Sporting CP and KRC Genk meet in the Algarve

As part of their preseason training camp in the south of Portugal, Sporting CP drew 1-1 against Belgian team KRC Genk at the Estádio do Algarve in their first game in front of spectators this summer.

It took just ten minutes for the team to open the scoring, with Youssef Chermiti beating a defender for speed and technique down to the right, serving up a pass into the area for Francisco Trincão. The attacker skilfully rounded goalkeeper Maarten Vendervoodt and tucked the ball into the net.

In a highly mobile system, in which the defenders sought to build from the back and creative freedom was afforded for the players further upfield, Sporting CP moved the ball around safely and carefully and also played penetrating passes.

In a game that was picking up intensity, KRC Genk threatened an equaliser with a dangerous shot by captain Bryan Heyen, then levelled on 25 minutes through Alieu Federa.
The contest reverted to Sporting CP putting together good combinations and dangerous moves, with Afonso Moreira on the left shooting off-target from a narrow angle on the half-hour.

In the second half, Daniel Bragança came on early to replace Morita. The left-sided midfielder wasted little time in making an impact, with careful passing and the creation of chances.
Trincão had two good opportunities to put Sporting CP back in front, as well as Afonso Moreira striking over after a good connection with Pedro Gonçalves.

Trincão enjoyed a better opportunity just ahead of the hour, with a left-footed shot that required Vandervoordt to make his best save of the night. It was part of an excellent phase for Sporting CP, who only lacked finishing. Chances for Afonso Moreira and Chermiti followed, and Trincão managed to isolate himself after a pass through by Jovane, but struck wide.

A shot over Franco Israel but onto the crossbar was the only occasion of danger for KRC Genk in the second half, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

On July 25th there will be another friendly at the Estádio do Algarve, against Spanish side Real Sociedad.