Friendly
Thursday, 22/07/2010. KO 01:00
Celtic 1 - 1 Sportin Lisbon
Samaras (pen)
Celtic won 6-5 on penalties.
Celtic won the final match of their 2010/2010 pre-season friendly tour of America with a penalty win over Sporting Lisbon. Celtic started brightly but were unable to create any clear cut chances early on. Sporting settled in to the game and Zaluska was forced to make a save after approximately 30 minutes. McCourt played a wonderful ball to Samaras with the outside of his boot but Samaras' first time volley went just wide. Samaras then floated the ball to the far post and Forrest's shot was well saved. Sporting then had the best chance of the game as their striker was one on one with Zaluska, beat him but Loovens cleared off the line.
In the second half McCourt was again the provider but Samaras' header was well saved. Sporting had a lot of possession but didn't create any decent openings and Celtic took the lead after 72 minutes form the penalty spot. Samaras was brought down in the box and converted the spot kick confidently. Sporting pushed for the equaliser and Zaluska was forced to make a fine save. Sporting equalised after 82 minutes from a corner after the initial attmept hit the bar. Zaluska was forced to make another fine save and the game ended 1 - 1.
In the penalty shoot-out, both sides converted their first 5 penalties but Sporting missed their 6th and Celtic, via McGowan, scored theirs.
This was another entertaining game with Forrest, McCourt and Samaras all looking pretty good. Celtic still need a creative midfielder and a decent striker.
