Nedved 'nervous' ahead of Juve's match against Braga
In Pavel Nedved's pre-match conference against Portuguese giants, SC Braga, he has revealed that he was 'nervous'. The away team, SC Braga qualified to the Champions League Group Stages after they won their qualifying match. The Turin giants have not participated European football for 4 years, after they got beaten on away goals against Fulham FC in the Europa League in 2009-2010 season. The former Juventus player, who is their manager took the pre-match conference slightly relaxed, until a reporter, Kane Brooker asked 'The Question'.
All can agree that Nedved should be nervous, after this will also be his first European match of his managerial career, and of course, he would start it with a win. To add to that, Juventus favourite, Alex del Piero, said that Juventus shouldn't get complacent, as Braga might pull some trees. Below, we will have a deep insight of what Braga would play against Juventus, at the Juventus Stadium.
At goal, we have Quim, who has played for his current club 13 years and another 6 years at Benfica. The Portuguese goalkeeper has thus far conceded only 6 goals in 4 appearances during the Portuguese Premier League. Whether the goalkeeper with hold Juventus's on fire strikers, Mirko Vucinic and Edinson Cavani, might just win the match for Braga.
On right hand of the defense we have Baiano, that until now, has managed a decent enough rating in all of the matches he has featured. If he could hold out Asamoah from crossing the ball and having some shots at goal, the Braga team can breathe easier.
On the middle of the defense, we have Jardel, who is currently on loan from their rivals, Benfica. However, not everything has gone to plan for the player, who has had an awful injury, and the Champions League match against Juventus will see him line up after 3 weeks out on injury. Many believe that he won't be at the same pace of Edinson Cavani or Mirko Vucinic, giving the pair of strikers an easier way to score goals.
Pairing up with Jardel, will be Nuno Andre Coelho who has experience at Portugal's top clubs. Boasting teams such as now, Braga, Sporting Lisbon and reigning champions, FC Porto, Juventus will have a hard time beating the defender. Stats show that Coelho has similar speed to Juventus striker, Mirko Vucinic, who has been their main man at the moment, assisting or scoring the goals.
On the left side of the defense will be Brazilian left-back Diogo. Following his recent move to Braga, the player has excelled at his role and pundits have said that he could easily stop either Isla or Lichsteiner. The left-back will probably be going forward with the wingers should he silence Lichsteiner.
On Braga's three man midfield, Ruben Amorim will be playing as a centre midfield, defending all sort of attacks. The midfielder is having a second consecutive loan spell at the club, after impressing during his six month stint the past season. If he can play like he has this season, Braga could have a chance of picking a point, or collecting all possible three.
Next up, is Ruben Micael, who recently returned to Portugal after a two year stint in Spain. He played at Atletico Madrid, but failed to make any appearances, and had a loan spell at Zaragoza, which was particularly successful, who made Braga pay 2 million pounds for the player. Should he be given space, the Portuguese player could get a shot, or even better, an assist.
Last on Braga's three man midfield, is Leandro Salino, who has played already two seasons in Braga, entering his third. Salino, is known for his amazing defending and with his recent form and along with Ruben Amorim, Juventus could have trouble creating chances.
Heading Braga's three man attack, is new signing from Japan, Carlao. The Brazilian player has scored already three goals in the Portuguese Premier League, thanks to assists by Helder Barbosa and captain Alan.
On the left wing, we have Helder Barbosa, who will play his third season at Braga, after proving his qualities at Vitoria Setubal and during his youth career at Braga's rivals Porto. He has already assisted twice to Carlao and once to the captain Alan.
Last but not least, club captain Alan will have to play at his best today, if his side will want to pick any sort of points. Already 5 years at Braga, the Portuguese player has scored 2 goals and assisted 1 for his team. Alan, who has the most experience in the squad (33 years), will hope to lead his club into the Knockout Stages of the Champions League.
Thanks for joining us at the 'Champions League Review' of the match between Juventus and SC Braga! Signing off, it's Kane Brooker!