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Player Ratings: Panathinaikos 1-0 Anorthosis Famagusta
Panathinaikos booked their place in the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and Goal.com's Chris Paraskevas gives you his verdict on who starred - and choked - during their final group stage clash with Anorthosis Famagusta...
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Dec 9, 2008 11:05:45 PM
PANATHINAIKOS
Galinovic – 6.0: Virtually didn’t have a single save to make but did everything else with a minimum of fuss. Has had an excellent group stage campaign, inspiring confidence in the men in front of him when they needed it most.
Sarriegi - 6.0: Not the most assured of performances by the combative Spaniard, who was sent off at the weekend. Had a fairly easy job shackling Taher, forcing the Iraqi to drop deep in search of space. Was troubled by the lively Laban, whose direct style and pace down the left-hand side caused the centre-back one or two problems, particularly during the first-half. Recovered to produce an improved second-half performance, with the game taking a more direct route and the defender looking considerably more comfortable.
Goumas - 7.0: A typically impeccable performance from the veteran central defender, who won his aerial battle with Traianos Dellas during the first half. Unbeatable when heading the ball, was calm in possession and never wasteful, opting to find teammates rather than lob the ball forward hopefully. Got forward on occasion and threatened, with one attempt during the second-half that deflected just wide of Nagy’s right post from open play.
Spyropoulos - 6.0: Endured a particularly quiet start offensively by his standards and wasted a wonderful chance to play Cleyton into the area for what would have been a clear sight at goal during the first half. Gradually entered the game in an attacking capacity and made one or two notable interceptions before driving forward but it was an otherwise unspectacular performance by a usually more adventurous full-back.
Vyntra - 7.5: An excellent start to the match after being restored to his preferred position at right-back. Has played in the centre of defence for the majority of the season, where he has performed admirably but instantly looked comfortable out wide, where he almost set-up Tziolis for what would have been a second-minute lead. Consistently willing to get forward and support his teammates in attack, was exposed once by Laban after leaving space behind him but was otherwise tough-tackling.
Gilberto – 8.0: An irrepressible first-half display saw the former Arsenal captain drive his team forward at every opportunity, taking up intelligent positions within the Anorthosis half and spreading the play extremely well at times, stretching an otherwise comfortable Cypriot defence. Linked up well with lone striker Vaggelis Mantzios in particular, though his influence waned slightly during the second-half, where he sat deeper and was non-existent as an attacking threat. Nonetheless used all of his experience to guide the Greeks into the next round – has been a calming influence in midfield throughout the campaign.
Cleyton – 8.0: Overcame an extremely slow start to the match to establish himself as his side’s main attacking threat until he was sacrificed for Salpiggidis during the second. Began to combine superbly with Mantzios as the match wore on, made a particularly lively start to the second period and should have opened the scoring when played into the penalty area on his own. His willingness to run immediately off the striker unsettled the Anorthosis back-line, as did his pace and sharp touch.
Karagounis - 9.0: Quite simply, inspirational. The captain lead from the first whistle with his demand for possession and perpetual willingness to run at defenders, win free-kicks and drive towards goal. He brings an attacking attitude that has been at the heart of his side’s success this season and is always a threat from set-pieces, as we saw after just six minutes. On a night of turmoil, when Athens needed a hero to escape from its current social crisis, Karagounis stepped up. Scored the winner after some typically opportunistic lurking around the penalty area, his side’s best player during the second-half despite the lack of product on a lot of his work. Confirmed his current status as Greece’s best midfielder.
Tziolis - 7.0: An aerial threat early on, arguably should have put his side ahead after just two minutes of play. Delivered a quiet but tidy first half display and really took centre-stage during the second, combining economy in possession with an attacking tinge that his game lacked during the opening 45 minutes. At the centre of one of his side’s best moves of the match, was more willing to take control of the ball and distribute from the centre of the park, allowing the ageing Gilberto a reprieve.
