STVV returns to Sint-Truiden winless after a 2-1 defeat at Standard. The Canaries saw Bertaccini’s equalizer in the final minute disallowed after a questionable offside.
Surprise in the Truiense starting eleven. Billal Brahimi was eligible to play again after a two-match suspension, but had to settle for a place on the bench. Mazzu opted for the same starting eleven as last week against Westerlo (2-0) with Vanwesemael instead of the Algerian seasoning. At Standard, Leko made one change compared to last weekend’s defeat at the Bosuil (3-0). The Greek Sotiris Alexandropoulos was given his first starting spot in the Liège midfield at the expense of Marko Bulat.
The match started for the home team. Supported by an enthusiastic Sclessin, Standard immediately attacked and created two early chances. Price kicked the first (and the biggest) wide and O’Neill’s curl a minute later also missed the frame. STVV’s response followed in minute 18. Ito sent Patris perfectly into the lane, but his low cross was wildly kicked over by Ogawa. Ten minutes later, Zahiroleslam’s header was too weak to worry Epolo.
Twice Zeqiri
These were pinpricks in a first half that was largely controlled by Standard. Just after the half hour, the Rouches received pay for their work. O’Neill was given all the time and space to send a perfect cross towards the far post, where Zeqiri was able to slide the ball in behind Taniguchi’s back (1-0). Bertaccini – invisible until then – aimed the chance for a quick equalizer at Epolo’s legs.
Photo: BELGIAN
A miss that STVV would regret because Standard doubled its lead just before half time. Van Helden pounded Ayensa’s back inside the penalty area. Referee Van Damme initially turned a blind eye, but had to revise his opinion after being called to the screen by the VAR. The penalty was right for Zeqiri (2-0).
Angry Mazzu, beauty from Dumont
We happened to hear that Mazzu was anything but satisfied with the first half of his team in the toilets of the press room. ‘You are at Standard! You have to win the f*cking duels!’ came through the thin walls of Sclessin from the visitors’ dressing room. Brahimi’s introduction for the pale Vanwesemael was supposed to provide more offensive power in the second half.
Photo: BELGIAN
Mazzu’s tirade initially seemed to have little effect, but with a new double substitution the Truiense coach changed the match picture. With Dumont and Ferrari replacing the injured Ito and Zahiroleslam, STVV suddenly became the better team. Standard was pushed away and only escaped when Bertaccini headed Dumont’s cross from close range within Epolo’s reach. The Truiense encirclement continued and produced results twenty minutes before the end. Lawrence suffered an expensive loss of ball in his own box, Ferrari laid off for fellow substitute Dumont who made it 2-1 with a beauty in the top corner.
Bertaccini’s equalizer disallowed
Suddenly it was all hands on deck at Standard. Ferrari pulled off a spectacular bicycle kick, Epolo was able to help with a helping hand. On the subsequent corner, Ferrari again fell one foot short of pushing in Brahimi’s sharp cross. Standard collapsed under the Truiense pressure, but luck was on its side when Dumont’s shot exploded on the inside of the post three minutes before the end.
In minute 90 Epolo decided to lend a helping hand to the Truienaars. The Liège goalkeeper had a long ball from Taniguchi up for grabs, but missed his control and then delayed too long without realizing that Bertaccini was lurking in his back. A painful youthful sin that a goal thief like Bertaccini did not go unpunished. The top scorer celebrated the equalizer in his usual exuberant style… until the VAR decided to spoil his party. Brent Staessens had seen from Tubize that Bertaccini was offside on Taniguchi’s pass. A decision that will probably be hotly debated in the coming hours and days.
The conscious phase:
Hanging and struggling, Standard was still able to pull off the victory. The Rouches climb to seventh place in the rankings thanks to the three-pointer. STVV remains at the bottom in fourteenth place.
Photo: BELGIAN
Standard 2-1 STVV
Standard: Epolo – Sutalo, Hautekiet, Lawrence – Fossey, O’Neill, Alexandropoulos, Camara – Price – Zeqiri, Ayensa.
STVV: Kokubo – Van Helden, Taniguchi, Godeau – Patris, Fujita, Ito, Ogawa – Vanwesemael, Bertaccini – Zahiroleslam.
Replacements: 46′ Vanwesemael by Brahimi, 62′ Ito by Dumont, 62′ Zahiroleslam by Ferrari, 69′ Alexandropoulos by Bulat, 73′ Zeqiri by Benjdida, 86′ Van Helden by Delpupo, 88′ Camara by Calut, 88′ Ayensa by Kuavita
Goals: 33′ Zeqiri (O’Neill) 1-0, 45′ Zeqiri (penalty) 2-0, 70′ Dumont (Ferrari) 2-1,
Yellow cards: 44′ Van Helden (penalty violation), 80′ Brahimi (tackle), 83′ Fossey (time wasting), 90′ Bertaccini (challenging supporters), 94′ Delpupo
Red cards: none
Penalties: 45′ Zeqiri (converted)
Referee: Van Damme
Spectators: 16,358
