MATCH REPORT

Two awful and almost identical defensive errors by Gary Neville in 3 minutes of the first half virtually gifted the game to Vasco, and despite having almost all of the possession in the second half Manchester United could not make up the deficit in this highly entertaining game. The first of Nevilles errors came on the 23rd minute when an attempted backpass fell short and Edmundo was there to pick it up and pass to partner Romário, who found himself with an open goal and an easy opportunity. Just 3 minutes later another backpass by Neville found it's way into open space and once again Romário was there to chip it over the top of Manchester's goalkeeper Bosnich. The game was as good as sealed in the 42nd minute, and this time it was Edmundo himself who picked up the ball after a slip by Mikael Silvestre and roared his ball into the net. The game went into half-time with the Brazilian team leading by 3 goals.

In the second half Manchester United, and substitute Teddy Sheringham, came out roaring. Within minutes Sheringham launched a long range shot towards goal only to see it skim over the crossbar. It was Sheringham who almost opened the scoring for the English team, picking the ball out of goalkeeper Helton's hands after he saved a weak effort by Ryan Giggs and punting it into the net. The goal was rightly disallowed. Helton was kept busy throughout the second half as Manchester kept possession of the ball and put the goal under siege. Romário and Edmundo found themselves starved of balls throughout. The Brazilian keeper saved a roaring shot from captain Roy keane, and then pulled off a superb save from Sheringham's free-kick. It was not until United had almsot 20 minutes to go that they found the net, a corner-kick landing at Keane's feet who then in turn made an intelligent short pass to let Nicky Butt knock in his goal. But it was too little, too late and Manchester United missed their chance to fight for first place.

Vasco have a great chance to go through to the Final, having made 6 points from 2 games and having a virtually unassailable lead at the top. It's now between Necaxa and South Melbourne, who must win their next two games and hope that Vasco lose, to fight them for it.