• Jan |  December 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am

  
  
  

  OK, there are players like Frings, Hunt and Mertesacker to provide a backbone for the team, but that’s very second string indeed.

  

• Jan |  December 3rd, 2009 at 11:41 am

  
  
  

  Easy game for Werder so far and they play some nice attacking football. With Athletic beating Vienna at the moment they still aren’t guaranteed of first place in the group though…

  

• Rahul |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm

  
  
  

  Guys and gals, we are winning 2-0. What’s with the pessimism?

  

• Jamie |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm

  
  
  

  Heeeere we go. I think I am most uncomfortable when Werder go 2-0 up. We tend to then let our opponents back into the match! Arrrrgggggg.

  

• Rahul |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm

  
  
  

  Shit, I jinxed them. 2-1 and playing shit.

  

• Jan |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm

  
  
  

  Now is the time for a nice counter attack to ease nerves. Seems there has been a pitch invasion in the other game after Athletic went 2-0 up…

  

• Jamie |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:41 pm

  
  
  

  MORENO GOAL! I am absolutely thrilled for him! Not to mention the assist from my boy Marko Marin.

  

• Rahul |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm

  
  
  

  What a header! And again – what a header. Of course what a pass – but that is given, since it was “THE MARKO MARIN!”

  

• Jan |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm

  
  
  

  I think Moreno would cost €8m should Werder wish to make the loan deal permanent. That’s a rather prohibitive price tag.

  

• Jan |  December 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm

  
  
  

  Oh and Marin made it 4-1. Always good to know you can bring on a player of his calibre when you are losing the grip on the game.

  

• Rahul |  December 3rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm

  
  
  

  Good win and we are through as group leaders.