A Critical Victory

May 17, 2009

CFR earned an important victory at home against FC Brasov. Although they are newly promoted, Brasov have proven their worth in the past year showcasing superb defensive organization and deadly counterattacks. But, this was simply not enough in the face of a team determined to snatch all three points at any cost.

Just like in the last home match again Timisoara, CFR began quite poorly. Brasov had the first break, but Munteanu's shot was blocked. After that moment, though, Brasov showed far too little initiative, allowing Cluj to switch into a dominant role. Tony, Kone and Pereira all tried Coman's skill, but it was Dubarbier who had the best chance. His volley chipped the ground and it was only Coman's spectacular diving save which kept Brasov in the game.

The second half began much in the same way as the first. Surdu's sprint caught Perreira off-guard, but the former CFR player could not direct the ball towards an open teammate even though he was in an ideal position.

Finally, in the 74th minute the deadlock was broken. Diego Ruiz's presence in the field proved to be decisive as his height may have saved the day. After a prolonged bout of possession, the ball reached Ruiz. The Argentinian then had no trouble out-jumping his opponent and heading the ball back into the middle of the six yard box. From there, Sixto Peralta had little trouble in running in from behind and scoring. After that key moment, the will of the Brasov players collapsed and they became resigned to their fate. Ruiz's second key header, this time a goal, was proof of CFR's well-earned victory.

Overall, this performance is clear evidence that CFR has recovered from a seemingly endless slump. Very few people had much faith in Antonio Conceicao, but it seems that (at least for now) the decision to replace Uhrin with the former Porto captain was the right one. Whether Conceicao will remain at Cluj after the end of the championship is unknown. Much of it depends on what results he will have during the last three rounds and in the cup final. 

CFR Cluj: N. Claro - Tony, Sousa (D. Ruiz 57'), Alcantara, Pereira - Muresan - Mara, A Leao (Flores 76'), Peralta, Dubarbier (Panin 86') - Y. Kone 

FC Brasov: Coman - Duarte (Voicu 61'), Abrudan, Constantin, Ezequias - Ilyes, Roman, Adriano, Munteanu (Maldarasanu 76') - Surdu, Sburlea (Dedu 71')

Player-by-Player Analysis:

N. Claro 6: He didn't have too much to do.

Tony 6: His attacking incursions were dangerous, but he was also caught too far up at times.

Sousa 6: He was not consistent with his usual form this spring.

Alcantara 6.5: Blocked the Brasov attacks that came his way, though he must be more careful in his tackles.

Pereira 6: He certainly was ambitious in his attempts, but he also has to learn to be a bit more efficient and think a play through before wildly shooting or crossing.

Muresan 6: Blocked the visitors' attacks well enough, but he must concentrate more if he wants to avoid making too many poor passes.

Mara 6.5: He was inexistent in the first half, but his performance later on was strong. He passed well, and crossed perfectly for Ruiz's 92nd minute goal.

A. Leao 6: Though he hasn't shown anything spectacular, it's nice to see anyone make a comeback after a long injury.

Peralta 7: He is CFR's playmaker this spring. Sixto missed very few passes and his through-balls were very dangerous.

Dubarbier 6:He attempted to use his speed to his advantage, but Brasov's compact defense managed to hold him. He did, however, make several recoveries in the Brasov half.

Y. Kone 6.5: Even though he didn't do anything too notable, his presence in the heart of the Brasov defense was a constant thorn in their side.

Substituted In: 

D. Ruiz 7.5: Clearly the man of the match. Ruiz's height was critical in winning the match. He scored a goal and garnered an assist as well.

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