La Liga News: Real Zaragoza vs Hercules; 0 – 0 Full time Report Analysis (Part 3)
In the 66th minute, Hércules substituted Tiago Gomes with Tote which implied that the game was progressing towards a more offensive approach but sadly that was not witnessed in the game.
Taking advantage of the commotion, Lafita’s right footed shot from the right side of the box was saved by the goal keeper as the ball travelled towards top right corner. The assist was made by Florent Sinama-Pongolle via cross.
In the 67th minute Kevin Lacruz, challenged poorly and as a result he was shown a yellow card and afterwards warned for his misconduct. Just a minute later Hercules were the ones to capitalize as they proceeded to score.
Abel Aguilar orchestrated the move and David Trezeguet took a left footed strike from the centre of the box but the goal keeper proved to be too good yet again. More fouls and injuries followed with some more midfield plays but
now it seemed that the two teams were evolving as they started flanking.
In the 71st minute the six feet four inches Jirí Jarosik, proved yet again that he could not be tacked when it came to heading. The 32 year old was agile enough to head another cross from Lafita.
The 73rd minute saw a substitution by Hércules as Kiko replaced Rufete and the game continued. Fouls by Abel Aguilar continued despite warnings by the referee to the Hercules player. In the 75th
minute David Trezeguet provided a good assist to Royston Drenthe who lost into the left side of the scoring field. In the same minute Ander Herrera was given yellow card over a controversial warning.
In the 77th minute Zaragoza finally decided to make a substitution as they replaced their tired forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle with Marco Perez. A minute later the substituted Kiko came up with a moment of brilliance
as David Trezeguet was passed the ball but he disappointingly launched the ball into the stands.
In the 83rd minute substitutions were made by both teams. For Zaragoza Said Boutahar replaced Nicolàs Bertolo, and for Hércules Sendoa was called in for Royston Drenthe.
Sendoa immediately made a play in the 87th minute but David Trezeguet was caught offside. Real Zaragoza also came up with their last substitution at that moment as they brought on Braulio for Lafita.
Fouls kept flowing in the dying moments of the game till the 90th
minute when Tiago Gomes was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge.
Two attempts were made by Zaragoza in the 90th minute. The first came up from the assist of Gabi as Marco Perez attempted a right footed shot from the left side of the box which was ultimately saved in the bottom left
corner.
The next attempt came from Marco Perez again as he attempted a very difficult right footed shot from an awkward angle to the left, missing his target entirely. Just before the whistle Real Zaragoza got a corner conceded by Juan
Calatayud but again nothing happened to prove as a climax.
Zaragoza surprisingly had 20 attempts at goal from which 5 were on target and in comparison Hercules had just 5 from which 4 were on target. The fouls committed were a staggering 39 with Zaragoza being attributed to 22 and Hercules
17.
Zaragoza got their hands on 8 corners while Hercules got just 2. The offside foul was committed by just Hercules only, twice. The possession of the ball ironically was much the same with Zaragoza actually possessing it for lesser
time, 49% and Hercules 51%. The number of saves by Zaragoza were 4 and 5 by Hercules. Also Zaragoza players were handed 4 yellow cards while the other side got just 2.
This in a way was an impressive performance by Zaragoza and if they continue their offensive onslaught they might just make a comeback in La Liga.
Tags: