Gateway to Europe (FC Arges - CFR Cluj 0-2) - May 24, 2009

CFR's third consecutive presence on the European stage was assured after a victory away at Pitesti. FC Arges was unbeaten at home since early 2008, so a victory seemed like an unlikely outcome. Yet, today's events proved otherwise. CFR had only the most minor of problems facing a team plagued by the loss of its star players as well as constant scandal. The three points earned today are enough for Cluj to consolidate fourth spot in preparation for the crucial cup final. 

The first half was clearly a very one-sided issue. CFR dominated the entire length of the 45 minutes. In the 10th minute, Bogdan Mara speculated a mistake by one of the home team's center-backs and chipped the ball into the net. CFR pressed for the second goal, but missed chance after chance. First, Peralta hit a free shot way over. Then, Culio missed two chances, while Mara, Kone and Pereira were all just as inspired as their teammate. In the meanwhile, Arges could have scored off of two corner kicks due to a lapse in judgment on the part of the Cluj defense. So, by the end of the first half the score was 1-0 for the visitors. CFR had played some excellent football dominating in midfield with quick, low passes.

The home team came out from the dressing room determined to turn the tide in their favour. They nearly succeeded in doing so, but Vieira managed to clear the ball off the Cluj goal-line with an acrobatic kick. This isolated event mattered little, as Ciprian Deac gave the visitors' an insurance policy. Tony's pass found Deac free on the right side. The 23-year-old then dribbled his way into a dangerous position and smashed the ball home. Unfortunately, Galiassi was then sent off following a second yellow card, and Cluj found themselves having to defend for the final ten minutes of the fixture. 

FC Arges: Bosneag - Stan, Cazan, Lacusta, Poenaru - Bazzi, Nastasie, Tames, Voicu (Doman 76) - Dulcea (Voiculet 66), Iordache (Kamara 83)

CFR Cluj: N. Claro - Tony, Vieira, Galiassi, Pereira - Dani - Dubarbier, Peralta (Panin 83'), Mara (Deac 69'), Culio - Y. Kone (Ruiz 78')

Player-by-Player Analysis:

N. Claro 6: His performance was mixed. Claro had some well-thought out interceptions, but also some hesitations.

Tony 6.5: Strong in defense and on the offense. He gave Deac the critical pass which opened up the Arges defense.

Vieira 6.5: He seemed slightly overcome by the extra responsibility of being a center-back, at least at first. As time passed Vieira became more confident, even managing to save a goal early in the second half.

Galiassi 6: He must be more careful when tackling to avoid picking up unnecessary cards. Otherwise, Galiassi did not have too much trouble with the opposing forwards.

Pereira 6:  Secure at the back, but he failed to provide any significant support offensively for most of the game.

Dani 6: Invisible as usual, he stopped the Arges attacks well enough.

Dubarbier 6: His superior speed was generally ineffective in cracking a crowded defense, though there were exceptions to this.

Peralta 6.5: Whenever he got the ball, one could be certain he would not lose it. His passes were accurate, as usual.

Mara 7: He put much pressure on the Arges defense, culminating in a clever goal.

Culio 6: Although his appearances were useful on the flanks, he also slowed down the tempo of play at times.

Y. Kone 6: He clearly seemed tired, running very little. Still, Kone was vital in creating several chances in the first half.

Substituted In:

Deac 7: He showed a healthy appetite for football and scored a nice goal. In addition, he helped out the defense several times.

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