Match Report: Sunderland vs Manchester United - Premier Division 30/03/2013

Manchester United emerged as 1-0 winners in today’s early kick-off as a Titus Bramble deflected own goal off of a Robin Van Persie strike proved to be the deciding factors between the sides.

The match failed to take off, as uninspiring performances from both sides led to a rather drab affair. With few clear-cut chances at either end it was perhaps unsurprising that the only goal came from a deflected shot.

There was an early injury scare for United as commanding centre-back Vidic appeared to tweak his back and things nearly went from bad to worse as Sunderland failed to capitalise on a poor clearance from David de Gea.

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

As the half progressed United grew into the game, with Buttner and Young both creating half chances for themselves. However, it was in the 26^th minute when United struck. Robin Van Persie attacking down the left flank drove a shot low across the box, deflecting first off Phil Bardsley and finally off Titus Bramble, leaving Mignolet stranded.

Just after the half hour mark Ferguson was forced into a change as Rafael hobbled off to be replaced by Evans, pushing Smalling to right back but with the exception of two well saved United free kicks the remainder of the first half was largely uneventful.

Sunderland, knowing that a loss would see them dangerously close to the relegation zone, looked bright throughout much of the second half. Despite this they failed to look threatening in the final third, epitomised by their inability to test De Gea until the 90^th minute.

De Gea’s afternoon almost ended half an hour prior to this, as an accidental clash of heads with Vidic left the Spaniard needing medical attention for a number of minutes before being able to continue. Sunderland looked to exploit this, with a wicked cross from Johnson forcing a fantastic defensive header from Smalling as de Gea remained on his line.

However, as the game progressed United killed off the Sunderland threat, and almost scored again themselves, as Van Persie saw his shot saved by Mignolet just before referee Kevin Friend called time.

Not a classic match by any standard but United continue their defensive turnaround from the first half of the season and it seems unimaginable that Ferguson would let his team squander the 15-point lead going into the remaining eight games.

On the other hand Martin O’Neill has a tough task on his hands to ensure that Sunderland beat the drop. Second from bottom of the form table, an injury-hit Sunderland need to expand upon their second half performance today to maintain their Premiership status next season. 

International Friendly: Brazil vs Russia Match Report

Brazil were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a late Fred goal against an organised Russian side on a bitterly cold evening at Stamford Bridge.

Fred’s 90^th minute tap in was a response to the 73^rd minute goal by Russia’s Viktor Fayzulin following a scrappy goal-mouth scramble.

Russia started the brighter of the two sides, with centre back Sergei Ignashevich stinging the palms of Julio Cesar early with a well-driven free kick. The momentum stayed with the Russians as a couple of corners were nervously kept out by a shaky looking Brazilian defence after good chances fell to both Shirokov and Kerzhakov.

Brazil grew into the match as the half progressed, with Neymar failing to capitilise on two fantastic crosses from local boys Oscar and David Luiz.

However, it was Russia who entered the break with the momentum after some fantastic hold-up play by Kerzhakov allowed him to play through Fayzulin who saw his shot turned around the post by Julio Cesar. Soon after some quick feet from Alan Dzagoev released Kerzhakov but he pulled his shot over the bar.

Source: uefa.com

After the break Scolari’s men came out of the blocks faster with some slick passing and quick feet but were still unable to test the Russian goal; Capello’s well organised defensive unit limiting Brazil to long-shots.

Eventually the Russian resilience paid off as Fayzulin rifled the ball home, the Russian reacting quickest to Shirokov’s blocked shot following a long goal-mouth scramble in the 73^rd minute.

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

After the goal Brazil stepped up a gear, with a new urgency in their play. The danger looked to be coming from the left hand side with substitute Hulk proving to be a real handful. It was from the left where the eventual equaliser came from, with Marcelo and Hulk linking up allowing Marcelo to cross for Fred to tap into an empty net right on the 90 minute mark.

The game did not end there though, as a late chance for Russia saw Shirokov balloon the ball over the bar from inside the 6 yard box with seconds left to play. None the less, Capello will be pleased to have seen his side continue their fine form in the run up to this friendly. On the other hand, it seems as though the lack of competitive games is taking its toll on Brazil in the run up to the 2014 World Cup, as they are yet to win a match yet under Scolari in his second stint as Brazil manager.