Simao - 8.5: Perhaps he gave away one or two unnecessary free-kicks but it is the territory that comes with one of the most difficult jobs on the pitch. Played his role of holding midfielder to near-perfection, providing an impenetrable shield in front of Goumas and Sarriegi, covering for his full-backs whenever they ventured forward. Marked both Nicolaou and Tahar out of the game, won all of his physical battles and never gave away possession. Equally strong in the air as he was on the ground, has been superb both domestically and in Europe this season.
Mantzios – 8.5: The only thing missing from his display was a goal but such was the selfless nature of it that he didn’t even need one. Played the lone striker’s role, again, flawlessly, knowing exactly when to hold onto possession and when to lay the ball off immediately for teammates. Showed a physical strength and first-touch that were equal in measure, as well as a mobility that the Anorthosis defence found particularly difficult to deal with. Brought the likes of Cleyton and Gilberto into the game in an attacking capacity and was the avenue through which most of his side’s attacking moves were taken. Missed a couple of good chances from close-range before hobbling off with what appeared to be a thigh injury.
Salpiggidis – 7.5: Despite being introduced as a second-half substitute, his raw pace and ability to take up wide positions and beat men changed the game. Set-up Karagounis’ goal with just those characteristics, he brought another dimension to his side’s attacking play with his willingness to work off the shoulder of defenders and surge forward with the ball at his feet.
Andreas Ivanschitz – N/A
Ante Rukavina - N/A
ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA
Beqaj - 7.5: An excellent first-half display by the Albanian ‘keeper, who produced a particularly good one-handed saved from Giorgios Karagounis’ free-kick early in the match before saving from Mantzios with his feet. Was particularly confident in collecting crosses, including awkward low deliveries into the box that would have unsettled a lot of ‘keepers. His side missed him after he was forced off with injury at half-time.
Katsavakis - 6.0: Made a superb block from Mantzios in the 25th minute as the striker was shaping to shoot from just inside the six-yard box but that moment also showed his one weakness: his inability to track his man constantly. The Panathinaikos man was able to find space all too often inside the Anorthosis penalty box, particularly as a result of Katsavakis’ lack of mobility. Had a decent first-half but without central defensive partner Dellas during the second, looked particularly fragile and had one or two nervy moments.
Nikolaou – 6.5: The captain worked extremely hard for his side, holding up the ball whenever he could to give them a reprieve from their defensive duties. Didn’t see possession for long periods of the match but knew what to do with it when he did, the sheer weight of numbers in Panathinaikos’ midfielde made it difficult for him to operate in an attacking capacity. To his credit, got back and provided an extra body in defence whenever he could and also dropped deep and won free-kicks for his under-siege teammates.
Dobrasinovic 7.0: Made a few mistakes but provided a decent link between defence and attack early on. Grew in confidence alongside the imperious Skopelitis, winning challenges in midfield, providing a strong aerial barrier for his side and showing a real penchant for the more phyical aspects of the match. Also tracked his men particularly well and helped out his two centre-backs immensely, playing much the same role as Simao did for Panathinaikos.
Skopelitis – 8.0: A superb performance by the former Portsmouth man, who was easily his side’s best player. Won almost every tackle he entered into, never gave away possession and did his best to drive his team forward whenever he could – though that wasn’t necessarily in his job description. Where some of his teammates seemed overwhelmed by the occasion, Skopelitis kept fighting and generally looked liked he believed he could win the game. Made some absolutely crucial clearances and was a positive influence on those around him, particularly Dobrasinovic.
Leiwakabessy – 5.0: Showed virtually no willingness to get forward and help his side in attack and struggled in defence, particularly after the introduction of Salpiggidis. Was exposed by the winger for a lack of pace and looked nervous and uncomfortable in possession. Was partly at fault for Panathinaikos’ goal, allowing Salpiggidis to beat him too easily and get his cross in.
Taher – 5.0: Never really overcame a poor start to the game where he looked off the pace and out-of-touch. Lost possession often and missed a glorious chance to give his side what could have been a crucial lead during the first-half, skying over from inside the six-yard box and an open goal in front of him. Non-existent hold-up play didn’t help, he was beaten aerially and for all of his attacking endeavour, there was never an end product.
