Goal.com

Dec 9, 2009 10:05:51 PM

Standard Liege left it late against AZ, but eventually did what they had to do to qualify for the Europa League. Goal.com rates the players on show in Belgium...

STANDARD LIEGE

Bolat - 9: The young shot stopper helped Standard to a point by putting in an amazing performance. Bolat made some superb saves to deny Holman and El Hamdaoui before scoring the crucial equaliser well into stoppage time.

Camozzato - 6: He struggled at times against Holman before the break and was more than happy when his opponent left the pitch. Better in the second half, but still not convincing.

Sarr - 6: Strong in the air and hardly troubled throughout the match. Outplayed by Lens for the opener though when he lost his focus.

Felipe- 6.5: The Brazilian defender largely kept El Hamdaoui at bay and was solid as a rock in his defensive duties. Got involved at set pieces, but couldn't make the difference.

Mulemo - 5.5: He struggled to cope with Dembele and allowed the attacker too much space on several occasions. Sent in some dangerous crosses after the break.

Dalmat- 5: The French winger was largely anonymous and never managed to impress at Sclessin. Dalmat lost Pocognoli when he set up Lens for the opening goal. Axed in the final part of the game to make way for Traore.

Witsel- 6.5: He provided his back four with excellent cover whenever necessary and showed some promise while going forward. One to keep an eye on for the future.

Nicaise- 7.5: Nicaise was part of the starting XI due to the absence of a number of key players and proved his coach right for fielding him. He made several telling interceptions and sent some superb crosses into the area.

De Camargo- 6.5: The Standard skipper was very strong in the air, but failed to get any of his headers on target. A bit lucky not to be booked for elbowing Schaars in the second half.

Mbokani - 6.5: He was Standard's main threat in the first half when he showed some intelligent movement and silky runs. He was  largely invisible in the second half though.

Jovanovic - 6.5: The Serbian forward was absolutely outstanding before the break, but faded in the second half. Will be disappointed not to have added his name to the scoresheet.

Substitutes

Traore- N/A

Cyriac- N/A

AZ

Romero - 6.5: The Argentine shot stopper looked shaky more than once, but somehow managed to keep a clean sheet until that disastrous moment in stoppage time. Romero was not at fault for the eqauliser though.

Jaliens- 6: He struggled to keep Jovanovic at bay before the break and looked vulnerable. Improved in the second half, but was far from impressive.

Moisander- 6.5: Troubled by Mbokani on occasion, but eventually came out the winner in most of the duels with the Congolese. Moisander made a number of good tackles in Liege.

Moreno - 6.5: Strong overall performance from Moreno. The Mexican defender made some good tackles. His last ditch tackle on Jovanovic was excellent.

Pocognoli - 7: He was never really troubled by Dalmat's pace and was employed going forward on several occasions. Superb assist for the opening goal.

Holman - 6.5: The Australian was involved in AZ's goal and tested the Standard 'keeper a number of times. Substituted at half-time after a reckless challenge from Sarr.

Mendes da Silva - 6.5: He did not really get involved during tonight's game and could have been more influential. Made some good interceptions though and never stopped fighting.

Schaars - 6: The AZ skipper showed some good leadership throughout the game. He did lose possession too easily on a number of occasions though and was punished with a free kick in stoppage time that cost the Alkmaar side dearly.

Lens- 7.5: The versatile attacker was one of the better players on the pitch and caused the Standard defence all kinds of trouble with his good runs and dribbling. Doubled his Champions League tally with a tap-in from close range.

Dembele - 6.5: He caused his opponents all kinds of trouble with his dribbles and strength on the ball, but failed to make an impact in the end. Should really work on his efficiency.

El Hamdaoui - 7: Invisible before the break, but all over the place after the interval. Unlucky not to score, as Bolat denied him twice in the second half.

Substitutes

Martens - 5.5: The midfielder replaced Holman at half-time, but  was unable to impress. Martens is hopelessly out of form and can only hope that new coach Advocaat gets the best out of him again.

Wernbloom - N/A

Pelle - N/A

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

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