Besiktas Istanbul's Portuguese 'Gang' with Turkey Cup Trophy
Besiktas Istanbul won the Turkish Cup for the fourth time in six years, after a penalty shootout to overcome a tough match against Istanbul BB on Wednesday evening.
‘The Black Eagles’ restored some pride in a miserable season, where they could not match the pre-season expectations and currently are in sixth place in the turkish domestic Football League, 29 points behind Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor who are in a fierce title race. Besiktas will qualify for a place in the Europa League through the cup victory, what gave Beşiktaş a reason to celebrate they had been waiting for.
Besiktas scored first in the Turkey cup
Besiktas was regarded as the favorite side in the game, started the game putting up pressure upon its Istanbul rivals, who was playing for the first in the finals of any turkish competition. The opening goal found the net in the 33th minute, as Portuguese superstar Ricardo Quaresma scored after a skilful first touch, chest control and shot combination, assisted by fellow compatriot Manuel Fernandes through a good long ball.
Istanbul BB, relying mostly on counterattacks in the first half, started the second half with attacking play more in mind. Its efforts turned into result as a penalty, when Mehmet Aurelio fouled forward İskender Alın in the box in the 53rd minute and referee Yunus Yıldırım showed the white spot. A former Beşiktaş player, İbrahim Akın, took the penalty shot, hitting the equalizer.
Veteran striker Gökhan Ünal, who has spells at big clubs such as, Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe, found the goal in a well-executed fast-paced attack in the 68th minute, with a little help from Besiktas keeper Rüştü Reçber, giving Istanbul BB the 2-1 lead.
However, Beşiktaş found the crucial equalizer 10 minutes later, with Czech defender Tomas Sivok heading the ball in following a long free-kick ball by Fernandes, who was arguably the best player on the pitch.
In the extra-time, Besiktas proved to be the better team, creating chances , but Istanbul BB goalkeeper Hasagic was in top form and saved the ball.
Penalty shootout decided the Turkey Cup Winner of 2011
After the scoreless the extra time, the game went into penalties. Istanbul BB’s Cihan Haspolatlı and Metin Depe missed their shots, while Roberto Hilbert was the only Besiktas player missing a penalty. Simao Sabrosa scored the final and deciding penalty to give Beşiktaş 4-3 lead and the cup victory in the shootout.
Besiktas had a bitter season with many problems, despite a star-studded squad and a world class manager in Bernd Schuster. Acquiring skilled winger Quaresma from Inter and experienced playmaker Guti from Real Madrid at the start of the season, Beşiktaş also purchased superstar winger Simao from Atletico Madrid and striker Hugo Almeida from Werder Bremen in the winter pause. Bernd Schuster resigned in the second half of the season and the team struggled in the turkish title race, gave up all hopes in an early stage.
The cup victory is a relief and hope for the next season for Besiktas, with many stars’ future hanging uncertain within the club.
Will Besiktas Transfer Forlan ?
It was recently speculated that Guti wants leave, but on Wednesday night, the Spaniard tweeted that he would be staying in Istanbul, at Beşiktaş for another year. The Portuguese ”gang”, comprised of Ricardo Queresma, Hugo Almeida, Simao Sabrosa and Manuel Fernandes will probably be playing another season for Besiktas, although its rumoured that Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan is in talks with Besiktas for a future transfer.
However, Beşiktaş will not be keeping Brazilian striker Bobo, who stated he would be leaving the club after his 6 year long spell, right after the cup ceremony during post-game interviews.