Laban 8.0: His side’s best attacker, he produced an excellent performance and like Skopelitis before him, did everything in his power to drive his side forward. Troubled Sarriegi and the Panathinaikos defence generally during the first-half in particular, setting up Taher for what should have been the lead for the Cypriots. Showed good pace, strength and technique, was the only Anorthosis player to push up and press the otherwise comfortable Greek defenders. Made an admirable attempt to drop deeper and help out his side during the second-half, despite starting the match as a winger.
A. Constantinou – 6.0: The right-back was unspectacular but solid, getting forward sporadically and looking fairly comfortable defensively. Exposed for a lack of pace at times by the likes of Karagounis, he otherwise showed good strength and largely shut down Panathinaikos’ left flank as an attacking outlet.
Bardon - 4.0: Struggled to get into the game in any capacity, the Frenchman was non-existent in attack and beaten all too easily when trying to shackle Spyropoulos. Didn’t look up for physical challenges at all and fittingly made the mistake that cost his side the match and ended their European campaign. A night to forget...
Dellas - 7.0: Despite a conspicuous lack of pace, was rarely troubled because he tends to position himself perfectly. Showed every inch of the experience that has seen him play for the likes of Roma and lead Greece to Euro 2004 triumph. Aerially dominant and also made some particularly crucial challenges, he was the only one in the Anorthosis backline who looked capable of shackling Mantzios. His loss at half-time through a hamstring injury effectively ended any realistic chance his side had of winning the match, such was his influence.
Nagy – 4.0: Introduced as a half-time substitute, was particularly impressive early on as he made two good saves from close-range to keep his side in the match, as well as looking comfortable when collecting crosses into the penalty area. Unfortunately for the Hungarian, made a horrendous error that ended his side’s hopes of victory in Athens, fumbling Karagounis’ slightly swerving low shot over the line.
Froussos – 6.0: Introduced as a half-time substitute, was unable to make any significant contribution but offered himself as an extra body in both attack and defence.
Paulo Costa - N/A
Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
Galinovic – 6.0: Virtually didn’t have a single save to make but did everything else with a minimum of fuss. Has had an excellent group stage campaign, inspiring confidence in the men in front of him when they needed it most.
Sarriegi - 6.0: Not the most assured of performances by the combative Spaniard, who was sent off at the weekend. Had a fairly easy job shackling Taher, forcing the Iraqi to drop deep in search of space. Was troubled by the lively Laban, whose direct style and pace down the left-hand side caused the centre-back one or two problems, particularly during the first-half. Recovered to produce an improved second-half performance, with the game taking a more direct route and the defender looking considerably more comfortable.
Goumas - 7.0: A typically impeccable performance from the veteran central defender, who won his aerial battle with Traianos Dellas during the first half. Unbeatable when heading the ball, was calm in possession and never wasteful, opting to find teammates rather than lob the ball forward hopefully. Got forward on occasion and threatened, with one attempt during the second-half that deflected just wide of Nagy’s right post from open play.
Spyropoulos - 6.0: Endured a particularly quiet start offensively by his standards and wasted a wonderful chance to play Cleyton into the area for what would have been a clear sight at goal during the first half. Gradually entered the game in an attacking capacity and made one or two notable interceptions before driving forward but it was an otherwise unspectacular performance by a usually more adventurous full-back.
Vyntra - 7.5: An excellent start to the match after being restored to his preferred position at right-back. Has played in the centre of defence for the majority of the season, where he has performed admirably but instantly looked comfortable out wide, where he almost set-up Tziolis for what would have been a second-minute lead. Consistently willing to get forward and support his teammates in attack, was exposed once by Laban after leaving space behind him but was otherwise tough-tackling.
