MATCH REPORT

A determined defensive effort saw by South Melbourne saw Vasco, and the new strike pairing of Romário and Edmundo, go goalless until the end of the first half. The Australian team seemed more determined not to lose than they did to win, and flooded their penalty area with players leaving Michael Curcija up front on his own. This tactic paid off, and Vasco's efforts were thwarted. Edmundo had the majority of chances for the Brazilians, along with some great support from Juninho, but Melbourne's dogged defence was enough to take both teams to the interval with no goals.

Not long into the second half, however, a cracking long range shot by Felipe over the heads of Melbourne's defence opened the goal account for Vasco. Melbourne began to open up their formation and attck more, but even the introduction of strikers Coveney and Anastasiadis could not crack Vasco's shell. After nearly conceding an own goal, Melbournes's best chance, a close-range header from a throw in, went just over the bar. Less than a minute later, a short pass from Juninho found Edmundo, who dragged his ball across the goal, past the keeper, and into the net. he picked up a yellow card for his trouble, for celebrating outside of the pitch boundaries. Shortly afterwards, he was replaced by Viola. In the dying seconds of the game, Romário saw a seemingly certain goal, a chip over the head of Jones, deflect off of the crossbar and out of danger.

This was a determined and dogged show by Melbourne, but they were up against an even more determined Vasco side. Vasco go to the top of group B and face Manchester United on Saturday the 8th.