Gilberto – 8.0: An irrepressible first-half display saw the former Arsenal captain drive his team forward at every opportunity, taking up intelligent positions within the Anorthosis half and spreading the play extremely well at times, stretching an otherwise comfortable Cypriot defence. Linked up well with lone striker Vaggelis Mantzios in particular, though his influence waned slightly during the second-half, where he sat deeper and was non-existent as an attacking threat. Nonetheless used all of his experience to guide the Greeks into the next round – has been a calming influence in midfield throughout the campaign.
Cleyton – 8.0: Overcame an extremely slow start to the match to establish himself as his side’s main attacking threat until he was sacrificed for Salpiggidis during the second. Began to combine superbly with Mantzios as the match wore on, made a particularly lively start to the second period and should have opened the scoring when played into the penalty area on his own. His willingness to run immediately off the striker unsettled the Anorthosis back-line, as did his pace and sharp touch.
Karagounis - 9.0: Quite simply, inspirational. The captain lead from the first whistle with his demand for possession and perpetual willingness to run at defenders, win free-kicks and drive towards goal. He brings an attacking attitude that has been at the heart of his side’s success this season and is always a threat from set-pieces, as we saw after just six minutes. On a night of turmoil, when Athens needed a hero to escape from its current social crisis, Karagounis stepped up. Scored the winner after some typically opportunistic lurking around the penalty area, his side’s best player during the second-half despite the lack of product on a lot of his work. Confirmed his current status as Greece’s best midfielder.
Tziolis - 7.0: An aerial threat early on, arguably should have put his side ahead after just two minutes of play. Delivered a quiet but tidy first half display and really took centre-stage during the second, combining economy in possession with an attacking tinge that his game lacked during the opening 45 minutes. At the centre of one of his side’s best moves of the match, was more willing to take control of the ball and distribute from the centre of the park, allowing the ageing Gilberto a reprieve.
Simao - 8.5: Perhaps he gave away one or two unnecessary free-kicks but it is the territory that comes with one of the most difficult jobs on the pitch. Played his role of holding midfielder to near-perfection, providing an impenetrable shield in front of Goumas and Sarriegi, covering for his full-backs whenever they ventured forward. Marked both Nicolaou and Tahar out of the game, won all of his physical battles and never gave away possession. Equally strong in the air as he was on the ground, has been superb both domestically and in Europe this season.
Mantzios – 8.5: The only thing missing from his display was a goal but such was the selfless nature of it that he didn’t even need one. Played the lone striker’s role, again, flawlessly, knowing exactly when to hold onto possession and when to lay the ball off immediately for teammates. Showed a physical strength and first-touch that were equal in measure, as well as a mobility that the Anorthosis defence found particularly difficult to deal with. Brought the likes of Cleyton and Gilberto into the game in an attacking capacity and was the avenue through which most of his side’s attacking moves were taken. Missed a couple of good chances from close-range before hobbling off with what appeared to be a thigh injury.
Salpiggidis – 7.5: Despite being introduced as a second-half substitute, his raw pace and ability to take up wide positions and beat men changed the game. Set-up Karagounis’ goal with just those characteristics, he brought another dimension to his side’s attacking play with his willingness to work off the shoulder of defenders and surge forward with the ball at his feet.
Andreas Ivanschitz – N/A
Ante Rukavina - N/A
ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA
Beqaj - 7.5: An excellent first-half display by the Albanian ‘keeper, who produced a particularly good one-handed saved from Giorgios Karagounis’ free-kick early in the match before saving from Mantzios with his feet. Was particularly confident in collecting crosses, including awkward low deliveries into the box that would have unsettled a lot of ‘keepers. His side missed him after he was forced off with injury at half-time.
Katsavakis - 6.0: Made a superb block from Mantzios in the 25th minute as the striker was shaping to shoot from just inside the six-yard box but that moment also showed his one weakness: his inability to track his man constantly. The Panathinaikos man was able to find space all too often inside the Anorthosis penalty box, particularly as a result of Katsavakis’ lack of mobility. Had a decent first-half but without central defensive partner Dellas during the second, looked particularly fragile and had one or two nervy moments.
Nikolaou – 6.5: The captain worked extremely hard for his side, holding up the ball whenever he could to give them a reprieve from their defensive duties. Didn’t see possession for long periods of the match but knew what to do with it when he did, the sheer weight of numbers in Panathinaikos’ midfielde made it difficult for him to operate in an attacking capacity. To his credit, got back and provided an extra body in defence whenever he could and also dropped deep and won free-kicks for his under-siege teammates.
Dobrasinovic 7.0: Made a few mistakes but provided a decent link between defence and attack early on. Grew in confidence alongside the imperious Skopelitis, winning challenges in midfield, providing a strong aerial barrier for his side and showing a real penchant for the more phyical aspects of the match. Also tracked his men particularly well and helped out his two centre-backs immensely, playing much the same role as Simao did for Panathinaikos.
Skopelitis – 8.0: A superb performance by the former Portsmouth man, who was easily his side’s best player. Won almost every tackle he entered into, never gave away possession and did his best to drive his team forward whenever he could – though that wasn’t necessarily in his job description. Where some of his teammates seemed overwhelmed by the occasion, Skopelitis kept fighting and generally looked liked he believed he could win the game. Made some absolutely crucial clearances and was a positive influence on those around him, particularly Dobrasinovic.
Leiwakabessy – 5.0: Showed virtually no willingness to get forward and help his side in attack and struggled in defence, particularly after the introduction of Salpiggidis. Was exposed by the winger for a lack of pace and looked nervous and uncomfortable in possession. Was partly at fault for Panathinaikos’ goal, allowing Salpiggidis to beat him too easily and get his cross in.
Taher – 5.0: Never really overcame a poor start to the game where he looked off the pace and out-of-touch. Lost possession often and missed a glorious chance to give his side what could have been a crucial lead during the first-half, skying over from inside the six-yard box and an open goal in front of him. Non-existent hold-up play didn’t help, he was beaten aerially and for all of his attacking endeavour, there was never an end product.
Laban 8.0: His side’s best attacker, he produced an excellent performance and like Skopelitis before him, did everything in his power to drive his side forward. Troubled Sarriegi and the Panathinaikos defence generally during the first-half in particular, setting up Taher for what should have been the lead for the Cypriots. Showed good pace, strength and technique, was the only Anorthosis player to push up and press the otherwise comfortable Greek defenders. Made an admirable attempt to drop deeper and help out his side during the second-half, despite starting the match as a winger.
A. Constantinou – 6.0: The right-back was unspectacular but solid, getting forward sporadically and looking fairly comfortable defensively. Exposed for a lack of pace at times by the likes of Karagounis, he otherwise showed good strength and largely shut down Panathinaikos’ left flank as an attacking outlet.
Bardon - 4.0: Struggled to get into the game in any capacity, the Frenchman was non-existent in attack and beaten all too easily when trying to shackle Spyropoulos. Didn’t look up for physical challenges at all and fittingly made the mistake that cost his side the match and ended their European campaign. A night to forget...
Dellas - 7.0: Despite a conspicuous lack of pace, was rarely troubled because he tends to position himself perfectly. Showed every inch of the experience that has seen him play for the likes of Roma and lead Greece to Euro 2004 triumph. Aerially dominant and also made some particularly crucial challenges, he was the only one in the Anorthosis backline who looked capable of shackling Mantzios. His loss at half-time through a hamstring injury effectively ended any realistic chance his side had of winning the match, such was his influence.
Nagy – 4.0: Introduced as a half-time substitute, was particularly impressive early on as he made two good saves from close-range to keep his side in the match, as well as looking comfortable when collecting crosses into the penalty area. Unfortunately for the Hungarian, made a horrendous error that ended his side’s hopes of victory in Athens, fumbling Karagounis’ slightly swerving low shot over the line.
Froussos – 6.0: Introduced as a half-time substitute, was unable to make any significant contribution but offered himself as an extra body in both attack and defence.
Paulo Costa - N/A
Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
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